eInk Reviews: Author Interview

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. Who would ever have thought that shapeshifters were created because of a brawl between two gods for the love of a human – it is a new, fresh take on modern-day paranormal fantasy, and teenagers can still indulge in their favourite genres of love, vampires, werecats and other mythological characters; all in one novel.

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen? The Vampire Diaries by L.J Smith

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters? Kai Emery and his struggle – What You Want by Evanescence

What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? It is advice that has been passed down through generations, and it still holds true. If you want to be a writer, and you have the ability, then don’t give up on your dreams. But never think that anything comes without hard work, a good education and a lot of research to make an idea reality. Always remember that by choosing the life of a writer, you choose a life that may lead you frustration and heartache. Not everyone’s dreams will become a reality – but if you fight hard enough, and you put in time and effort, anything is possible. However, remember that you still need to find a way through those hard times while you pursue your life as an author – for me, it was an easy choice - get an education, become a journalist, and then pursue my dreams. And, simultaneously, I got to write for a living as well!

If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why? If I could choose, I would love to be transported back to the sixteenth century, Venice. I would have loved to live a life of masquerading – it is mysterious and intriguing.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”? Everyone seems to have wanted to be something fantastical, like a doctor, astronaut or an actress – something other than what their true occupations are when they grow up, but I always wanted to be a writer. I started writing the moment I came to being.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why?

Young me – Jordana Brewster (Fast Five)

30s – 40s me – Angie Harmon (Rizzoli & Isles)

50s – up me – Demi Moore (Ghost)

How did you know you should become an author? It has always been in me. I started my school’s newsletter in primary school. I wrote lyrics for songs before I even went to high school. I wrote poems, short stories and awfully-long letters to friends and loved ones on a daily basis. I wrote so much that I didn’t just know that I should become an author, I had to become an author. However, a teacher in high school once mentioned that I had a gift for writing, and I should never take it for granted – I won’t.

Who are your favorite authors of all time? You would think that I have favourite authors, but I don’t. I appreciate the work of many authors, but I cannot pinpoint one. However, that just means that I have a new favourite author with every book that I enjoyed reading.

Favorite places to travel? Italy has been my favourite place that I have been yet. However, I truly love exploring South Africa – it is a beautiful place with many hidden treasures and tranquil escapes. I am an avid traveller would love to see multiple places and exotic locations.

Favorite music? Classic Rock and Hard Rock. I also indulge in pop music.

In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with? LJ Smith.