Photo Content from Sara Hanover
Sara Hanover lives with a hoard of books, rather like a dragon, and works on improving her imagination daily. She loves plot twists and cats, family and crispy Autumn leaves, traveling and good food. She thanks her parents for supporting her first efforts in writing, and her husband for continuing to encourage her, along with the many good people at DAW Books.
What inspired you to pen your first novel?
I came from a family of readers and my mother was a writer herself. She mostly worked in publicity, and had a few plays published, but she was unsuccessful in fiction. She read to me a lot until I could read for myself, and encouraged me to write. Luckily, I was successful.
Tell us your latest news.
The first reviews are coming in on LATE GREAT WIZARD and people are enjoying the romp! That’s what I wished for.
Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?
Every book I’ve ever read influences my writing and my family who are my first critics. And also my publisher/editor Sheila Gilbert. We have nice discussions about what I’m doing, trying to do, and if I’m succeeding—and that I can’t give up.
What do you hope for readers to be thinking when they read your novel?
What happens next, turn the page and—what a fun surprise!
Did you learn anything from writing THE LATE GREAT WIZARD and what was it?
I honed my skill in urban fantasy and characterization and pacing. The more you learn to do writing, the more you stretch yourself.
For those who are unfamiliar with Tessa, how would you introduce her?
Ah, Tessa. I’m still discovering her. She’s 19 when the book opens, a little cynical, very practical, and doesn’t trust easily. She values honesty and loyal and she’s a fierce competitor. Her dreams have been betrayed by her father but he’s a victim too. Nobody would put her in a corner. She’s part southerner, part yankee.
What part of Brandard did you enjoy writing the most?
I love the crusty old professor. Brian is a surfer dude who sometimes just doesn’t have a clue and that’s fun too, but the professor, well, he’s just about perfect to write about.
If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I’d like Steptoe to meet Mary Poppins.
Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
I’d like to be able to write several more books in The Wayward Mages series, entertaining people. The arc I have planned will take several more books to complete, although each is mostly a stand alone. I also have other, deeper books I’m working on.
How many books have you written?
I am not a beginning writer. That being said, I’ve only written about 1% of all the books I’ve ever read. So I have some catching up to do.
You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?
Believe in yourself. It’s terribly difficult to do and most of us spend a lifetime learning how to do it.
What is your happiest childhood memory?
My father spent years away from us, training for a job as an air traffic controller. He only came home maybe every 18 months or so. He came home for my 11th birthday and arranged to take me to a quarter horse farm as a surprise. The owners let me into a main pasture. I was surrounded by mares and their foals. Heaven. Sheer heaven. Bright eyes, soft muzzles, dancing hooves.
Which incident in your life that totally changed the way you think today?
That would be a little too personal to reveal. There are things which happen in history that never should happen and touch us.
Who was the last person you ate dinner with?
My cat Kona who thinks 20% of every meal should be tithed to him on a pristine napkin, and my husband, who indulges both of us.
Favorite things to do alone?
Read. And read. Daydream.
With her father vanished under suspicious circumstances and her old life destroyed, Tessa Andrews is determined to pick up the pieces and forge ahead. If only their borrowed house didn't shake and rumble as if haunted. But at least she and her mom have a roof over their heads, so her luck couldn't be all bad, could it?
As if to prove her wrong, Tessa gets an urgent call for help one night from crusty old Professor Brandard, one of the people on her charity meals route. She dashes over, only to find the house in flames and the professor gone. A handsome young man steps out of the ashes to request her assistance, claiming to be the professor and a Phoenix wizard. She not only has to believe in him, but in magic, for an ancient evil is awakening and it will take the two of them, plus a few shady friends, to stand against it.
Because the rejuvenation ritual has gone horribly wrong. The late, great wizard desperately needs to get his mojo back, for only if Brandard regains all his magic do they stand any chance of defeating this deadliest of perils.
Praise for SARA HANOVER
"Richly drawn settings and intricate plots." —Booklist
"Evokes an atmosphere of urgency...in a world of ever-shifting alliances and unforeseen dangers. Strong characters and a compelling story make this a good choice." —Library Journal
You can purchase The Late Great Wizard at the following Retailers:
And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you SARA HANOVER for making this giveaway possible.
1 Winner will receive a Copy of The Late Great Wizard by Sara Hanover.
"What's your favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?" Go to bed early and try to sleep.
ReplyDeletePretty much the same as any other night, watch a little TV, play on my computer and read, read, read. :D
ReplyDelete