Author Interview: Lucy Swing

Today's Author Spotlight shines on Lucy Swing! I first met Lucy on Twitter when she was in the process of writing her debut YA novel, Feathermore. Since Feathermore's March debut, rave reviews have been filing in. I’d like to thank you for joining us and begin by having you share a little information about yourself with our readers, Lucy!

Lucy Swing lives in sunny Florida with her husband and two children. She is a YA Paranormal/ Romance writer, whose works include: Feathermore (Feathermore Trilogy, #1), Bloody Valentine, a novella, and is currently working on Fallenmore (Feathemore Trilogy, #2.)
She is an absolute book hoarder and must always have a book at arms distance. Music is her muse, and there is always a soundtrack that plays along her life.
For more information on Lucy Swing please visit her website: http://www.LucySwing.com

* What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

LS: Spending time with my family. My husband works a lot and, well, the kids go to school, but I truly enjoy the few days we all get to be together and maybe go out on the boat. Although my kids spend most of their time fighting, I remind myself this will be over soon; they grow up way too fast!

* What are your favorite and least favorite parts about being a published author?

LS: Favorite: Being a published author! Hahaha, no, seriously, how cool is that? Every time I walk by the bookcase that displays the paperback copy of Feathermore I can’t believe it is MY name on the cover. But most importantly, whenever you find someone that really enjoys your work, nothing tops that. I have gotten a few fan emails and I literally squeal as I read them.

Least favorite: Worrying about sales. Ugh! It’s not fun. Luckily April has been treating me well, so I can’t complain this time!

 

* What was the inspiration behind Feathermore?

LS: It was a collection of things that got me to sit down and get started with Feathermore. I know the whole Twilight thing has been played out, but reading the saga is what got me into writing. I wanted to make people feel the way Meyer made me feel, the way she gave me that little escape from my own life. I hope to one day be able to do that.

Same thing with your book, The Willows:Haven, well, you know how obsessed I got! But one sentence just made me fall even deeper in love with your story: “You only have one heart, one chance to give it.” I love it!

* Can you tell us a little bit about your protagonist, Jade?

LS: Jade is for all intents and purposes a very typical girl, of course, until the paranormal kicks in. She is at the bottom of the social ladder and gets bullied for no apparent reason. I think a lot of girls will be able to sympathize with her, as many have to go through the same issues.

* What is the most important lesson you’ve learned on the road to publication?

LS: Never give up! You can do anything you set your pretty little heart on. Visualize your goal and go for it.

* What authors inspire you and why?

LS: As I mentioned before, Stephenie Meyer has been a huge influence. She is the one that got me where I am today. But honestly, every single author inspires me. Amanda Hockings story is just amazing, there is a girl with heart that never took no for an answer and is now where she always wanted to be. My dear friend Kira Saito, I remember when she was about to publish her debut novel, Bound, and was too afraid that no one would enjoy it, and look at her now, she is doing amazing and has an incredibly supportive fan base. But every author, whether it is by their personal story of how they got to where they are, their stories or their characters, they all have something for all of us to appreciate and be inspired by.

* Some authors gear up with a run or guzzle large quantities of caffeine before tackling a writing session. What, if anything, does your ritual consist of?

LS: Ah, coffee always helps, but the one thing I do without fail is, get ready because this is going to make me sound crazy, is clean the house. I know, I know, very OCD of me. But the beds must be made, clothes put away and kitchen cleaned before I can sit down and truly give in to the story.

* Why did you choose YA?

LS: It’s by far my favorite genre. Unfortunately we all grow up, but writing and reading YA keeps part of those days alive. It gives you a second, third, fourth, etc chance to re-do your teenage years in so many different ways. It’s just too much fun!

* What are you currently working on, and what can you tell us about it?

LS: I am working on the sequel to Feathermore, Fallenmore. It is the second book of the trilogy and I am hoping (crosses her fingers) to publish by late May, early June.

*  What advice would you offer others who want to be authors?

LS: Don’t give up; when the going gets tough, keep going! And I always say, there is nothing like B.I.C (Butt In Chair). Just write and read, it will help you broaden your horizon.

Rapid fire questions:

* Favorite book character – Jade! Lol, no? Okay, Zoey Redbird.

* Plotter or Pantser -  Pantser all the way baby!

* Choice of superpower – Is immortality a superpower? Didn’t think so, invisibility.

* Your life's theme song – It changes constantly and I probably can tell you Jade’s life theme song better than my own!

Thank you so much for taking the time to discuss your novel and share your experiences. Here's to a long and successful road in publishing! For more information about Lucy and her work, check out:

Website/ Blog:  http://www.LucySwing.com

Follow Lucy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Luceduceswing

Find Lucy on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/writerlucyswing

Where to buy the book:

AMAZON (Paperback and eBook): http://amzn.to/HQXiFa

Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/HhVvYV

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/HNUxWs

** Paperback copies are also available on my website (signed copy), Createspace and The Book Depository.

Happy Reading!

Hope (AKA Izzie ;)