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Without further ado, I present the winner, Kayla!
Sorry about the hat picking & photo-taking quality for this contest; I was away for most of the weekend, so time was limited since I wanted to have the winner up asap!
But anyway, Kayla, please email me your address (bookvault@yahoo.com) so I can have your prize sent out! Congrats!
And my Francey giveaway has started for anyone interested! You're all more than welcome to enter! :D
And now onto my fun interview with the wonderful J. Scott Savage!
1) Where did you get your inspiration to create Earth’s sister world, Far World, and all the new creatures and characters that live there?
I’ve always loved the concept of “sister worlds” as you so aptly describe them. What is the relationship between these two worlds? Why the link? You get some hints but you don’t really know too much. As far as the creatures, I don’t have a problem with fantasy novels that feature the “typical” elves, dwarves, fairies, etc. But I wanted enough unique creatures that you feel like you are exploring an unknown world, not just a “fantasy” world. I was somewhat limited by page count in Water Keep, so I couldn’t really explore the world as much as I can in future books.
2) Who was your favorite character to write about?
It’s funny that most people focus on Marcus, and I like him a lot. But I think there’s some real depth to Kyja that we have to explore in future books.
3) How’d you come up with the name “Kyja?” Did you just make her name up at the top of you head or is there some etymology or symbolism behind her name?
Actually my wife came up with Kyja. It just sounded right. I told her that I was looking for a name that was not a common Earth name, but that wouldn’t be too hard to pronounce since she will be mentioned so much. Lot ’s of other names in the books have symbolism or deeper meaning, but I just liked the sound of Marcus and Kyja.
4) Which character would you least want to be, if you had to spend a day as any of your characters?
Probably Riph Raph. I like him. He has attitude and gets kind of snarky at times, which is cool. But I just don’t see myself as him. I’d like to be Cascade for a day to see the world through his eyes.
5) Would you rather live on Far World or on Earth?
I think one reason people write and read fantasy is because we want to explore new worlds. Unfortunately most of Earth has been explored. So I have to say Farworld.
6) How many books will there be in your Far World series and when does the next one come out (I’m already dying to read it!)?
Five books total. At this point it looks like they will all be fall releases. I’m so excited about book two. It has some incredible stuff in it. The feel reminds me a lot of Harry Potter book four, which was my favorite.
7) If you could visit any place that was real, where would you like to go and why? Which fantasy/non-existent place?
I really want to go visit some South American ruins. You know the whole Indiana Jones, rain forest kind of thing. I’ve only been in one rain forest and I loved it! New Zealand would be fun too. As far as fantasy, it would be a toss up between Hogwarts and the Shire.
8) What where some of your favorite books and genres from your childhood?
I was (and still am) a real bookcoholic. I used to cut school to go to the library. Weird kid huh? But I read everything. Fantasy, horror, non-fiction. Everything from Peter Straub to Judy Blume. I used to pick books at random just so I could read them without having any idea what I was getting into.
9) Where is your favorite place to write?
I love writing in the library. It feels like I’m soaking up all the story ideas.
10) Do you listen to music when you write?
I do when I am editing. Lots of 70s and 80s classic rock. But when I am writing I really need to get lost in my story. Occasionally I’ll play some theme music. My bad guy music was AC/DC. Kyja and Marcus got a lot of Aerosmith and Led Zepplin.
11) How’s the pond (and your fish) doing?
It wasn’t a good year for the fish in the pond. We had some fatalities.
And now onto the “3” questions!
1) 3 must have books if you were stranded on a deserted island?
LOTR (it comes in one book right?)
Bag of Bones by Stephen King (Just because I love the writing in that book.)
And probably something like “How to Survive on a Deserted Island For Dummies”
2) Which three words would you use to describe yourself?
(My ten-year-old suggested stupid. Grr.) My wife offered eclectic.)
How about lucky, quirky, and happy.
3) 3 favorite ice cream flavors?
Mint chocolate chip, rocky road, and Berry Berry .
4) 3 favorite books of all time?
So as not to confuse the island question, let’s go with:
The Talisman
Lord Foul’s Bane
Ender’s Game
(Does it make me a total loser that I didn’t choose anything classical?)
Back to normal questions!:
1) Any advice to aspiring writers?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t get published.
2) Any advice for life in general?
If you want anything bad enough there is almost always a way to accomplish it.
And a random one to round it all off:
Hamburger or hot dog? Ohhh, that may be the toughest of all questions. I’m going to have to go with a New York hot dog, covered with onions, mustard, celery salt, and a big slice of dill pickle.
My thanks to Mr. Savage! Don't forget to keep an eye out for Far World: Water Keep when it hits book stores in September!!
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