by 
Interview – Francesca Quarto
– When did you start writing novels, what moved you to start writing?
My first book in the Urban Fantasy Series, “Witch of Appalachia” was published in 2015. I began writing it earlier that year and followed it quickly with book two. The impetus behind all of my writing, including poetry, essays and articles, has always been the need to express my nature as a thinker and dreamer. Always questioning and wondering about life, seems a perfect ingredient for cooking up some fanciful story-telling. I have always loved telling a good tale!
– In what genres do you write? Do you plan writing in other genres?
My “Witch of Appalachia” Series is an Urban Fantasy, but I have recently been published in the Paranormal Thrill genre with my recent release, “Love’s Prey.” I am currently working on a Paranormal Romance Thriller and will likely continue working in that genre after I write Book 6 in my series.
– Tell us about your books. Why should everyone buy them?
The “Witch of Appalachia” Series is comprised, thus far, of five books. Each one is an independent, stand-alone book that can be read out of sequence if wanted. They are all Paranormal Mysteries that my heroine, a Celtic Wizard, solves, using her talents as a sleuth and her powerful magic. This series is geared to anyone who loves fantasy in the family. As young as eleven to adults enjoy the mysteries and the magic!
“Love’s Prey” my newly released Paranormal Thriller, is an adult read! It follows the heroine, a Native American of the Sioux tribe, from a disastrous killing in self-defence to the harrowing pursuit of a band of shape-shifters in the streets of Chicago.
This book does contain highly charged scenes of a sexual nature, that are used to develop the heroine’s character and forge her relationship with “The Keeper” who is bound to her.
– What is your all time favorite novel/book? What makes it special?
Being an eclectic reader, I find this a difficult question to address. I love mysteries and Robert Parker is one of my favorite authors in that genre. I was hugely impressed with Gary Jennings’ “Aztec Autumn” with its historical background and fast paced events. Stephen King remains the “creeper keeper” and an inspiration to me.
– Tell us a bit about your writing process.
I keep three dictionaries and a notebook on my desk at all times. I never solely rely on spell-check. I make notes about characters, looks, personalities, etc.. I research for all my books to include genuine background for setting and characters. Then I begin my self-drawn portrait of another world!
– What author would you love to have dinner with?
Steven King!! Hands down! I would love to interview him to see what makes his imagination twist and squirm in its many forms of story-telling.
– Tell us about your hobbies and passions other than writing.
Besides being an avid reader, I love travel , no roughing it though. I find baking to be totally therapeutic for me and love producing great cooking from my kitchen. I am a Scrabble fanatic and hate losing, but that’s how I learn some great new words too! I’ve newly found an on-line word game that has me talking to myself about the ebbs and flows of game outcomes. It’s making me a touch crazy I fear!
– We have many followers who would like to start writing a book or are already writing their first novel, any advice for these brave people?
Oh my! Just sit down at your computer or with your pen and yellow pad of paper and START! There is no one looking over your shoulder except your Muse. Be guided by your creative impulses and throw caution to the wind. But most importantly, READ lots of books by other authors. READ and pick up hints about the art of writing.
– How often do you write, daily, every other day or?
I rise early, usually by six or so and begin my writing efforts fueled with my first cup of coffee and self-imposed deadlines! I continue to write off and on throughout the day until about four-thirty. I find maintaining this approach helps me stay on track with my story so there aren’t too many lose ends floating about after I write, “The End.”
– Do you keep a notebook with ideas for your novels? If so do you carry the notebook with you so you won’t forget any ideas?
Not really one for notebooks outside of the one I dedicate to each book I’m currently writing. I do jot down the occassional title if it sounds like it belongs with a story. I start all my books with a title first. Kind of odd, but that’s my Muse knocking on my subconscious in her own fashion. She’s funny that way!
– How important is it to have your facts right and are there any instances when you bend history to fit your story?
It’s definitely alright to bend a few facts. It’s called “literary license.” But I like to research as much as I think is needed to give depth and foundation to my story if I think it’s necessary. Research is a great way to better understand your subject and the environment of your story.
– What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading two books as is my habit to do; one upstairs and one down. Right now, I’m reading a period piece by Philippa Gregory called “Order of Darkness” and a humourous book by Bailey White, titled “Sleeping at the Starlite Motel”.
– How is it to be an author in your country? Do you have a good support from the local public?
Very fulfilling, challenging, hard work, engaging, fun!
– Have you had any interesting episodes as an author, fans related or others, share one of them with us.
Regardless of how many book signings I do I will never forget the proud feeling I got when a young woman approached me as I was packing up to go home. She told me she’d been looking for my table during the crowded event so she could get book two in my fantasy series. She had to plough through hordes of holiday shoppers to reach me and I realized I had finally met a FAN!
– A final message for our circleofbooks.com readers.
I would like to challenge the Circle Of Books following to leave a Review for books you’ve enjoyed and authors you want to see more of in print. Taking a few minutes to put your reaction to a book into your own words, can mean a lot to the author professionally and personally. It all comes down to words doesn’t it? Keep the flow of ideas going and the stories will follow.
Thank you Francesca Quarto. We at circleofbooks.com wish you much success!
Click here to visit the author’s page here on circleofbooks.com
Tweet
