A.E. Albert: A Writer's Blog

Author Interview: Callista Hunter

by A.E. Albert

@aealbert23

What inspired you to write your first book?

My story is a textbook case of “attack novel!” I was bored on a flight, and started jotting down notes. I decided on a setting and theme, and basic plotline, but I was just daydreaming. Suddenly the book’s ending came to me. I thought, I absolutely love that ending and I really want to read that book! I suppose I better write it. So I did, and I finished the first draft in about six weeks.

Is there a message in your book and/or books?

I didn’t want my book to be too heavy-handed with the message, but yes, it definitely has one. The book is about young women finding confidence in a repressive societal setting. My characters are in a religious order called the Vestal Virgins, and it’s actually a crime for them to lose their virginity. Throughout the story they constantly face the message that their natural sexuality is shameful. That’s a difficult environment for a young woman to grow up in, and it’s certainly relatable. There are still religious organizations that hold similar beliefs today.

My characters also have divine power that they’re forced to hide, because it’s illegal for women to use their natural abilities. So there’s an obvious parallel there to the challenges women still face today when trying to reach their full potential.

Is there anything in your book and/or books based on real life experiences?

Yes. In my story there’s a lot of political intrigue, a lot of politics around whether women can be accepted as the people they are. When I wrote the book, it was important to me that the storyline be essentially believable from that angle. I wanted the political elements of the story to be recognizable as things that might actually happen today.

Also, like my main character, I am short and have a terrible memory. They say to write what you know…

What books and/or writers have influenced you the most?

I was raised on traditional YA literature, including LM Montgomery (who wrote the Anne of Green Gables series), and Louisa May Alcott, who wrote Little Women. I also love the chick lit trend, with relatable women characters, such as Helen Fielding’s book Bridget Jones’s Diary, and the Stephanie Plum mysteries by Janet Evanovich. To me, the most important element of a book is whether I can identify with the main character, and whether they feel “real” to me. I love strong female characters, and I love characters in books who behave like real people, insecurities and bad judgment included!

When it comes to historical fantasy, I’m so in awe of Scott Lynch. When I read The Lies of Locke Lamora, I was overwhelmed by his imagination and skill.

What has been your greatest challenge when writing?

When I started writing my book, I started “just for fun” (or so I told myself), and had no intention of publishing it. Which meant that I didn’t educate myself about basic new-writer pitfalls, such as the necessary elements of a first chapter, and the deadly tendency to use too many adverbs. Every time I re-read my book I notice a new adverb that needs to be squashed.

Once I got serious about putting it out into the world, I had a *lot* of revision to do. That’s why at least one good critique partner is essential. Always get feedback, as much as you can! And when you find a good critiquer, don’t let them go!

My second greatest challenge was nailing all the little details down. I chose to set my story in a fantasy world instead of ancient Rome, because I knew I could never get every historical detail right. I didn’t want to mislead anybody into thinking everybody used paper in ancient Rome, for example!

What are you working on right now?

First, I’m working on getting the word out about Goddess! After I hit “publish,” I realized I was as clueless about marketing my first book as I was about writing it. So I’m working on learning how to market my book as a new indie author (or should I say #indieauthor – I still have to force myself to use hashtags on Twitter).

But I’m also writing. I have already started a new book, and I’m focusing on ancient Greece this time. What a fascinating time in history. I’m enjoying the research, and have even started a Pinterest board to try to capture ideas!

What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?

Since I’m such a new author myself, I mainly have advice for other extreme newbies. If you haven’t yet published your first book, now is the time to start building your social media presence! Make friends. Get a blog. Review the books of others. Follow well-known writers and listen to their advice. If you become a member of the community, you’ll find support when you’re ready to launch. If you’re a stranger on Day 1, you’ll have a longer and more difficult road ahead of you!

Title: Goddess

Genre: YA historical fantasy

Callista Hunter is a librarian and first-time author who loves fantasy and YA fiction. She has studied Latin poetry and is fascinated by the mythology of ancient Rome.

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Callista-Hunter-ebook/dp/B00S6T3E50/

Website:
http://www.callistahunter.com/