As seen in the March issue of Uncaged Book Reviews.

Uncaged: Where did the inspiration come for The Aldurian Chronicles series? Can you tell readers what the series is about?

The inspiration came from all the stories I read and movies I watched as a kid. I wanted to create my own, and when I actually decided to try when I was thirteen, the story sort of came to me. However, I couldn’t write it that well at the time and was afraid of getting a rejection letter from publishers. I figured I would wait until I was older and braver. Then, a few years ago I learned about self-publishing and the fear of rejection was no longer an issue.
The Aldurian Chronicles is about a seventeen-year-old girl, Saphiris, who is thrust into a world of chaos and loss as she discovers her origins and hones her elemental abilities. The backstory is rich, and she’s surrounded by powerful immortals with many secrets to be revealed.

Uncaged: How many books are you planning for this series?

Originally, about fourteen. When I rewrote the synopses for the different books, I decided to merge a few and I managed to condense it down to about eight. Book one and two, Fire and Ice & Crimson Frost, are published and available for purchase. The third book Reigning Fire will be released sometime this year. But that’s just for present day from Saph’s point of view. I’ve also begun writing the Origins part of the story, which will take place many centuries in the past and consist of quite a few short stories from various characters’ points of view.

Uncaged: Beside this series, can you tell us more about your other books?

The first book I published, The Vanquished, is part of The Soul Reaper series that I have every intention of returning to in the next couple of months and at least getting the second book in the trilogy, The Risen, released sometime this year. The Soul Reaper is a new-adult paranormal romance about grad-student Kendra Stephens who moves to a strange town in Massachusetts and meets a mysterious man with supernatural abilities and ties to a long-forgotten past. There’s a bit of horror, a lot of mystery, and strong fantasy elements, but this is primarily about a love that transcends time itself.

I also have a short horror called Fragments that follows the life of a distressed mom and wife who starts hearing voices and seeing phantoms after a near-death experience. It touches base on soul fragmentation and I plan to expand it into a full-length novel one day.

Uncaged: Are you planning on attending any in-person conventions or signings this year? Can you tell us more about Writers Unite?

None that I have planned, but I have been considering a few things. Writers Unite! is an amazing group for writers of all levels to help each other grow and to connect with like minds. It’s a group I’m more than happy to admit I help admin. We have a Facebook group, which is over 40,000 members strong, and a blog where the admins write helpful articles on the technique of writing and editing.
We’ve partnered with a publishing company, Rhetoric Eskew, and are in the process of putting together an anthology containing short stories and poems from our members. I have submitted a short from The Aldurian Chronicles titled The Space Between the Stars: A Tale of Centuries Past revealing a few things I’ve merely hinted at in the novels.
I currently have nine articles published to The Self-Editing Guide, with a new one published every week, that tackles the topics commonly unknown to a first-time writer. Since I know many writers cannot afford an editor, I write this series to, at the very least, teach indie authors what to look for when proofreading and how to polish their works into strong, vivid pieces that grab the reader’s attention. It’s my way of giving back to the indie community, since this group has taught me so much in the last few years.
Our admin leader Deborah Ratliff also writes a series of articles called Writing Your First Novel, which covers many questions new members ask on a daily basis. This series has helped new writers navigate their way through the process of getting that first novel underway.
We also accept guest articles from Writers Unite! members, as long as they pertain to writing. So if you have something to contribute, feel free to join us and submit.
Dr. Paul’s Family Talk Radio Program has given Writers Unite! a ton of exposure and we credit him for our large numbers. Paul Reeves is a fellow admin and has interviewed numerous Writers Unite! members. I will be appearing on his show sometime in the near future, and Deb usually appears once a month to discuss the group.

Uncaged: Do you read your reviews? What do you take away from them?

Getting reviews might be the most difficult part of being a writer. I love every review I receive, and though gaining each one felt like an act of labor, most of the ones I have are pretty passionate. If I can make a reader feel that much after reading my story, I have accomplished something. Many reviewers tell me how real the characters felt and how much they want to return to the pages. I know I’ve successfully brought the reader into my world when that happens.

Uncaged: Can you tell us what you have coming up next?

Reigning Fire (The Aldurian Chronicles Book Three) is at the halfway mark as we speak, with the ending written and much of the beginning. I released the cover a few days ago and a few ads have been designed in anticipation for its full release.

Uncaged: What is one of the nicest things someone has said to you about your books?

Someone once told me that Fire and Ice brought them out of a dark place and made them feel something when nothing else seemed to work. I experienced the same thing when writing it, so that really spoke to me and I knew his words were sincere. I think we write to share our pain and connect with others, so when someone finds healing in our words, we tend to take it to heart.

