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?

My name is Angela Sanders and I’m *chokes* forty-one. I’ll be forty-two in September. I was twenty-nine for years, but on my fortieth birthday, my son told me that I was “going” to be forty, and that lying was a sin. So, I had to turn forty (secretly turning thirty again). LOL. Out of the mouths of babes.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Middle of Nowhere, Kentucky

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

I’m a retired Navy Chief, wife, and Mommy to the greatest little boy in the world. I studied Business Management at University of Phoenix (what feels like eons ago) and learned a lot at the school of hard knocks while I served in the Navy. Before becoming an author, I was a syndicated political writer/editor, and appeared on several radio talk shows, including BBC Radio. Thankfully, I left the political world behind for the things that dreams are made of: Books! Ask me about politics, and I’ll talk about vampires. J

I’m an International bestselling author of Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy, and also, branching out, I’ve written an Amazon bestselling Psychological Thriller, called Never Again. It was featured in a Mystery and Thriller Box set and will soon be released to e-book once I write another thriller to go along with it.

Oh, this is supposed to be about my life—I basically eat, sleep, and breath some form of the bookish world, unless I’m spending time with my family. I’m also an editor for award-winning, bestselling, and USA Today Bestselling authors. I absolutely love what I do. You can find me on my covered back patio under the light of the moon, typing away. Oh, and watching for rascally little critters who live in the woods and like to scare the crap out of me by climbing my deck. Critters include: resident skunk, possum, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, coyotes, and some kind of shrieking devil-creature that swoops down from my roof. I have no idea what it is. But I won’t lie; I might run inside a little. Maybe. It’s a demon spawn. I just know it.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’m currently working on the long-overdue finale of my Delphine Rising Series, and it should release May 15th. Yay! I know my readers are ready to throttle me over that one. I never wait that long between releases to finish, but it kept getting pushed to the backburner.
I have several new series to be released this year, too.

The content is a surprise. Here’s the series’ names. Other than my Elite Readers group, no one but close friends know. In addition to Magic Revealed coming May 15th…

1. Grave Souls (The Keeper of Souls Chronicles Book 1)

  1. Cursed Magic (The Crystal Legacy Chronicles Book 1)
  2. Moon Magic (The New Orleans Coven Book 1) –a new spin-off and follow-up series from Delphine Rising
  3. Flirting With Magic (Casting in the Wind Duology Book 1)
  4. Secret project co-writing with… Angela Kulig
  5. Once Upon a Wedding (Paranormal Romance Book #3) co-written with USA Today Bestselling author, Joanna Mazurkeiwicz

To name a few for this year.

I’ve started something fun with my readers. We play a fan fiction game where I send out a series of four questions. They either email or post their answers in my Facebook Elite Reader group. It has been an absolute blast! The fan fiction shorts are hilarious. I choose a winner using a random number generator, and then write the story with some of their crazy answers in my Delphine Rising World, sharing it in my group and newsletter. After we’ve accumulated around ten or so, I’m going to combine them all into a free anthology, where each short is attributed to the winners, and given away to all readers. A thank you gift from me to them. I also send a signed copy of the original short to the winner.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

My first book was published June 2017.
I first began writing as an outlet, a journal of sorts once I left the cesspool that is politics. I met several wonderful authors who I first read, then began editing for, and it started from there. I was “told” to write and finish my books.
To be honest, I was terrified. Afraid people would hate my books because they are such a part of who I am. Although they’re fiction, there’s bits of my truth and life experiences in each one. I’m so creative and original, I named two of the main characters after my sister and real-life childhood best friend and fellow author. Haha! Seriously, though. The characters couldn’t have another name; that’s how they came to me. The Delphine Rising series was my first. Maybe that’s why it’s been so hard to end. The characters have a spin-off in my Hybrid Coven series, but “finale” is so final.

Writing for me is an escape, much like reading. It gives me peace in my soul, and if even one person loves my books, I’m touched, and it warms my heart. If you read the author’s note in many of my books, you’ll learn about the nuggets of truth spread throughout each one. This is why I write: to cleanse my soul. To have that one reader reach out to me and say my words lifted their spirits, or something in my books made them think. I could go on… But I’m sure Fiona is tired of my droning. I’ll stop. If you’d like to know more, you can email me anytime at books@angelasandersbooks.com. I answer all ofmy email. I’d love to hear from you.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Am I a writer? Ha! No really… I think it was when my third book hit number one in Canada on my 40th birthday. Even though the first two didn’t do too bad for an “unknown” author, the fact that my book was #1 in Vampires, Witches, and top 1K in the Amazon paid store, blew me away! I had no idea. Another author, who just so happens to be Canadian, messaged me on Facebook to tell me. So, Happy Birthday to me. I’d finally arrived and felt like I’d accomplished something, although I was really, really far in the red. Almost two years later, I’m just now starting to get out of that. I didn’t know any better. But, hey, it’s a learning process, and my books mean the world to me.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My family and life experiences. My characters are inspired from family and friends; the book, well, the experiences are a “magical version” of my own. As an author, you can kill personal demons with MAGIC and beautiful things. Turn and awful experience into something positive. Raging Inferno is me.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

A fire deep inside me was raging. The witch, Abby (MC), her magic of choice was fire, but there’s an element to the story that blazed with the name: Raging Inferno. Readers see it and feel it a little in the beginning, and a lot at the end, leading to the next book.

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

I guess my style is unique in a way that it’s all me. It’s changed so much in just the two short years I’ve been writing fiction. I write more action in my paranormal romance, where the romance is there, but it’s not the main plot. So, several of my books are a mixture of Urban Fantasy and PNR. There’s also a thriller and suspense aspect. This in and of itself can be hard to place them in any one niche or sub-genre.

