Meet the Author: Marta Szemik

Marta Szemik, author of Two Halves, is a full time mom and wife. Two Halves is her debut novel about Sarah, a half vampire/half human, with a hidden destiny that's about to change her life. Marta has kindly taken some time to answer a few questions for us.

How long have you been writing?
I wish I could say some witty answer such as since I could hold a pen, but that would be a lie. In March 2009 I got inspired. The next morning I sat down to the computer and decided I would write a novel. Then I started typing knowing I would finish. There was no doubt in my mind I would have a complete novel. I had no clue how long it would take me or whether I would publish it, but I knew I would finish. It was the first time in my life I was so confident about something so big (that's before I realized my writing sucked and needed a lot of work).

What inspired you to write your first book?

In March 2009 I just moved to a new city due to hubby's work. It was our first week at the new house and he rented Twilight the movie. I said "What's that?" (Yes, I lived under a rock.)
He said "You like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I read there are vampires in this one so I thought you'd like it."

Then, he poured me a glass of wine and went to put the kids to bed. I watched the movie by myself, loved it, saw that it was based on a book and ran to the computer to find out more. That's when I found Stephenie Meyer's website. I read her biography and how she got to write her novels. I could see myself right there in her shoes *sighs with daydreaming eyes*. I decided I would write a novel too.

The funny part is, (and I haven't told this to anyone - not even on my blog) is that just like Ms. Meyer I had a dream. The first paragraph of Chapter 1 of Two Halves was that dream. I didn't see the characters, but I saw myself as a half breed vampire, who couldn't scar, yet she foresaw it happening. (Yes, Twilight had a huge impact on the dream) I went with that idea for the book.

Are you planning on turning Two Halves into a series?

The ending of Two Halves is a good ending on its own, but there is much more that I would want to write. I do believe there will be a sequel (later on this year I hope). I have three projects I'm working on now, so it all depends on time. In Spring 2012, I have a Two Halves novella coming out titled: "Marked". I am so excited about it because it explains the back story of Two Halves and the world Sarah is pulled into. It's written from another characters point of view. He was one of my favorites in the novel and found his voice quickly in my head.

Which of your characters do you relate to most and why?

I think I'm a mix between Sarah and Mira. Sarah in the beginning of the book is so uncertain of herself and afraid of failing (that's me whenever I start sharing something I write). Mira, well, Mira is just awesome - she has a reply to everything (that's me, but only when I'm comfortable). She's got that answer you always want to have (This gets me into trouble on the internet - I don't think before I reply).

What is a secret about Sarah that nobody else knows?

If I answered that it wouldn't be a secret anymore:) I think it's something I'd like to keep for the sequel.

If your real life as a teenager was a Young Adult book, what would you, the main character, be like?

Who I would love to be like? Clary from Mortal Instruments. Wouldn't it be cool to find out you're more than just human, have powers and discover new worlds?

Who I would actually be like? Is there a character who cannot eat without spilling food on herself? That's me. My husband says I have a hole in my chin.

What book have you read too many times to count?

Twilight (read the entire saga perhaps four times)
The Hobbit
Since I've began writing there are so many novels I became exposed to, I wish I would have time to re-read some of them (Hunger Games), but my to-read pile is too high.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?

Don't stop writing, perfect your art and accept criticism like it was gold.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating Two Halves?

That I loved writing beyond being able to explain it. I say this often, but it's true: I started writing because I wanted to, now I do it because I need to.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Everything I do revolves around my family, my kids school and activities schedules and hubby's shift work. If it's winter, I love skiing. It's the closest love for something for me to writing. Now that, I've been doing since I was three. If things turned out differently in my life, I would have been a professional skier (no I'm not as good as that sounds). I hooked my kids on skiing too. I just wish they had bigger hills around where I live. Summer time is all about the outdoors from gardening to camping and biking with my family.
  
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions!

 To learn more about Marta Szemik, visit her Website and follow her on Twitter.

You can purchase Two Halves through Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon!