Interview *lizzie starr

by

Annie Taylor

1) Can you give us a brief synopsis of your book?

Haven and Zale are physically different from the thin angular People and are treated as outcasts. Zale lives on the street, but Haven has a talent for reading the Crystal Tarot so has a place within the temple of the Great Master. Until a triad of gods enter into a power struggle causing Haven and Zale to be banished before the People are destroyed.

The humans learn to work together to survive in a world neither of them understand. Nor do either of them understand the other’s beliefs and mores. They explore their physical desires, until Zale realizes a pregnancy would severely lessen Haven’s chance for survival. Of course, he doesn’t tell her why he now rejects her.

The gods’ struggles continue to influence the pair, however the humans’ beliefs alter to fit their new world. The birth of their child ignites a new struggle between a son of the Great Master and an ancient Elemental released from captivity. Haven and Zale leave the gods, their struggles and the Crystal Tarot behind as they accept the love they have for each other and their child.

2) That sounds so intriguing!  What inspired you to write this book?

I don’t remember any one thing--or variety of things--that inspired this book. Perhaps an inner plea for acceptance. That’s a major theme throughout the tale.

3) What message would you like your readers to take away from this story?

That theme, of course--Acceptance. Of yourself, your beliefs, and others and theirs.

4) Is there a villain in your book, and if so, is that character based on anyone you know?

Every good book needs a villain of some sort. <g> Yeah, the major baddy is the goddess of the sea. She’s not based on anyone--but maybe a combination of people and situations. Beyond that--I’ll never tell.

5) Are any of your characters based on you? Which character is most like you?

I believe there’s a little of me in many of my heroines. And this book is no different. Haven and I share that need for acceptance as we are--both externally and internally.

6) Did your book require a lot of historical research?

Nah, I made everything up. A whole new world--literally. Unless of course you hold to theories of multiple worldwide disasters that destroyed civilization after civilization. If that’s the case, maybe I didn’t.

7) What has been the hardest part of writing your book?

I wrote this tale a few years ago, so I don’t really remember anything that stands out as being the hardest. Writing is always hard work, and each time it could be something different--the characters, situations, descriptions, the emotions behind the tale. In general the hardest part of writing is keeping self in chair and the words appearing on the screen!

8) What’s the craziest place you’ve come up with an idea for a story?

Hmmm, crazy. You mean crazy for a writer, or crazy to non-writing folks? <g>  A lot of my ideas come from music--song titles or lines. I get bits of ideas from “human interest” articles. Discussions with my brother--he’s great for ideas and for getting me unstuck. Playing “what if”. These don’t seem crazy to me--hey, as long as they work, right?

9) Who or what has had the biggest influence on your work?

Again I can’t point out one thing... writers I’m passionate about of course--Tolkien, McCaffrey... Movies--the classics and old musicals, Star Wars... People--my critique folks, the pride in my grandfather’s eyes... life’s situations--large and small... Not a simple answer, huh?

10) What are you reading now?

I just two minutes ago finished The DaVinci Code. Now I’ll have to rummage through my HUGE to-be-read pile and find something else. I’m into a lot of romantic comedy right now.

11) What’s next for you, *lizzie?

I have a couple-three projects in the works. All romance since I love happy ever after! One’s a futuristic--the heroine is the daughter of characters in Dancing The Stars (is it okay to ‘name drop’ one of my own books? <lol>) The other two are contemporary, one with a little bit of paranormal.