Mia Darien Author Interview

Hi All!
 Please help me to welcome Mia Darien to my blog today. She is a great author and person.

 Here is her quaint interview!

Tell me a bit about yourself:

I never really feel like there's much to tell. I spend most of my life chasing a two (almost three) year old around. And when I'm not doing that, I am writing or doing writer-ly like things! On occasion, I sleep and clean. *lol*

What type of genre do you write?

I write all types, really. I like science fiction, fantasy, romance, thriller/suspense, erotica, horror/paranormal, and I write whatever I feel inspired to. My stories usually blend two or more of those.

What genre to you personally read?

All of the above! Whatever strikes my fancy, including some classic British literature and the occasional non-fiction.

Tell me about your latest?

My most recently released titles are "Sub Rosa" -- the first book in my Turnabout Tales series -- and "Voracious" -- the third book in my Adelheid series. Turnabout Tales seeks to take classic fairy tales and bend genders and relationships. "Sub Rosa" is Beauty & the Beast, but where "Beauty" is a guy and "Beast" is a girl. "Voracious" is in my Adelheid series, which is paranormal suspense, and follows D as he makes a journey of... paranormal self-discovery, shall we say.

Where is your book available?

You can find out about all my book at my website, miadarien.com, but they are also available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

Where you live and one thing you love about it

I live in New England. I love the history of the place, feeling the roots going all the way back to the 1600s, in some areas.

Website: http://www.miadarien.com

What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?

That's a tough one. I was a very early reader, progressing to adult fiction when I was eleven. Grew up with my mother in college, surrounded by books. Interested in Shakespeare at eight, though it took till I was older to read it, but I could follow along with much of it when seen/heard. I can't really remember a time when I wasn't in love with books and stories. I started writing when I was fourteen, and haven't looked back.

Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?

I suppose I could say "Night Mare" by Piers Anthony. It was the first adult fiction book I ever read for pleasure. Took my three tries from the ages of ten to eleven, but when I finally was able to grasp it, I stayed up till seven in the morning reading it. I was in love and began devouring fantasy at a crazy rate.

What was the seed of inspiration for your latest book?

"Voracious" originally started as my husband's idea, both the concept and the main character. I stole them, with his permission, and crafted the rest of the story around it. "Sub Rosa" was my love of Beauty and the Beast, and my inability to find a version with the swapped genders. If you can't find it or don't like how it's done, write it yourself!

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

I don't aim for it, but in my Adelheid series, I tackle the idea of equality in people, even if you're different. Through history and in present day, I don't think it's hard to see what the "message" there is that can apply to our lives.

What challenges have you faced in your writing career?

Like any writer, I've had plenty of rejection. Now that I'm self-published, I have challenges to over-come at every level, particularly the area of marketing which I am not good at.

What has been your best moment as a writer?

I think when I sent my first Adelheid story to the first review blog, my first ever, and got a great rating and review. I was so stoked.

Who is your author idol?

I don't really think that I have one... I don't idolize anyone, that I know of.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Ha! Yes, indeed. Sadie and Dakota, the narrators (first person) of the first two Adelheid books, respectively. I've been told that Dakota in particular sounds like me (told this by my mother), but a version of me that actually says the snarky things that come into her head, which I don't do but somehow my mother seems to suspect.

Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?

Both! There is always more to do!

What is your personal cure for procrastination?

Sheer strength of will. I just realize I'm procrastinating and tell myself to get my butt back to work.

What does your workspace look like?

My house… seriously, I have a laptop and a notebook. I work anywhere and everywhere in my house, and sometimes at my family's house. Would probably write in the car, if I didn't get carsick!

Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?

Many, many, many days... It's a really hard gig, but the voices in my head wouldn't shut up even if I did, so I keep at it.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I do the stay-at-home mom thing, and stay-at-home wife thing. If I'm not actually writing, I'm doing writing related things, I write as a hobby in other venues, or I read, have other random occasional activities, and sometimes I get a chance to play World of Warcraft.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

You have to be *insane* to be a writer. ;-)

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?

I was home educated from fifth to twelfth grade and my mother was my teacher. As an English major, she was a noted writer in school who had copies of papers kept by professors or read out loud to the class, so she had a real drive to make sure that I could write good college level papers before she'd "let" me graduate. So, I learned about working hard to write well, and always striving to do my best, and to do better. To always analyze and understand.

Did you have a moment when you realized you were meant to be a writer

Not that I recall. It just kind of happened over time. I started writing, and just kept writing, and then a few years later, stopped and looked back. "Oh, guess this is what I'm supposed to do."

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Don't give up. Be strong. Be smart. Be stubborn.

After this book, what is next?

Right now, I'm doing a lot of projects to help out some fellow authors, but writing-wise, I've got the fourth Adelheid book in process, a high fantasy trilogy, and a sci-fi romance. If only I had all the time and energy to match up with all of my ideas...

Hope you liked the interview and go check out her book. If you want to reach her you can at: Website: http://www.miadarien.com. Stop by, take a look around, leave a comment, do something. It was great working with her!