Welcome to Sinclair Books. Today we are sitting down and chatting with Author Mysti Parker. I would like to thank Mysti for taking the time out to do this great interview. You can find out more about Mysti at her website here
- When was the first time in your life that you decided you wanted to be a writer? Was it something born from a significant event in your life or was is something you had always wanted to do?
My grandmother taught me to read and write when I was three years old. I still have the coloring book where she wrote the abc’s and 123’s inside the front and back covers. Ever since then, I have loved the written word.
I read voraciously as a child and teen. Writing went right along with it. My teen years were spent writing lots of poetry that reflected some of that angst of young adulthood. I did well in every writing assignment I was given in school, but instead of pursuing that, I chose to study biology in college. Now, I rather wish I had chosen the literary path, but I don’t regret my scientific background.
College, however, did burn me out on reading and writing anything for a good while. Then I married and had three kids, and…the hiatus continued, until about two years ago, when I wrote my first novelette and got it published right off the bat. I was hooked and am falling in love with the written word all over again.
- Who was the first character that you created and why create them?
My first novelette, “Let There Be Love”, featured the dark elves named Sibylis D’arkvayn and Ashten D’Vynn. I had read stories and played many roleplaying games involving dark elves in one way or another, so I wanted to make my own version, which spawned the fantasy world of Tallenmere.
- What inspired the birth of "A Ranger's Tale" and did you always know this was the story you wanted to tell?
I’ve always been fascinated with the elves in The Lord of the Rings trilogies, and in fantasy roleplaying games. And of course, I’ve always loved romance. They seemed so whimsical, full of magic and lore and mystery, beyond piddly human conflicts, which wasn’t a bad thing, but I wondered what it would be like to create elves with realistic problems—ones similar to what we mere humans face.
That’s when Caliphany came about. Her father is a control-freak, she’s disgruntled with her life and occupation, and she falls for a “bad” boy. What I like most about her story is that while she faces these realistic problems, she’s still in a world of fantasy. Nearly one hundred years old, she’s a wizard turned ranger with some kick-ass firepower. She battles trolls, goblins, and traitors who possess equally strong magic.
- Do you find that characters and plots flow easily from some unconscious part of your mind or do you plan everything out in great detail?
Set in the fantasy world of Tallenmere, the high elf Caliphany Aranea longs to explore the world and escape from her controlling father. Her dreams are fulfilled when she meets ranger and ship captain Galadin Trudeaux. But, when secrets from the past bring tragedy to those she loves, Caliphany must fight to hold on to the life she's always wanted. Planners amaze me. I’m not one of them. I write as the “bug” inspires me. I do usually write out an outline of sorts as I go along to keep my thoughts straight. I use rough maps, calendars, time lines, and things as I need them. When I research a topic, I take notes. That’s about the extent of it. I’ve almost gotten past feeling guilty for not being an extensive planner. For me, it just takes the fun out of it, though I’m sure it works well for a lot of writers.
- What would you say the hardest part of being a writer is?
Actually making the time to sit and write. I’m a mom of three. There is ALWAYS something that needs my attention. Any time I write, something has to be put on the back burner. Often, it’s hard to ignore that nagging feeling of things being undone, so it’s hard to concentrate on my story.
- What would you say the best part of being a writer is?
Creating something from scratch that is all mine! In these years with small children, it’s so hard for moms to have an identity apart from motherhood, but I think it’s important to cultivate that so we can feel good about ourselves (and keep our sanity). Writing provides an outlet to an otherwise stifled creativity and imagination. I think it makes me a better mom when I can do something for myself now and then.
- How did it feel to see the front cover of your first release for the very first time?
Surreal. The cover for the anthology “Hearts of Tomorrow” with my first novelette hangs over my desk, and it reminds me to keep going with my passion, even when I feel down.
- What is your favourite novel of all time?
That’s so hard. I have so many favorites. But, the one that comes to mind as having inspired my love of romance, especially romantic suspense, is Jane Eyre. I’ve read it several times, and watched just about every movie rendition of it. Such a classic romantic/tragic/suspenseful tale.
- What advice would you give new and upcoming authors?
Keep writing!! Find a good critique group. Learn to self-edit. Read in your genre and beyond. And keep writing!!
- What can we expect from your next book?
Here’s the blurb so far (may be subject to editing):
Life moves at a slower pace in Summerwind. Jayden Ravenwing, former lead scout of the L.I.O., hopes to make a fresh start, away from the bustle of Leogard…and from Caliphany. He never planned to fall in love again so soon, especially with the enchanting Serenya Crowe, wife of the Earl of Summerwind. When a strange portal opens on the Crowe property, he is thrown into an investigation, knowing that if he fails, Serenya and everyone in Summerwind may die.
Raised by her stepfather after her mother died during her birth, Serenya Crowe grew up with the burden of not knowing her birth father’s true identity. With claw-like fingernails and an ability to interpret dreams, she has endured gossip and the cruelty of her husband Sebastian. All she’s ever wanted was to live a quiet life and raise a family. When she meets Jayden Ravenwing, she knows that he is her soul mate. Together, they must overcome evil forces from another realm and inside Serenya herself, if they ever hope to find true love.
Thank you for stopping by and I wish you every success with your books.
