| A.E. Albert: A Writer's Blog

Author Interview:

By H.L. Burke

Title: Lands of Ash

Genre: Fantasy

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?

I wrote from a very early age, though I'm not sure when I realized you could actually make money that way. It was sometime between being young enough that I thought I could grow up to be a cat and old enough that people convinced me I needed a “backup plan” in case the writing thing didn't work out.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I never know which book to count as my first. If you go way back, my first stories were just me attempting to copy stories I loved and put my own spin on them. Boxcar children, Star Wars fanfics, Lord of the Rings rip offs.

The first exception to this, the book I wanted to write, was the first book I ever self-published “The Ordinary Knight.” I was a young, lonely single girl who really wanted to imagine the perfect romance and so I wrote it. That book is profoundly personal because of that. I knew I didn't want a typical “romance novel” romance. I wanted a best friend. I wanted to read a story about two people who befriended each other, grew to love and respect each other and conquered something together. So I wrote it.

What have you written?

I'm on my seventh novel, not counting the various older works that shall never see the light of day. Four books in a fantasy/romance series, some YA fantasy, some Middle Grade Fantasy, and now my new epic series.

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

Occasionally. I care a lot about how relationships are portrayed. So many fictional romances are toxic, bridging on abusive, so I set a high standard for my fictional male leads. They can be imperfect, but they have to treat their partners respectfully, or they'll usually come to a bad end.

Beggar Magic has a more specific message about hard work and persistence being more important than being special. The heroine, Leilani, is sort of the “anti-chosen-one.” So many YA characters are born with special abilities that propel them to a place of importance. Leilani has everything stacked against her, but she's willing to stand up for herself and her beliefs, and she finds a way to make a difference in her world.

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

My most recent book, Lands of Ash, was inspired by wildfires that used to threaten our home on occasion when I was a kid. They never made it to our property, but seeing that fire sneaking towards us and smelling that smoke stuck with me. Also, the way a forest looks after it's been burnt, the skeleton trees and the blackened earth. It's very stark and sad, but nature always fights back, and I wanted to show that struggle between two forces of nature: creation and destruction.

Who is your favorite character from one of your stories?

Martin, from the Dragon and the Scholar Saga (four books starting with Dragon's Curse). He's sarcastic and often says what I'm thinking, tends to be in his head a bit as far as practical matters go, but he's always one step ahead of the other characters when it comes to finding a solution to any problem.

What actor do you see playing them in a movie?

Dang, ideally Martin Freeman about 20 years ago. Martin (my Martin) is only about 25, so the age is obviously wrong, but that's the actor who has the best facial expressions.

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

Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine were influential in my fairy tales. I love Tolkien's sense of mythic heroism and Dostoevsky's ability to build up characters who are fallible but believable.

What is your favorite book?

The Lord of the Rings. It's one book. One!

How do you conquer writer’s block?

I switch projects. I try to keep one I'm editing and one I'm writing going at all times. If I really need a break from both, I write some low pressure blog post or something.

What has been your greatest challenge when writing?

Promotion. Writing is fun. There are hiccups, of course, but for the most part I enjoy it. Then at the end I'm like all awkward on the internet like . . .hey, guys, um, it's me . . . you wanna buy a book?

How do you rejuvenate after a writing session?

A glass of red wine and a good book . . . or computer games and tea. Also, I like to listen to ASMR videos, people doing calming stuff or unboxing in quiet voices.

What is your funniest experience in writing?

Any time someone comes to me and says, “Oh, I've read your book. I didn't realize I could talk to you. I thought you were like a real writer.”

What are you working on right now?

The sequel to Lands of Ash, Call of the Waters. Each book in the series has an elemental theme (fire, water, air, earth).

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

I see a lot of authors hesitating and self-doubting when they could be self-publishing. Yes, you need to do due diligence. Get your work workshopped in a writers' group. Recruit beta readers. Do critique swaps with other authors. If you can afford it, find a reputable freelance editor to work with. So don't rush in unprepared, but don't let yourself be crippled by fear.

What famous person would you like to meet? Why?

I'm not a big “hero worshipper.” I have plenty of fictional characters I might like to meet, but I wouldn't be sure what to do with a real famous person if I happened to capture one. I'd probably release it back into the wild to make little famous babies with other famous people. That said, I do have a running list of actors I want to hug. James Roday, Gary Sinise, Nathan Fillion, David Tennant. All deserving of hugs. Yes, they are all dudes. I swear, this is just platonic hugging though.

If you could go anywhere in the world? Where?

Greece . . . or Italy . . . or England . . . WHY DO YOU HAVE TO MAKE ME CHOOSE?

What is your favorite book quote?

“I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.” The Little Prince

About the Book

After decades of Elemental Invasions, the once flourishing Kingdom of Forra has been reduced to ruins. A band of survivors pulls together in one last attempt to defend their homes and families as the Elementals make a push to wipe them out completely.

Stoic Militia Captain Karvir and his ardent brother, Ketyl, lead a skeleton force against the Fiery Horde. Everything--their families, their home, their very world--hangs on their success against impossible odds. Meanwhile across the wilderness, young Brode and his pregnant stepmother flee, hoping to find safety near the sea.

As the Elementals pour through the portals, a sacrificial act gives hope for peace, but is it sustainable? Can the human race fight back from the edge of extinction? And could the key to their survival lie in a child?