{"id":6739,"date":"2016-12-01T05:00:37","date_gmt":"2016-12-01T13:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/?p=6739"},"modified":"2016-12-13T21:34:26","modified_gmt":"2016-12-14T05:34:26","slug":"interview-with-emily-english-author-of-uniting-the-heavens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/interview-with-emily-english-author-of-uniting-the-heavens\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Emily English, Author of “Uniting the Heavens” and signed book GIVEAWAY"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Emily English is an author who recently (November 6, 2016) released her first novel, “Uniting the Heavens<\/strong><\/a>.” I’ve known Emily my entire life, because she is my sister!<\/em><\/p>\n

What is Uniting the Heavens <\/i>about?<\/h2>\n

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Uniting the Heavens<\/strong><\/a><\/em> is a blend of fantasy and mythology with a steampunk undertone. It\u2019s the story of a librarian\u2019s apprentice named Aren who struggles with his identity and self-worth. One day, a message addressed to the Lord Tiede, ruler of the most powerful House in the land, ends up in Aren\u2019s hands. Aren, ever loyal and wanting to please, goes out of his way to deliver the message, and that\u2019s when his world begins to unravel. Gods and magic clash, and Aren has to pull himself together to save the city and the people he loves.<\/p>\n

How did the novel evolve from your original idea 20 years ago?<\/h2>\n

The story has been in my head for about 20 years, but the writing actually took a little over three years with two additional years dedicated to editing\u2014eight months of that with a professional editor. The story has grown up with me. It\u2019s darker than when it started, but it\u2019s also more hopeful without being na\u00efve. The original idea had \u201cknight-in-shining-armor\u201d and \u201cdamsel-in-distress\u201d characters because my experiences and viewpoints were very limited. I don\u2019t think there\u2019s anything wrong with that because we all bring a different story to the table regardless of our age and experiences, but I am much happier with this darker story, these richer characters, and the offbeat humor.<\/p>\n

As a mom of two, when did you\u00a0find time to write?<\/h2>\n

I had to be very strict with myself, and I tried to compartmentalize. I have a full-time job outside of the home, so a massive chunk of my day goes to that. After work, I try to concentrate on my family and the house. There was piano and homework and band and dinner and laundry and the usual house stuff we all deal with. When the kids were in bed\u2014or in the case of my older daughter, writing late night papers or studying for tests\u2014that\u2019s when I would write. Sometimes I would write from 10 pm – 1 am<\/span><\/span>, and sometimes I would write five nights a week. Other times, I could squeeze in only 1 hour and maybe one night a week. I refused to let it get in the way of time with my kids or my husband.<\/p>\n

What determined (or inspired) you to finish\u00a0Uniting the Heavens<\/strong><\/a><\/em>?<\/h2>\n

I have always enjoyed writing, and I had planned on writing as a career. I majored in Mass Communications in college, concentrating on journalism and writing. After a few unexpected turns, my career path led me to computers and systems analysis. My job requires a lot of technical writing so I\u2019m not out of practice, but while it pays the bills, it doesn\u2019t satisfy the way creative writing did when I was younger. So I made a promise to myself that I would finish a story that I had started 20 years ago. I would do it for myself above all else. On top of that, the characters and story kept growing and growing, and at times it was all I could do to scribble notes and sketch out ideas.<\/p>\n

If\u00a0Uniting the Heavens<\/strong><\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/i>were\u00a0a movie, could\u00a0you see it as live action or animation?<\/h2>\n

I am so influenced by Japanese anime. I love the art and style of both the serious stories as well as the comedic ones. So, I could easily imagine\u00a0Uniting the Heavens<\/strong><\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/i>in the anime style, and I would be thrilled to see fan art done for my book. That said, I could imagine\u00a0Uniting the Heavens<\/strong><\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/i>as live action as well. So many books have been well-translated into movies and television series. Magic and imaginary beasts and worlds are made to look so realistic, and seeing other artists (directors, actors, etc.) put their own talents into sharing an author\u2019s vision is amazing.<\/p>\n

If live action, who would be your dream cast for the movie (and why)?<\/h2>\n

I\u2019m not up to date on the Hollywood scene, so it\u2019s hard to say. Off the top of my head, I could see Aren<\/strong> played by someone like Grant Gustin<\/a>, Scott Eastwood<\/a>, or Michael Copon<\/a>. For Kaila<\/strong> maybe Kelly Hu<\/a>, Brenda Song<\/a>, or Jessica Alba<\/a>. Alexis Bledel<\/a> or Kristen Bell<\/a> could make a nice Lady Geyle<\/strong>. Emily Blunt<\/a> as Aalae<\/strong>? Jason Momoa<\/a> or Mike Colter<\/a> as Tanghi<\/strong>? So many possibilities! I\u2019d also love to see \u201clesser known\u201d actors who would have the ability create a new image for the characters, and I\u2019d love to see a diverse cast.<\/p>\n

