Not only am I a fantasy author, I’m also a fantasy reader and love discovering fantastic worlds created by talented writers. I caught up with Paranormal Fantasy author Reid Dumas, and asked her a series of questions–including what drove her to write stories, and which three authors she would save amidst the Apocalypse.
If you’d like to check out Raven’s Lore, it’s available at Amazon.
Now, to the interview!
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Alesha: Thanks for joining us today, Reid! Can you tell me what genre(s) you write in?
Reid: Paranormal Romance.
Alesha: What’s the title of your most recent release?
Reid: Raven’s Lore: Irrevocable [Raven’s Lore Book 2]
Alesha: And can you give us the description or blurb?
Reid: Secrets and love rarely mix, but Anais finds herself surrounded by controversy as she welcomes the mysterious Rovidious back into her life. He is just as charming as she remembers, but Anais can’t shake the feeling that he’s keeping something from her…and it’s something big. If someone told her that she would have a second chance with the love of her life, the sarcastic artist would have scoffed in their face. But, there he was, sitting alone in the diner gazing at her. His crimson eyes still held that dangerous hue, and she’s not afraid of him this time.
Alesha: Nice! I’ve read both Raven’s Lore books. I love the way you take magic and myth and weave them into your story. When did you start writing? How did you begin?
Reid: I remember having a passion for story telling at an early age. I wrote my first novel in [junior] high and continued to build from there. It was never really my intention to publish my work, but one night I ran across a meme stressing the desire for diversity in literature and it woke me up and inspired me to finally send the manuscript I had literally been sleeping on for over ten years to an editor and begin the publishing process.
Alesha: And I’m sure the process had its challenges and victories. How did this all fit in with your daily life? Did you pull from any real-life experiences or your background?
Reid: I started creating stories in elementary school when a group of friends allowed me to join their comic book club. It was our little escape to create stories with characters who looked like us, experiencing magical and superhero type situations. My comics were often badly drawn but the group always loved my stories, and with their feedback and encouragement in that first year, I created over 200 comics. Eventually I graduated, and my academic achievements allowed me acceptances into magnet schools in better areas, but I carried the appreciation for story telling with me; with the help of my teachers, it turned into short stories, fan fictions, and eventually novels.
Alesha: Awesome. I’m secretly hoping for a Raven’s Lore comic. Ha! Now, my next question is a little odd (perhaps silly), but I have to ask: if the Apocalypse is upon us and you can ONLY save three authors, who would you save?
Reid: Maya Angelo (RIP, but so instrumental in my upbringing), Anne Rice (RIP I know, but I’d bring her back). Her vampire chronicles were the first complete set of novels I’ve ever read ). L.M. Goodman–I’ve followed and loved everything she’s created and I can’t wait to see more.
Alesha: Great choices. I love how our favorite authors draw us into their worlds. Speaking of…if you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Reid: Egypt, it’s the cradle of civilization and I really would like to see my third world wonder, even if I’m not allowed to touch.
Alesha: That would make the memory of a lifetime. And is there anything you’d like to share that may surprise readers and fans?
Reid: A raven is not my spirit animal, it’s an owl.
Alesha: Ah, there it is–despite the raven theme, you’re an owl girl at heart. And if anyone wants to follow you or learn more about you, where can they find you?
Reid: Mostly on Facebook (@ReidWritesRavens), but I do have a website as well www.reiddumas.com
Alesha: Thank you, Reid!