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Saturday, September 15, 2012

Interview with Anthony Sunderland





What inspired you to become an author?

The series one finale of Buffy TVS. I had instinctively known from the start of the series that the demons were actually metaphors for teen angst. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s performance blew me away, and I just knew I wanted to write something so good that she would want the challenge of playing the part.

Nothing like starting off with a big dream, is there?

Do you title the book first or wait until after it’s complete?

I try to title it early on. it gives me a sense of what it is about and where it is going. Sometimes I get it right first time, but if not it bugs me until I do.

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

I want them to connect to characters, to realize that Dawn is complex, and driven by strong needs and a sense of duty that overrides her own desires and wants. I haven’t set out with a definite message here but if I had done I feel it would be better for the readers to discover it for themselves. Otherwise I’ve not done my job if I have to explain or point it out.

Is the book, characters, or any scenes based on a true life experience, someone you know, or events in your own life?

I didn’t realize it when I set out but the characters in ninety percent of what I write are in search of something. They are on quests that will lead them to deep profound answers about themselves.

And in ninety percent of the above they have issues to resolve with a parent or child. I’m not saying the relationships are dysfunctional, damaged, or broken in anyway.

These are not metaphors for repairing relationships, but for finding a new deeper bond or connection. Maybe it will resonate with readers or maybe not. I lost my mother recently after a long illness, and I know it is going to be extremely difficult to deal with the issues of loss that I’ve got planned for certain stories.

I’m fortunate that we always had a good relationship but there’s still a sense of wanting to have done more.

What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?

I’m nearly halfway through Vol III, which I now hope to release for Xmas. I have a story for Vol IV, which will also see further developments in the relationship between Dawn and Scott, her ongoing attempts to free the alien, and reveal more secrets about AVI.

I’ve cut fifteen thousand words from Vol III which I will use in a later story.

Part 3 of the ’59 epic should also be released for Xmas.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

In a word; virtually everything. The initial stream of story ideas came pretty fast but then came the problem of which one to work on first. Plotting, character development, writing the first draft, editing, promotional work. You name it, it is tough and mentally challenging.
If you want the world to engage with your characters and share their adventures, trials, disasters, and triumphs then you have to force yourself to overcome all the obstacles.

Who designed the cover of your latest book?

lazerK @ elance.com

Do you have any advice for other writers?

If you have the passion and burning desire to tell your stories then you will find a way to do it. If writing seems like something that would be ‘nice’ to do, then quit now and save yourself a ton of heartache. I’ve met many talented writers at conferences, classes, and workshops who have dropped out when the reality of how tough and unforgiving this business can be.
Ask yourself if you can put up with the long lonely hours in front of a computer screen or with pencil and paper. The rejections and heartache. If the answer is 100% yes, then resolve now that you are never going to quit.

Do you have a song or playlist (book soundtrack) that you think represents this book?

In several other stories I’ve got a great selection of song choices that would make stunning soundtracks. Sometimes the scene suggests the song and sometimes a song suggests a scene that I would never have thought of otherwise.

Not many songs have suggested themselves for this series. The theme tune would be Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the heart,” and I would want the Meatloaf duet “Don’t You Look at Me Like That,” plus (for a scene I can’t even hint at) Brian May “Too much Love Will Kill You.”

Am I the only one to lament the passing of an era when songs told stories, stirred up emotions, and painted vivid images. Or is my condemnation of the mass manufactured, soulless rubbish just another sign of old age?



September 14 Tour Intro
Fang-tastic Books

September 15 Interview
Roxanne’s Realm

September 16 Guest blog
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom

September 17 Promo
Lisa’s World of Books

September 18 Interview
Books, Books, and More Books

September 19 Guest blog
Queen of All She Reads 

September 21 Interview
DEB SANDERS




Destiny’s Daughter: Hide & Seek
By Anthony Sunderland

Destiny’s Daughter Book 2

Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Victoria Publishing
ASIN: B008DTTOG6
Number of pages:  154
Word Count:  34,700

Cover Artist: Lazar K. https://www.elance.com/s/sugarbricks/ 

Book Description:

Dawn Dempsey has successfully infiltrated the FBI's elite alien hunting squad. Welcomed as a valued member of the Alien Visitation Investigation team, and above suspicion, her mission is to thwart the FBI's investigations from the inside.

She is also intent on freeing the captured alien.

On a routine investigation into old abduction cases in rural Iowa with her partner and lover, Scott Nelson, a chance encounter threatens to ruin everything for her.

Could her undercover mission be over before it has even begun? Could her true nature be about to be revealed by an unstable war hero?  

Amazon US       Amazon UK 


About the Author

I live in Halifax, UK.

I’m a long time Sci Fi, fantasy, and horror nut. I was inspired to start writing by the season one finale of Buffy TVS.

I’ll try just about anything once - fire eating, parachuting, I'm a qualified glider pilot, and want to do the bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa.







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