I am delighted to have my friend Maer Wilson with me today to talk about her new release, Relicsfrom Crescent Moon Press.
Tell us a little about yourself, Maer.
Thanks so very much for having me over, Loni. I used to act onstage in Southern California. Now I teach Theatre at a college and I write. I have two dogs, who are basically my kids. I collect dragons and don’t think one can have enough of them.
What inspired you to write Relics?
That came out of a gaming experience. I created the names Thulu and La Fi to give to some gaming friends of mine, who had similar names that could be confusing. I realized the names belonged to these characters instead. Well, at least they were there inside my head insisting the names belonged to them. Their characters were fully formed very quickly.
Was this genre something you’ve always wanted to write? Do you enjoy this genre and who are some of your favorite genre authors?
I love the Urban Fantasy genre - well all of fantasy, actually. I didn’t even know all of the sub-genres, so wasn’t familiar with all of the terms when I was writing. I only knew I was writing something in Contemporary Fantasy as I wrote it. For Contemporary Fantasy, I’d have to say Tim Powers and Charlaine Harris. For other fantasy, George R.R. Martin and J.K. Rowling.
As an author and writer, how would you describe your method of writing? Are you a “pantser” or a “Plotter”?
A definite Pantser! I have a general idea where I’m going, but rarely know how I’m going to get there. I put the characters into the situation and see what happens.
Okay, now to get a little personal, if you don’t mind: Meditate for a moment (this might be the only time you get to relax today) LOL, and tell me—where would be the ideal setting for you right now. It could be anything or anywhere. Something that helps you to relax or maybe bring out the creative side in you.
LOL You aren’t too far wrong on that relaxing thing, so thanks! This is on my mind because a friend is going to Jamaica soon. I’d love to be on a Caribbean cruise. I’m not sure how creative it would be, but that would definitely be relaxing. Want to come along?
When you are in writing mode, are you a visual person (do you need pictures around you), an audio person (music in the background) or complete silence for concentration?
Audio. I need my music soundtracks in the background. Not songs because words can be distracting, but film and gaming soundtracks are perfect. I also “see” the scenes in my head, so I think I might have a touch of the visual in there, too.
Tell us a little about Relics (blurb):
Most of Thulu and La Fi's clients are dead. Which is perfect since their detective agency caters to the supernatural. So, a job finding relics for an ancient daemon should be simple.
The daemon needs the relics to keep a dangerous portal closed. His enemy, Gabriel, wants the relics to open the portal and give his people access to a new feeding ground – Earth.
Stunning humanity with their existence, portals to other worlds begin to open and the creatures of magic return to Earth.
When Gabriel threatens their family, Thulu and La Fi's search becomes personal. The couple will need powerful allies in the race to find the relics before Gabriel does. But maybe that's what grateful dead, magical allies and daemonic clients are for.
When the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, they're nothing like your mother's fairy tales.
Can you share a piece of your story with us? (excerpt):
I must have lost track of time because I heard a voice say, “You're going to turn into a prune.”
“Mhmm,” I answered.
The door opened. A cool draft of air wafted my way, swirling the steam in the shower. I peeked out to see Thulu shutting the door behind him. It was a great view.
“So, have I ever mentioned that I'm a soul reader?”
I moved forward to clear the small waterfall and gave him a suspicious look. One never knew with Thulu.
“No, I don't think you've shared that bit of information.”
“I'm quite good at it, actually.” He sat on one of the side seats and motioned to the one across from him. I moved to the other seat.
Nodding, he continued, “I'm quite surprised you didn't know this. In some circles, I'm known as the Great and Wonderful Reader of Souls.”
“Oh, really? I'm shocked that this could have escaped my attention all these years.”
“Well, this is the perfect time for me to read yours. Being that you're all pruney.”
I looked at my hands. They were pretty pruney. I shrugged and held out my hand palm up.
Thank you for being here today, Maer. I really appreciate you taking the time to stop on by. I know Relics is a great book and I wish you all the best. Where can we find out more about you and your books on the Internet?
Thank you for having me over, Loni! It was loads of fun.
You can find Maer and more information about her novel, Relics at any of these locations:
Relics at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/relics-maer-wilson/1115158495?ean=9781939173317
Relics - The Book Trailer link on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un2PHs5oGwg
