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?

Alisha Klapheke, 43

Fiona: Where are you from?

Nashville, TN

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

I grew up in the southern US, moving from town to town, making up stories for my younger cousins. At first, I wanted to be a teacher or a businessy sort so I worked by way to a BS in Marketing and a Masters Degree in Education. I taught elementary school for five years before deciding to work alongside my husband at our martial arts school. Writing professionally didn’t pop up until my first child was born fourteen years ago. I have a lovely family and two fabulous cats.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I just released Dragons Rising Book Two, Band of Breakers.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing seriously when my first child was a baby because my brain was soooo bored. I’d always been a writer, but more of a hobbyist. I love entertaining people with stories and working my imagination.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I wrote my first query letter to an agent and received a manuscript request.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

History. I’m obsessed with it.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

Well I never published that first one so it’ll have to stay a secret for now.

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

I find it difficult to talk about my own style. It’s tough to see the forest when you’re inside the trees. It’s all challenging. If it weren’t, I wouldn’t be so drawn to it.

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

Nothing about my latest book is realistic except for the emotional aspects as friendships, love, fear, and courage. Elves, dragons, magic fill my stories. I love fantasy.

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

I do travel because ancient places inspire my story settings. I take lots of pictures and write out notes about how people behave and what they eat.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

For my latest book, Damonza.

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

Friendship is worth everything. Courage isn’t something you are born with; it’s something you hone over time.

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?

Today, I began reading CN Crawford’s Dark King. It’s really fun. My favorite writer (there are so many) is probably Leigh Bardugo because her characters are hilarious and her settings are intricate and unique.

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

I had an agent, Kathleen Rushall from Andrea Brown, who supported me from the get to.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely. This is my full time job.

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

I don’t think so.

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

Yes! The folklore surrounding gryphons and familiars is fascinating.

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

Jennifer Lawrence?

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Write your entire series and rapid release it. Make sure you find other authors to read your work and listen to their suggestions. Read, read, read.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

You are fabulous!!!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Dark King by CN Crawford

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I think it was Winnie the Pooh. I loved the fabric cover and the sketches. I used to hide in my closet and read it over and over again.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Self-deprecating humor and the loss of a parent

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

CS Lewis because I feel like he had some mad wisdom and Queen Elizabeth because she rocked.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Muay Thai kickboxing, gardening, guitar

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

Peaky Blinders, The Crown, Game of Thrones (that ending sucked tho), and A Discovery of Witches

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Pizza with banana peppers and feta, dark purple and dark green, moody alternative

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

I’d be a bartender on a remote island or up in the Rockies. Sounds simple. Fun.

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

I would spend it with my family at a water park riding slides and drinking Icees.

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

Here lies a gal who wished magic were real

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

alishaklapheke.com

The first book in my Dragons Rising series is 99c right now.

Amazon Author Page:   https://www.amazon.com/Alisha-Klapheke/e/B06WVTQK35

Thanks for having me!