Name Anna Zaires
Age 29
Where are you from
That’s a tough one. Originally? Russia. Most recently? New York.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life ect
After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, I spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. Then my husband and I started writing. In 2013 we became full-time authors, pursuing our lifelong dream of writing. Dima Zales (a science fiction and fantasy author) and I are happily married and closely collaborate with each other on all our works.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
We are finishing The Sorcery Code, our first fantasy novel. At the same time, I am working on Twist Me, a dark erotic novel that will be released next year.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing Close Liaisons last summer because I was bored with the books I was reading and couldn’t find anything like the fantasy I had in my head. So I decided to write it myself, and my husband immediately encouraged me in the endeavor. We ended up collaborating on the entire Krinar Chronicles series, and our lives changed completely.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
October 2012, when Close Liaisons was published.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
The fact that I couldn’t find anything like it to read – and really wanted to read it.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I think so. I tend to be fairly descriptive without being flowery, and I like it when each sentence follows the next in a logical manner. My key goal when I write is to make sure the book can be read easily and is absorbing.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
My husband and I always brainstorm titles together during our walks.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
We write to entertain, first and foremost. All else is secondary.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
Close Liaisons, the first book in the Krinar series, is actually fairly realistic, considering it’s an erotic sci-fi romance that takes place on Earth several years after an alien invasion. We wanted to make it as real as possible, so we show the full range of how the world has changed in subtle ways.
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Nope. Just my imagination.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind. I must’ve read that one a hundred times. Also books by Linda Howard – she’s my favorite contemporary author.
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Linda Howard. I think she’s an amazing writer and I’ve learned a great deal from reading her books.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I’m re-reading Loving Evangeline by Linda Howard. For about the 50th time.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I really love the way Skye Warren writes. Some of her books are rather dark, but she writes beautifully.
Fiona: What are your current projects?
The Sorcery Code – a fantasy novel collaboration with my husband – and Twist Me.
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My friends and first beta readers, Tanya and Lina.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely. That’s what we’re planning to do for the rest of our lives.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not really. As an indie author, I actually can change whatever I want in any book I want, but I try not to do so once the books are published.
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I have always been an avid reader, so I think the interest originated there.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Sure. Here is our blurb for The Sorcery Code. We are very excited about this novel.
From the internationally bestselling authors who brought you the Krinar Chronicles comes a captivating tale of intrigue, love, and danger in a world where sorcery is entwined with science . . .
Once a respected member of the Sorcerer Council and now an outcast, Blaise has spent the last year of his life working on a special magical object. The goal is to allow anyone to do magic, not just the sorcerer elite. The outcome of his quest is unlike anything he could’ve ever imagined – because, instead of an object, he creates Her.
She is Gala, and she is anything but inanimate. Born in the Spell Realm, she is beautiful and highly intelligent – and nobody knows what she’s capable of. She will do anything to experience the world . . . even leave the man she is beginning to fall for.
Augusta, a powerful sorceress and Blaise’s former fiancée, sees Blaise’s deed as the ultimate hubris and Gala as an abomination that must be destroyed. In her quest to save the human race, Augusta will forge new alliances, becoming tangled in a web of intrigue that stretches further than any of them suspect. She may even have to turn to her new lover Barson, a ruthless warrior who might have an agenda of his own . . .
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I am obsessed with “flow” and often struggle to find just the right word to fit the sentence perfectly.
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Linda Howard. Her writing style is just amazing.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not yet, but we’ll attend some conferences next year.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
The Krinar Chronicles series covers were designed by Art of Patricia Lira, while Twist Me and The Sorcery Code were done by Eden Crane Designs.
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Making sure everything is logical and consistent during the editing process.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
That I can actually write a book :).
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write, edit, and get it out there. You never know what could happen.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
We love you! No, seriously, we really do, and we hugely appreciate your support.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies
Reading, watching addictive TV shows, and taking long walks or bike rides with my amazing husband
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching
Anything scifi/paranormal, plus comedies like Entourage and How I Met Your Mother
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Favorite food – goat cheese. Favorite color – don’t have one. Favorite music – varies depending on my mood.
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done ?
Probably the same thing I did before – choosing stocks for investment portfolios.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? if so what is it?
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