INTERVIEW OF ANNE STENGL AUTHOR OF THE NOVEL STARFLOWER

Title: Starflower (Tales of Goldstone.) 
Authors: Anne Elisabeth Stengl.
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Date Published: Nov 1, 2012
Purchase Book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

 Interview:

1. Can you tell me who or what was the inspiration for the book?

It's actually a bit difficult to remember the initial inspiration. I conceived of this idea when I was seventeen years old, wrote various short-story versions of it, and shelved it until I was twenty-four. I believe Starflower's story was first inspired by the classic Maiden and Wolf motif that we see in Fairy Tales, most prominently, of course, in Little Red Riding Hood. This story is NOTHING like that fairy tale . . . and yet, it has a fairy tale flavor that is almost familiar. The Maiden and Wolf theme is such a part of our unconscious love of stories, who's to say where it originated?

2. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

Far more often than I like to admit! The best cure for writer's block I've found has been reading favorite novels. I go back and pick up those authors whose works I have loved in the past, and I simply soak myself in good storytelling. This always works as a reminder to me of why I do what I do, and why I love it. A good remedy against writer's block!

3. Can you tell me your experiences in finding a publisher for the book?

I actually had an easy time with Starflower because I am already established with Bethany House Publishers, the wonderful house that produced my first three novels, Heartless, Veiled Rose, and Moonblood. I have a great working relationship with my excellent editors, who were eager to see what I would do with Starflower.

4. How long did it take you to write the book and how long did it take to get the book released?

I wrote Starflower in about seven or eight months . . . seven or eight months of slogging efforts for most of it, then a huge burst of inspiration and production right at the end that resulted in the story now available. I delivered the manuscript in October 2011, and it is now releasing, October 2012. It seems like a while, but my publishing house was working like mad the whole time on marketing and promotion, not to mention that stunning cover they gave me!

           

5. Who is your favorite character in the book and why?

I love the hero, Bard Eanrin. I really kind of adore him! He is so arrogant and so self-centered . . . all the things you least expect in a hero. But then he is pushed so far out of his comfort zone, and that makes for fun fiction! Plus he's just hilarious to write. He's been my favorite character in the series so far, though this is his first novel in a starring role!

6. What are your current / future projects?
 

I am currently finishing up the first draft of Book 6 in the Tales of Goldstone Wood series. After that, I have the first round of edits on Book 5 in the series, Dragonwitch, which releases next summer! I'm hoping to take a little break from novel writing after finishing those edits and spend some time exploring a few short story ideas . . . then take up novels again in the new year.

7. Do you have any tips for a young writer just starting out?

If you want to be a good writer, you've got to be a good reader. No two ways about it. This means reading as much as you possibly can, and reading good material. Read tremendous amounts in the genre you want to write, but don't neglect other genres, because reading other genres expands possibilities. And don't forget to read the classics! Those writers had what it took to go down in history as the best of all time . . . they knew a trick or two worth learning!
           

8. If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you like the main characters to be played by and why?

 

I would cast the actress Shay Mitchell as Starflower herself. This girl is lovely and youthful and looks very similar to how I picture my heroine.

After much thought and deliberation, I think I'd have to cast a young Jude Law as Eanrin, since he has the right combination of good looks, charm, and arrogance that suits my hero very well.

 9. What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?

I am a crazy cat lady! I work with feral kittens, rescuing them from wild cat colonies in the area, taming them, and finding them new homes. I really enjoy that work (and all the little fur babies constantly coming through my home!).

I also love drawing and painting. I used to be an art teacher before taking up full time writing, but art has had to take a backseat these last few years! Maybe I'll pick it up again later . . .I love to sing, play the piano, bake pastries and pies, and take long walks with my handsome husband and our shaggy black dog.

10. Can you tell me where we can purchase your book?

You can find Starflower wherever books are sold . . . Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, CBD.com, and bookstores across the country!

Thank you so much for hosting me. These were fun questions! I hope you and all your readers will have a chance to pick up Starflower!