Interview Michael Staton

by

Laura Burks

1) THIEF’S COIN is a catchy title. Can you tell me how you came up with the name and the genre?

It’s from the first book of my Larenia’s Shadow trilogy. The thief and the prince have a dislike for each other yet she helps recover his master’s lost sword, Larenia’s Shadow yet demands payment of a gold imperial.

2. What other titles have you written? Are they all the same genre?

Thief’s Coin is the second book of the Larenia’s Shadow trilogy. The first, The Emperor’s Mistress was published in August 2010 by Wings ePress. The third book, which has just been started, is entitled Assassins’ Lair.

3. I know you’re excited about your upcoming novel, but without giving too much away, can you give me some background on the major characters?

Stealth is a teenage thief in love with Derrius. She is headstrong and reckless, but her skills usually extract her from danger. Derrius is fourth in line to the throne of the Setor Empire, having magical talent but doubts his worthiness to be a leader.

4. Again, I love the title, Could you tell the backdrop of your novel?

It takes place in a world patterned after the Roman Empire. A sorceress holds sway over its emperor who wants only to dally with her. He does little governing and the empire falls into lawlessness. She holds the ruling family responsible for keeping her imprisoned for a thousand years and means to destroy it.

5. Can you give me a brief summary of your novel?

Illisandra has learned the true purpose of the phony trade mission. She orders her spy to obtain the emperor’s sword ahead of Derrius and Stealth who once betrayed the spy. Stealth and Derrius disguise themselves and the trade mission continues with a young mage casting magic to make him look like Derrius. Can the heroes continue to outfox the master spy?

6. What inspired you to write THIEF’S COIN? How long did it take for you?

The intention was to write one novel, The Emperor’s Mistress. But it was way too big, so I divided it into three books. Since it has been published, it seems only logical to continue writing the story. Interestingly, neither are even close to the original draft. I’ve done a complete rewrite.

7. What advice would you give other writers when they experience writer’s block?

Walk away from the endeavor for a little while. Join a bowling league, go hunting with friends, take a vacation…just stop dwelling on why your creativity is dryer than a mummy’s mouth. Then come back to it and see what happens.

8. Are you working on new projects? If so, can you give us a short teaser?

I’ve started the third book, Assassins’ Lair. It’s very early in the writing process. The basic outline exists so I do have a nice roadmap, although I have a tendency to take side trips.

9. Where do you find ideas or inspiration? Do you plot your story or write what comes to you at the moment?

I first do a general outline and then I do a more detailed chapter-by-chapter outline. But the chapter outlines are never cast in stone. I like the option to go another direction if the characters tell me that’s what I should do.

10. Who is your favorite author and do you have a favorite book?

I really don’t have a favorite author. I do like lots of fantasy novelists, though. Robin Hobb, George R.R. Martin, Glen Cook, Stephen Donaldson, Patrick Rothfuss, J.V. Jones, Terry Goodkind.