One of my good friends, one of my oldest friends actually, is also a writer and boy does she spin a good yarn! I decided to ask her some questions and here are her answers.
Check out her book, Thief of Hope, available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com!
INTERVIEW
- What are your best/worst writing habit(s)?
My worst writing habit is not writing. LOL. It’s really hard to plan the time for writing with so many other things going on. There’s often the choice of either writing or sleeping, and sleeping does sometimes win out. On the other hand, when I do finally start writing a particular section, I get in the groove and the words just come out.
- Where do you find the most inspiration for life in general and for writing?
My big inspiration comes from people who have overcome adversity in some way. Whether it’s an adult learning to read after a lifetime of illiteracy or someone who’s just found a job and can now support their family and pay the bills, or the courageous people throughout the world who are standing up for their freedom in the face of oppression. Maybe it’s silly and idealistic, but these things really do inspire me. And they inspire my writing.
- Do you like to write with an outline or fly by the seat of your pants?
I’m a total pantser. I can’t write an outline to save my life, and really, I’ve tried. I usually know a few key plot points along the way, but how I get from point A to point F is totally up in the air. Sometimes I’ll start a chapter and be surprised by what happens. It’s kind of fun but scary also. At least I can’t give away what’s going to happen because I don’t know yet!
- Not to put you on the hotspot, but who’s your favorite character in Thief of Hope and why?
Aw, this is like asking a parent to pick their favorite child! I love all the characters in Thief of Hope. Of course I have a special affinity for Sydney because she’s the main character. But I’ll go out on a limb and say that I think one of the most interesting characters is Zared. He has so many shades of gray. I don’t want to give anything away, but you can either read him as a total scumbag or someone who ultimately tries to do the right thing. So if you’re curious, read the book and tell me what you think.
- What’s your favorite book ever?
I’m not sure I can pick just one. A few of my favorites off the top of my head are Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, and Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. An eclectic group, just like my taste in books.
- If you were trapped on a desert island, what three things couldn’t you do without?
Do electronic devices count? If so, then my laptop, chocolate, and pen and paper for when the laptop battery runs out. Will Johnny Depp and a stash of rum be there also? LOL
- What’s stranger: truth or fiction?
Truth, definitely. The internet has opened up a whole new world of the bizarre. You can’t make that stuff up.
- Do you have a writer you aspire to be?
I would love to be the kind of writer whose books really speak to people and make them think about the world and other viewpoints. Ursula LeGuin does that so well.
- Any plans for a Thief of Hope sequel?
Yup, I’m working on a sequel now, titled Thief of Destiny. Sydney’s story isn’t over yet. Many of the old favorites from the first book will be back, plus some interesting new characters. The scope is much larger than the first book also. You’ll see a lot more of the kingdom as Sydney travels beyond the only home she’s ever known.
8. Who’s your hero and why?
It’s hard to pick on person in particular. Since I’ve become a mom, I’ve come to realize it’s like being in the Marines–the toughest job you’ll ever love. So I have to say single moms are definitely my heroes. Somehow they do it all.
Nancy M. Griffis 
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