How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I could write. Before that, I drew picture stories. I’ve always been into story-telling.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book was a western romance and will probably never get published. I was young (almost 18), madly in love with a cowboy, and pretty wrapped up in our love story. Somehow it translated into my first full-length, finished novel.
When you first started writing Medusa, A Love Story, did you plan for it to be a series?
No. I couldn’t see a series emerging. And an editor, who hated Medusa, said there was no way a series would work. But once I was finished with Medusa, and over my hurt from the editor’s comments, I saw the potential for exploring other known myths through the Olympians… and a series seemed like a no-brainer.
What can you tell us about the sequel?
It’s my take on the abduction of Persephone. If you’ve read Medusa you know I’m all about finding motivation/reason for the myths – I do the same thing in the sequel. It’s called For the Love of Hades and will be out in January. It’s quite a bit steamier than Medusa, and a little happier too.
Which of your characters do you relate to most and why?
I tend to connect with my characters as I write them. When I was writing Medusa, I ‘got’ her. She was easy to connect with, her need to stay true to what was right even if it meant she had to deny her own happiness. She understood sacrifice for those she loved. When I was writing Hades, I was all about Hades and his fear that he can bring nothing but pain and suffering to those he loves – so he refuses to love. Now I’m writing Apollo’s story and I’m equally in love with both the hero and heroine. Good stuff – I feel very lucky to be writing such wonderful stories.
What is a secret about you that nobody else knows?
I’m addicted to salt licorice.
If your real life as a teenager was a Young Adult book, what would you, the main character, be like?
I was a very awkward teenager. I wore a denim jacket everyday (even if it was 100 degrees out), didn’t talk to people, and was a total ‘weirdo’. I did have a great sense of humor though – if I would talk to you. I was a recluse, without being cool about it. J Yes, I would be a troubled heroine. It took a lot for me to ‘find’ myself and be comfortable with who I am – years after my Young Adult stage.
What book have you read too many times to count?
Outlander, Ender’s Game, and Heather and Velvet… there are more but…
What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?
Write what you want to write, not what’s ‘in’.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Writing the books is the easy part. Marketing/selling your books – finding and connecting with readers – that’s the hard part!
What do you like to do when you're not writing? Read, watch movies, and I have four kids, so that should pretty much fill in the blank.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
My favorite chapter to write in Medusa? Eek. I have to say, three scenes were grueling – emotional yet fulfilling. 1. When she goes to Ariston on the beach. I think I wanted them together as much as they wanted to be together. And that connection was so ‘real’ for me that it was a beautiful thing. 2. When Medusa discovers her curse. It was such a visceral and violent realization – I knew it was important to introduce the snakes in a certain way. I can only hope I succeeded. 3. The end – I cried and cried. I’m not going to give anymore away. You’ll just have to read it. I hope you will!
Those moments were all emotional. It almost brings a tear to my eye just remembering them. Thank you, Sasha, for stopping by today! This tour has been a blast!
Thank you so much for having me on your blog. And for reading and reviewing Medusa, A Love Story! A special thanks also goes out to Bewitching Book Tours for allowing us to be a part of this tour!
To learn more about Sasha Summers and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.
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