I always have humor mixed with family, ties that bind, and friendships. The one thing you’ll notice about my characters is, there is always a choice between good and evil. No one is ever “inherently” evil. Magic is also prevalent in all but my psych thriller. I love all things witches, vampires, and hybrids.

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

All of it—based on real experiences and people I know, mixed with magic and fantasy in most of them. I believe most authors scatter pieces of their soul within their books. This is what I do.

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

Just to my back porch, office, or my recliner. All of my individually written books are based in New Orleans. My headquarters was there years ago while I was in the Navy, and I fell in love with the place, the culture, and its people. I felt at home there—the magic was almost palpable in the air. I can’t wait to go back for another visit.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

All of my individually written books, the covers were designed by Christian Bentulan, Covers by Christian. He has always been my one and only designer, and he created my brand. A kind and beautiful soul!
My co-authored titles with Joanna Mazurkewicz were designed by the amazingly talented, Lori Grundy.

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?

Wow. There are so many. I honestly can’t choose one, so I’ll go with what I always buy immediately as soon as I see the pre-order. Kim Peterman. She is absolutely hilarious! I love all of her books, and I believe there’s only one series I haven’t read.

I love to laugh. I need it in my life.  Start with the Hot Damned Series and laugh your butt off!

Melinda Leigh—she writes Romantic Suspense, and I can’t get enough! I love her books and snatch them up immediately.

Kim Harrison—need I say more? She’s just amazeballs all the way around!

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

There are three who supported me from day one: Danielle James, Joanna Mazurkewicz, and Tina Glasneck. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Above all, I give all the glory to God for giving me the ability to write my books.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes and no. It is in a sense, but I also look at it as something I love. Something I “have” to do for myself. I also have to make sure I balance my time with my family and my “career.” This is where I need to prioritize my time differently.

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

I would revise one of them a bit more. Although it was professionally edited, I feel it needs more. (I’m not naming which one.People love it, but I’m more critical of myself than others.)

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

I’m going to go with Never Again. I learned that I am strong, even in the face of trials and tragedy. I can and will overcome, but I have to remain faithful.

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

Rosario Dawson or Zoe Saldana

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Never give up. Usually when you think your writing is crap, it’s most likely the best thing you’ve ever written. Do not delete your work. Ever. You may use it or need it later. Find people you can trust, but who will also be honest with you and give you constructive feedback. You don’t want everyone to tell you, “Hey, this is awesome!” When in reality, there’s a big, fat, plot hole right smack in the middle. Be honest, and never take shortcuts. Be kind. Lift others up and rejoice in their success, just as you would want them to do for you. As authors, we are a community, and we need to stick together.

Rumor mills are just that:Rumors. Ignore that mess and go on with your business.

I go back to my first statement: Never give up. This was my mantra in the Navy, and it’s my mantra now.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing by my side and supporting me this past year during all of my surgeries, setbacks—everything. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to write my books. I love you guys.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I just finished Tricia Barr’s Shifter Academy (Siren Prophecy), and holy cow! I need more. I do hope she and her co-authors decide to write more, or even a spin-off. I’m in serious book hangover mode. I keep thinking about the ending and what should happen next. I could just message her and ask. Haha! If you’re looking for a great YA/NA series (I normally don’t read YA) this series is for you! I was loathed to put it down when I had to work.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Oh, my gosh. That was so long ago. I’ve been a bookworm all my life. I was reading before Kindergarten. The first book that pops into my mind is Huckleberry Finn, but I know that’s not the first. My goodness, I’ve devoured thousands, no doubt.

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

 I’m a simple person. Meeting someone famous would be okay, I guess, but I lived in California. I’m kind of over it. Famous authors would be great, but family would be better.

I would want to see my grandmother one last time. She passed in 2011. I miss her, but I wouldn’t want her back or in pain, just for a visit so we could chat over coffee. Her advice and hugs… She was my living angel on this earth, and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about her, or I’m not reminded of her.

 Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Reading. The beach. Reading. The beach. Oops. I repeated myself. Reading, a lot.

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

The Vampire Diaries and The Originals (So mad it was canceled, but at least there’s a spin-off), Sabrina, Charmed (The old one), Practical Magic, True Blood, Dexter, Fried Green Tomatoes, Steel Magnolias, Anything Marvel or Avengers, Witches of Eastend (The WB sucks for cancelling that with no ending), Grim….

Anything with magic, vampires, awesomeness that doesn’t suck. And of course, sappy, chick flicks.

 Gone With the Wind is the best movie ever made. I watched it with my mamaw (grandmother)all the time until she died. We recited it by heart, and she told me all about the making of it, how the book differed, parts that were cut out, and so on. Oh, how I miss those days.

 Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Mexican food is my fave!

Favoritecolor is blue.

Music: Christian Rock on Christian Family Radio, 80s rock, Alternative, Country, and some of the classics. Unless I’m writing a psych thriller, then it’s “Let the Bodies Hit the Floor.”

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

 Um, not breathe?Seriously. I can no longer work outside the home, and this is what I do. I would probably lose my mind. Considering I’m allergic to cats, I couldn’t even become a cat lady. It would suck all kinds of suckiness.

Oh. My. Gosh. That would mean, I might have to get out and socialize with people about things other than books. I’d just work for the church. Or become a hermit.

 Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time? 

 With my family. No question about it. I would make sure they know how much I love them and how special they are to me. Life is a blessing.

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

Loving wife. Blessed beyond measure to be Brendan’s Mom.

(I don’t really know, but my son is a miracle baby, so that’s the first thing I could think of)

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

My books can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angela-Sanders/e/B072RM6BM5/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Or my website: https://angelasandersbooks.com/

Sign up for my newsletter and start the Delphine Rising Series for free: http://subscribe.angelasandersbooks.com/u2w2v8_copy

 

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