Uncaged: What is your favorite parts about being an author? What have you found to be the least favorite?

My favorite part about being an author is the fun I have conveying emotion to my readers. I love writing in deep point of view, so learning what not to say and finding new ways to show it is interesting and challenging.
My least favorite part is how difficult it is to get exposure. Sometimes it seems easier to give up than keep spamming my friends and family with new book ads, but I know one day it will all pay off and that’s what matters.

Uncaged: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

When I’m not writing, I’m thinking about writing—and I’m designing covers, rendering scenes/characters, creating ads, etc. I don’t really let myself do much else at this point. I have goals and I know they won’t accomplish themselves.

Uncaged: What is the hardest part of a book to write? What is the easiest? From start to finish, how long does it take to finish a complete book?

The most difficult part is probably the action scenes. I watched a Russian martial artist on Youtube for hours for Alec’s moves in Fire and Ice. But his fighting style is different from Janz’s or Elyse’s. So I had to find new inspiration for Crimson Frost when it was time to show Janz training Saph. And in Reigning Fire there are even more scenes with Saph and Elyse that I have to work out.
The easiest would be the emotional scenes. I just get in the character’s head and write what she feels.
In the past few years, it’s taken me about a year to finish each book. In 2018, I intend to change that.

Uncaged: What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

You can subscribe to my blog:
www.jessicavictoriafisette.com

Like my author page:
www.facebook.com/jessicavictoriafisette

Follow me on Instagram or Twitter @jvfisette

And from those links you can find and join Writers Unite! if you’re interested in honing your skills as a writer.

[symple_box color=”black” fade_in=”false” float=”center” text_align=”left” width=””]Jessica Victoria Fisette is the author of The Soul Reaper series, Fragments, and The Aldurian Chronicles. Her hobbies include discovering the benefits of natural medicine, wine tasting, and trying new recipes in the kitchen. She likes to unwind by typing out a scene or two in her latest obsession or indulging in a good book. Having been passionate about writing since she was a little girl, she is constantly coming up with new ideas for future stories and creating unique, strongwilled—albeit flawed—characters to overcome the difficult obstacles she places before them. Having spent all her life in rural Southeast Texas, she appreciates the tranquility of country living and hopes to implement such a love for nature into her beautiful, ever-so-curious little girl.[/symple_box]

jessicavictoriafisette.com

As seen in the March issue of Uncaged Book Reviews.

Uncaged: How much planning and research did it take for Antiquity’s Gate: Sanctuary? To me this seemed like a large undertaking – how long did it take to write? Is this your debut novel?

The characters of Antiquity’s Gate have lived in my head for a lot longer than the story itself. What began as a short story—a fast-paced, wild ride exploring a tiny moment in time—quickly outgrew that framework when I realized that there was so much more I wanted to tell. After that, a lot of time went into mapping out the different arcs to make certain that they would flow seamlessly through the whole series. I wanted my readers to be surprised—not me!

Because of the setting and events of Antiquity’s Gate, I had to do a lot of research on aspects of geography, history, and scientific areas in which my knowledge was somewhat lacking. I didn’t want to risk ruining a wonderful story with a shoddy backdrop! But when I sat down to write, my main goal was to create a science fiction novel that was approachable for everyone. I wanted fans of any genre to find within its pages characters that were relatable, rich, and worth investing in. I hope that I’ve succeeded in that. Although I have written stories in the past, this is the first novel I have written as a full-time author. The initial draft only took two months to complete, but we all know that that’s only the beginning! From start to finish, the process of rewriting, editing, and going back and forth with beta readers took just as long…okay, longer…than just getting the idea down on paper to begin with.

Uncaged: How many books are you planning for this series and can you tell readers more about the series?

The series is spread across six books. I have just recently started work on the third one, and am so excited for the world and characters to continue to grow. Together, the readers and I start our adventure at the edge of the world…and then we step off into the vast unknown!

There are still so many secrets to reveal, and so many aspects to explore. Although it’s separated into six parts, Antiquity’s Gate is ultimately one continuous story. I think this approach has its pros and cons. You can’t really pick up one of the middle stories and have a firm grasp of what’s happening, because there are so many subtle allusions to what’s come before. But the anticipation from book to book is one of pleasurable pain, and the closure for the reader at the series’ end will be that much sweeter for having taken the journey with me!

Uncaged: Are you planning on attending any conventions or in-person signings this year?

When my second novel, Antiquity’s Gate: Memoirs of the Forgotten, is closer to release, I am really looking forward to attending events. Because I’m not certain of the timeline, however, I haven’t committed to anything at this time. I will say that it is in the final editing stages, and I certainly hope to be updating my blog soon to reflect any future planned events!

