Author Interview: Edward Cote
by A.E. Albert
by A.E. Albert
@aealbert23
Book Title: Violet Skies
Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult
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What inspired you to write your first book?
It all just came to me, sort of out of the blue. Over the years that seed grew into something I could no longer put on the back burner. Wow, that's a lot of mixed metaphors...
Is there a message in your book and/or books?
I'd like to think that Violet Skies has something positive to say about morals and friendship, but maybe it's just a good story. The theme of the series is power, both its abuse and legitimate use. We see how the Magi (oligarchs) handle power versus how Taya (the protagonist) handles it.
Is there anything in your book and/or books based on real life experiences?
The character of Taya is loosely based on someone I knew growing up, one of my few friends from that time.
What books and/or writers have influenced you the most?
I read Dune when I was twelve, so that was formative. In the years before that I'd read Judy Blume and after that Orson Scott Card. I was hooked on science fiction until college when I read The Wheel of Time. I am influenced by Robert Jordan and Joss Whedon who taught me how a man can write compelling female characters, and George Martin, from whom I've learned a few narrative tricks.
What has been your greatest challenge when writing?
Keeping the right work-life balance. I can't write full time yet. I still have to juggle this with work and school. I don't always do schoolwork when I should or write when I should. There's so much more I want to read, I just need to make the time.
What are you working on right now?
I'm working on the second and third books in the Violet Skies series. Red Bird is currently in its fourth complete draft and Silver Rose (book 3) is about 20% through the first draft.
What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?
My advice is never to forget the importance of discipline. All the talent in the world won't do you any good if you don't have the discipline to write and re-write.
About Edward Cote
Edward Cote is the author of Violet Skies, the first book in a YA fantasy series of the same name. The second book, Red Bird, will be available at
Christmas. Edward lives in Lawrence, KS where he is a nontraditional student at KU.
Find Violet Skies At:
Amazon
edwardlcote.blogspot.com
Find Violet Skies At:
Amazon
edwardlcote.blogspot.com
About A.E. Albert
Contact me if you are interested in a author interview.
