About Boyce
S.M. Boyce is a fantasy and paranormal fiction novelist who also dabbles in contemporary fiction and comedy. She’s a sarcastic twit, but her friends seem to like her anyway. She updates her blog a few times each week so that you have something to wake you up in the morning (phht, who uses coffee?). Her B.A. in Creative Writing qualifies her to both be pompous and serve you french fries.
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C: What do you do when you are not writing?
B: Hahaha. There’s a life outside writing? It’s pretty much all I do. I heard once that, to master something, you have to do it for at least 3 hours a day. I try to write at least that much each day, though it’s a challenge with the marketing, blogging, editing, and business aspects of being an indie.
I do get out and hike sometimes, and my secret love is cheesy ghost hunting shows. I love to drag my husband to kid’s movies, too. Poor man. I’m so lucky he loves me.
C: How did you choose the genre you write in?
B: I love magic. I love to explore the possibilities of the impossible, and I can do that in fantasy and the paranormal. Paranormal creatures fascinate me, and I love to explore the depths of their power. What’s more, I love to make up new creatures—that’s how my debut, The Grimoire Trilogy, was born.
C: Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?
B: Whoa, too many to name. I even went on the superman sleep schedule—where I slept for 3 hours at a time in intervals—to finish book one. That was a mistake, and I made plenty of other mistakes.
I actually created the ever-expanding Indie How-To Index to help authors avoid the mistakes I made. There’s even a terms glossary now. I’m open to adding posts if readers and writers have questions about anything I haven’t touched on yet.
C: In Lichgates, what was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
B: Okay, so maybe I’m a little sadistic, but I loved writing the scene where Kara has to relive her mother’s death. I know. I’m a horrible person. But the depth of emotion I explored there unearthed the loss I’ve gone through, and it was healing for me to explore my pain through Kara’s. I actually think it helped me move on, to be honest. And that was liberating.
I just hope that emotion is transferred to the reader, and that anyone who has lost someone they love can feel a connection to Kara’s pain in that way. It’s a terrible feeling, inexplicable really, but we don’t have to be alone while we grieve—even if we’re grieving with a fictional character.
C: Will you have a new book coming out soon?
B: Yes! I’ve been working hard on Treason, the sequel to Lichgates. It’s been one hell of a roller coaster, and in the best of ways. We discover more of Ourea in Treason, learn more about old characters, meet new ones, and see our favorite characters mature.
I’m so excited to share it with everyone, but I want it to be polished before I do. So, sadly, that won’t be ready until sometime in October 2012.
However, you can sign up for the VIP Mailing List or enter your name for an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of Treason. If you’re selected for the Treason ARC, you’ll get an eBook copy before it’s even available to buy. I’m giving out a lot of copies, but I do have to cap it. Still, it can’t hurt to enter your name in the hat! Make sure you link to your blog or goodreads/amazon review account (please don’t just write “Goodreads” in the link—that doesn’t help us decide).
C: What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
B: Haha…yeah. Let’s see.
Worst was when I sent someone a print edition for review—which is expensive—and they left a 2 star rating that said they didn’t finish because I clearly couldn’t write and had no voice. I mean, I laughed because I’ve been trained for years to write and know what I’m doing, but it still stung a little because it was a print edition and a gift. If I’m going to get a bad review, I’d rather they buy a copy. Haha!
The best compliment I got was actually an entire review, which I got from a lovely reader in the UK. She did a thorough analysis of all the motifs, themes, and symbols in Lichgates. It was just amazing. She hit nearly every nail on the head—she just got it. To see someone so fully understand my novel and love every minute of it sent me up to cloud nine. Those kind of reviews make my entire week each time I read them. So if you like literature analysis, I’d love to see what you think of the Grimoire Trilogy.
C: How long does it take you to write a book?
B: Funny you ask. I actually sat down and wrote this out recently. I wanted to see how long it would take so I could plan out the finale to the Grimoire Trilogy and subsequent bonus material (I have at least 3 novellas planned at the moment, and will hold contests on my blog to pick more if you want to jump in later).
I take about 7 months to finish a novel after I write the first draft, which can take me anywhere from 1-2 months. I work slow, but it’s because I want to make the best possible novel I can. The book goes through intense editing, too, so that slows it down.
When you read my book, you’re guaranteed that I gave it my all. Of course I’m still growing as a writer and will get better as I push myself, but it’s the very best I had at that time in my life.
C: Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
B: Yes, and I love it! It’s my favorite part of the job besides the writing itself. I love to hear what readers liked, who they connected with, or answer their questions.
I’ve even had readers tweet me their reactions as they read. That is so fun. So please, tweet me as you read! I’ll do my best to respond with at least a grin or a teasing comment about what’s coming, but I’ll never spoil anything.
C: Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
B: Yes: thank you. Really, thank you. You’re the reason I’m living my dream, and I will be forever grateful for that. The fact that you enjoy my work is surreal, terrifying, and beautiful.
Thank you.
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Connect with Boyce
About Lichgates
(Grimoire Trilogy #1)
About Treason
(Grimoire Trilogy #2)
About Heritage
(Grimoire Trilogy #3)
So what did I think? See my Five Star Review of Litchgates HERE.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced peek at Treason just this month, and I LOVED it. So much was revealed in the second book, and Boyce will be releasing it this fall. Let me just say it is a MUST READ if you love fantasy. The thing I like the most about the Grimoire Trilogy is that it has a realistic flair. The characters are amazing, and I love the interaction between them. The world is pretty cool, too, with just the right amount of description and action.
See for yourself how great this series is. Sign up for the giveaway below!
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