Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

 Hello, Fiona! My name is Aisha Tritle, and I’m 22 years old.

 Fiona: Where are you from?

 I’m originally from Phoenix, Arizona, but moved to Los Angeles four years ago. I grew up spending the summers between Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Samukawa, Japan.

 Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

 I was homeschooled growing up, and started taking college classes at the age of fourteen. My mother’s from Japan and my dad’s from Iowa, so I grew up with an influx of both Japanese and Midwestern culture.

I was very involved in the performing arts growing up, being a ballet dancer and competitive pianist while participating in community theatre. I did the whole Disney Channel-audition route when I was in junior high and high school, and originally moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Currently, I mainly focus on writing and working with startups – but I did a Contemporary Drama course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and hope to attend more courses there.

 Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

The first novella of my new vampire series, Quimby Bay, will be out in May or June! The startup I work for, Meanwise, is also going through very exciting changes and we’ll be announcing new partnerships and features very soon.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing for almost as long as I’ve been able to read. I quickly learned to love reading when I was very young, and I think that sparked my imagination so much that I had to express myself through creative writing.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I started to consider myself a writer when my first play, “The Misfortune of Lionel Schlüsselberg,” was published – and then performed. It really built up my confidence in my writing skills.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I was very fond of the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz when I was growing up. But I always wished there were more Adventure series’ with strong female protagonists. So, a couple years ago, I decided to write the Adventure novel with the female protagonist I always wanted.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I’m terrible at coming up with titles! I studied Latin when I was in junior high and my go-to process for coming up with cool titles has been to look up relevant words in Latin. I believe “occidis” means “to fall” or “to crush.”

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

 I don’t think I have a specific writing style. Very early on, I had people tell me my writing was, “too wordy.” So, I’ve tried to simplify my style to make it easy-to-read. It’s challenging to make sure the style is simple but not too bland.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Occidis is very much not based on any experiences I’ve had, haha. There are characters, however, who are based off of people I know. The character of Davey is based off someone I know, as is Kristin.

I had a very active imagination when I was little (still do), and grew up with a lot of genius homeschoolers. Also, I was obsessed with spies! So I always daydreamed about what would happen if child geniuses were recruited as spies. That’s pretty much the premise of Occidis.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

I draw on past travels for inspiration! When I was little, my great-uncle had a place on the Japanese island, Enoshima. I’d stay there during the summers, and it’s prominently featured in Occidis. In the sequel to Occidis, Hertfordshire and Lisbon play key parts – and I recently traveled there in November.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Syneca Featherstone.

 Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

It’s never too late for redemption.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

 Unfortunately, I haven’t been keeping tabs on new writers! I spend most of my time writing, and when I read it’s usually a novel by Anthony Horowitz or Agatha Christie. Agatha Christie is definitely my favorite writer. I’m on a mission to collect all her work! Every novel she wrote was full of twists and wit, and The Mousetrap is one of my favorite plays.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

My friend Miranda! She’s supported me from the beginning, read and provided feedback on all my work.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I do! I hope to make it my main career in the future.  

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I wouldn’t change anything in the book. I wrote this book from the hip, though. Next time, I’ll make sure I have an outline as outlines make everything easier.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I learned to make sure to have an outline before I start writing, haha. I also learned consistency is important. I feel much more connected to the story when I write a little bit each day, instead of in spurts.

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Camila Mendes from Riverdale would make a great Sophia.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Keep writing! Practice makes perfect.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you for reading my book! I promise my writing will improve as I go along – so I hope everyone sticks around and keeps tabs on my work.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Nothing at the moment, but I’m going to read The Tory Widow by Christine Blevins soon.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Well, I believe the very first book I ever read was a simple story about a cat. The first book I truly seriously read though was Pride & Prejudice when I was seven.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

British comedies! I laugh and cry when I watch them.

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

Agatha Christie. She seemed like such an intriguing individual, and I adore her mysteries.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I do! I sing and recently started writing music.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

Doctor Who is my all-time favorite show ever! I also really like Broadchurch. My favorite movie of all time is Casino Royale (2016).

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Favorite food? Steak and potatoes. Favorite color? Light blue. Favorite music? I listen to The Fray and Needtobreathe all the time.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

That’s so hard to imagine! I would probably focus on acting, music, and growing startups.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

“She did everything she could with everything she had.”

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

I’m in the process of setting up my website! But I am very active on social media, and post updates on all my profiles frequently.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aisharebekah/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aishatritle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AishaRebekah/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aisha-tritle-cipp-a69457112/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17207184.Aisha_Tritle

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Aisha-Tritle/e/B076CW3QGP

Link to Occidis on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Occidis-Sophia-Moreau-Aisha-Tritle/dp/1979014418/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Occidis on B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/occidis-aisha-tritle/1127190757?type=eBook