Uncaged: Do you read your reviews? What do you take away from them?

I really love reading my reviews. I set out to write a story that people can feel passionate about and invested in. If they are, then I’ve accomplished my goal. If they aren’t, I am excited to find out why. That kind of constructive feedback helps me grow as a writer, and reach out to a larger audience. I’m always excited to hear from a reader, because ultimately all I’ve ever wanted was to share my stories with others. Even if they disagree with me on something, the fact that they took the time to not only read it, but also critique it, is a huge honor.

Uncaged: Can you tell us what you have coming up next?

I believe that my foreseeable future will be devoted to this series. When finished, I have a vision for a set of prequels. There are aspects of Antiquity’s Gate that, right from the beginning, I’ve hinted at. History and lore that just doesn’t fit into this particular story arc. Characters whose lives and motivations might not be fully realized until I take the time to tell their stories, too. After that, I’m not sure what direction I will head in—but I guarantee I will continue writing!
Uncaged: What is one of the nicest things someone has said to you about your books?

Like a proud parent, I find myself happy whenever someone wants to talk about Antiquity’s Gate. However, one of the things that made me really happy was a comment from one of the beta readers I used. We began as internet strangers, but we ended as friends. She wrote, “I have loved science fiction for a very long time (my dad introduced me to the genre), and I did not expect this story to be so original and fresh. It’s like nothing I’ve ever read before.” It really felt amazing to have someone with absolutely no vested interest in my feelings or my book tell me something like that for the first time.

Uncaged: What are your favorite parts about being an author? What have you found to be the least favorite?

I think that the most exhilarating part of being an author is bringing something into existence that previously resided only in the dark recesses of my mind. I have always loved to read. Exploring the worlds within the pages of a book is thrilling. I am blessed to have the opportunity to potentially offer that experience to others. I also love the rich layers that can be woven into a story. Antiquity’s Gate has many subtle points that people may miss all together on a first read. But if they enjoy it enough to go back later, perhaps they’ll catch these “Easter Eggs,” adding even more enjoyment and understanding to the story.

My least favorite part of being an author is the intense moment of second guessing that occurred when I finally felt that I had produced the best possible version of Antiquity’s Gate. Submitting the final product was an anxiety-inducing act, filled with worries. Was it really ready to share with the world? Would it ever be? But it didn’t take long to get over that dreadful moment.

Uncaged: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

I have five young kids, so they keep me pretty busy when I’m not writing. I enjoy drinking copious amounts of coffee, trying new things, and hanging out with friends. My husband and I love doing projects together, too. At the moment, we’re building a home office for me in the basement. I’m particularly excited as I’ll be able to write in my slippers with access to unlimited coffee.

Uncaged: What is the hardest part of a book to write? What is the easiest? From start to finish, how long does it take to finish a complete book?

The hardest part for me is the beginning. It’s not that I don’t know what will happen. I certainly know how it will end! It’s just that sitting down and looking at a blank canvas, the possibilities and adventures ahead can seem completely overwhelming. However, once I’ve reached my third or fourth cup of coffee and finally found the courage to start, the words just start flowing.

The easiest part is the dialogue. I love dialogue, and I can see my characters in my mind as they speak. Their expressions, actions, subtle body language. It feels so real to me that more often than not I end up needing to go back in and add description. The conversation gets away from me and I temporarily forget that the reader cannot see inside my head, no matter how convenient that might be!

From start to finish, Antiquity’s Gate: Sanctuary took about five months to produce. I expect that the next installment will take just slightly longer, as I am now juggling promoting the first book, editing the second, and writing the third. However, I’m confident that those excited to continue the story won’t have to wait too long!

Uncaged: What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

Thanks so much for taking a chance on a new author. Time is precious, books are many, and the fact that you’ve chosen to pick up Antiquity’s Gate is both humbling and thrilling for me. Please check out my blog at https://antiquitysgate.com, and/or follow me on Facebook (facebook.com/antiquitysgate) or Twitter (@rfhurteau). I’d love to hear from you!

[symple_box color=”black” fade_in=”false” float=”center” text_align=”left” width=””]Fed on a rich diet of sci-fi and fantasy from an early age, author R.F. Hurteau harbors a deep appreciation for both of these genres, whether it’s the written word or. Fueled by copious amounts of coffee and the desire to write approachable fiction with rich, relatable characters, she released her debut novel, Antiquity’s Gate: Sanctuary in November of 2017. The next book in the series, Antiquity’s Gate: Memoirs of the Forgotten, is slated for release in late spring. R.F. lives and writes in New England with her husband and five children. Before pursuing a full time writing career, she did freelance work writing copy and articles for websites, blogs, and emagazines.[/symple_box]

antiquitysgate.com

As seen in the March issue of Uncaged Book Reviews.