Who are your favorite (or top 5) author(s)?<\/h2>\n

J.R.R. Tolkein<\/a>, Neil Gaiman,<\/a> Patricia McKillip<\/a>, J.K. Rowling<\/a>, A.A. Milne<\/a>, and Stephen King<\/a> right off the top of my head. I know that\u2019s six, but there are so many great authors out there, and given time, I could throw out a few more. Each of the authors I just listed are also so different in their style and storytelling, and I think that\u2019s what makes them so wonderful to me. When you pick up their books, you can hear their distinct style.<\/p>\n

What would you say to moms who want to write a book?<\/h2>\n

If your heart is in it, if it is something you really want to do, then I would offer the following: make it a part of your schedule, forgive yourself, and find support<\/strong>. Like I said earlier, I put writing into my schedule. I told myself to do it at night when everything else was done. I also said there were some nights I didn\u2019t write and some nights that I didn\u2019t write as long. I had to be okay with that. Beating myself up wouldn\u2019t make me write my book faster or better. Finally, I found support. I\u2019m fortunate to have a really supportive husband. He has been my strength, my sounding board, and my biggest fan throughout the entire process. He knew when I needed to be pushed, and he knew when I needed to take a break. He helped me enforce my own schedule, and he was the first to remind me to forgive myself when I hit a wall. He shared in my dream, and that helped me the most.<\/p>\n

Do your children influence your writing?<\/h2>\n

My daughters influence my writing in subtle ways. In observing the complexities and differences between them I could find those little eccentricities to pull out in my characters. My kids help keep me grounded, keep me connected to the wonders of the world and the beauty inside of people that you sometimes stop seeing when you get older. My daughters also inspire my writing. If I tell them to follow their dreams, I want them to see that I did the same.<\/strong> If I tell them to work hard, I want them to see that I did the same. I want them to see a woman who can do what she sets her mind to. No excuses.<\/p>\n

Where can we\u00a0purchase\u00a0Uniting the Heavens<\/strong><\/a><\/em>?<\/h2>\n

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Right now, there are less than 150 limited edition, paperback, first print editions that you can order through my website englishscribbles.com<\/a><\/strong>. The digital editions are available for iBooks, Kindle, Kobo, and Nook. If you click on the \u201cShop for Books\u201d<\/a><\/strong> link on my website, you\u2019ll get a direct link to each platform.<\/p>\n

Is there a book tour?<\/h2>\n

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There\u2019s no official book tour yet, but I\u2019ve been visiting cities in Virginia<\/a> where folks have requested signed books. I\u2019d love to do an official tour, though! I suppose if there\u2019s enough demand, I\u2019d enjoy visiting libraries and small bookstores all over the country and talking to people about my book.<\/p>\n

Do you have another book you’re planning to write or in the works?<\/h2>\n

Uniting the Heavens<\/strong><\/a><\/em> is the first in a series of five books. Aside from that, I have another world in my head that I\u2019m itching to write. I have two books planned for that. I have at least two short stories floating around as well. I may keep them as short stories and put together a compilation, or depending on how long they sit in my head, they may end up being full novels of their own. Right now, it\u2019s enough for me to concentrate on\u00a0Uniting the Heavens<\/strong><\/a><\/em>\u00a0and Aren\u2019s story.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

About Emily Peraro English<\/h1>\n

(written by Emily English)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"emilyenglish_headshot\"Emily Peraro English has spent most of her career as a systems analyst, writing and editing technical documentation and requirements for enterprise-wide systems. If that wasn\u2019t thrilling enough, in her spare time (aka the wee hours of the night) and over the course of five years, she completed her first novel\u00a0Uniting the Heavens<\/strong><\/a><\/em>, a story that had taken root in her skull almost 20 years ago.<\/p>\n

Emily is heavily influenced by (and obsessed with) anime and the Final Fantasy<\/em><\/a> video game series. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and a high-anxiety dorgi<\/a> in the Washington metropolitan area.<\/p>\n

Emily is currently working on Book 2 of the\u00a0Uniting the Heavens<\/strong><\/a><\/em>\u00a0series.<\/p>\n

Visit English Scribbles online: englishscribbles.com<\/strong><\/a><\/h5>\n
on facebook:\u00a0facebook.com\/EnglishScribbles<\/a><\/h5>\n
twitter: @englishscribble<\/a>\u00a0| instagram:\u00a0\/englishscribbles<\/a><\/h5>\n

Uniting the Heavens <\/em>author-signed book GIVEAWAY<\/h1>\n

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Follow the instructions on the widget to enter!<\/p>\n

a Rafflecopter giveaway<\/a>
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