Uncaged: You write under the pen names of Leah Grant and Anne Wentworth – can you tell readers more about the two personas and why you keep them separate and how they differ?

Hello Cyrene – thank you for the opportunity to be a featured author. The Leah Grant pen name is for adult romance books and the Anne Wentworth pen name is for Young Adult, New Adult, Middle Grade and Science Fiction. Since I write multiple genres and for different age groups, it was an easy way to keep it separate.

Uncaged: I read Ghosts through the Mist and it was a standalone, but you also have been revising your Encircled By Gold series into the Viking Grave series. Can you tell readers why the transitions and revisions?

Well, first off, the muse has visited me and there is a second book after Ghosts Through The Mist, but not until later this year. (Don’t hold me to that) As for the transitions and revisions, now that I’m self-publishing, I feel much freer to write the way I want to and wanted to focus much more on the story and less on the heat. There is some spice, but more focus on feeling, emotion and journey. That is what stories are, journeys, and if the writing comes from the heart, the reader will want to travel along and find out what is in store.

Uncaged: You live in Canada and love the outdoors. Does that influence and inspire your writing? You have a saying on your Goodreads page that says, “Don’t be afraid to step into the storm.” What does that mean to you?

Yes, I love nature and have many ‘outdoor’ pets. We have a raven that has been visiting for the past six years, Scotty, and he’s a real pill. He showed up after we moved in and I fed him some bread. The next day he brought every relative he had…but it’s a blast. The Prairies have a tough winter, but there is always a trade-off, the thunder storms are show stoppers.

Don’t be afraid to step into the storm – it means not to be afraid of living, to be alive in your own life. So many walk around numb, tasking, and over- busy. Life is full of experiences good and bad, and you need to live it. Battle scars are a thing of beauty, as are wrinkles and gray hair.

Uncaged: Do you read your reviews? What do you take away from them?

I do read them. I always appreciate an honest and thoughtful review. A writer isn’t always going to receive five stars, but a constructive review can help you understand what the reader took/saw from the story. I am always interested in what the reader got from my book, how they saw it, how they interpreted it. Sometimes I’ve been surprised at what a reviewer said about a book. It can help a writer grow.

Uncaged: Can you tell us what you have coming up next?

Currently I am revising Second Saga, Book 2 in the Viking Grave Series, and have started Abby’s Road, Book 2 in the YA series, Just Whisper My Name. Also the third book in the Double Helix Nebula series for Science Fiction. I write the sci fi to amuse myself and have been having a good laugh with the social/space opera. It should be an interesting year.

Uncaged:What is one of the nicest things someone has said to you about your books?

That they felt as if they were with the main character and in the book, living the story.

Uncaged: What are your favorite parts about being an author? What have you found to be the least favorite?

I like the freedom of being an author, to get up every day and create. I love reading the story and being entertained by it. I dislike the power games and politics that are so prevalent in publishing, hence why I’m self-publishing and getting rights back.

Uncaged: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

Being outside if it’s above zero. I love cooking and baking and trying new recipes. My husband and I work on projects together, both on the house and property. Television- love The Grand Tour, Colony, Dirk Gently, The 100, and The Expanse. We live in an old house with lots of ‘activity’, so it’s never boring here. I love a good ghost story, mustangs, coffee and watching the ravens clowning about.

Uncaged: What is the hardest part of a book to write? What is the easiest? From start to finish, how long does it take to finish a complete book?

It isn’t like that for me, the book unfolds and I write it. The characters tell their story and it flows. I usually have 1-3 books I’m working on, so it can take time. I’ve been in the middle of writing a book when another pushes to the front and it takes over, so no rules here – just lots of coffee, lots and lots of coffee.

Uncaged: What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

Thank you for reading. Visit me at Facebook or my websites.

[symple_box color=”black” fade_in=”false” float=”center” text_align=”left” width=””]I live on the Canadian Prairies with my husband and our two self-directed felines – Miss Fish and Little Red (aka The Red Machine). I am fluent in three languages, English, husband and cat. If it’s paranormal, count me in. I love a good ghost story and have a few of my own to tell. There is nothing sadder than an empty coffee cup. Battle scars from living a life are really beauty marks of understanding and growth. Love mustangs, sci fi, chocolate and thunder storms.[/symple_box]

leahgrantthewriter.com