Today I’m welcoming Amanda Cherry to the blog to discuss writing, life, and her new novel. Grab a cup of tea, pull up a seat, and join us!
Interview
Let’s get right to it. What led you to write in your genre?
It’s funny: I’ve always liked stories set in the kind of World Cobalt City exists in, but I had little concept of it as a genre. Contemporary fantasy, where the world is recognizable as it exists, only with the addition of super powers, magic, and some greater lore is just my kind of thing. And Cobalt City itself is a wonderful amalgam of the mythical/magical and the traditional Superhero setting. So when I was invited to write a short story in this fantastic setting, I jumped at it. After that story sold (to Christmas Harder in 2016—no one was more surprised than I was) and the opportunity presented itself to do a novel in the same place and starring the same supervillain, I could not have been more thrilled to dive in!
Oh, my goodness. Yes! I love “magic in the real world” stories. I’ve been fascinated with them since childhood. Are there any subjects would you never write about?
I actually stopped working on one of the best pieces of writing I have ever produced for this reason. It’s a story of a southern town during prohibition and sows the seeds of the eventual civil rights struggle. It’s a big story, and I realized about two thirds of the way through that at least half the story is that of the African American citizens of this town. Their stories are pivotal, and their stakes are much greater than those faced by the white characters. And I realized I wasn’t the person to write that. So I shelved that book until the day comes when I find the right #ownvoices co-author of African-American heritage who can write those characters authentically.
That’s a really long-winded way to say I’m not going to step out of my lane and presume to write things that are outside my experience. If I have a story in my heart that centers even partly on a member of a marginalized group, I will wait until the right #ownvoices partner comes into my life to pursue my story.
Wow. I’m impressed, and I feel the same way. How about with things you do write? Are there any types of scenes you find challenging (action, love, death, etc)?
Please save me from the space battle! I write very character-driven stories, so when it comes time for those characters to come into active conflict (rather than intrigue and scheming—that kind of conflict I can write all day) I get miffed. I have been known to work out a fight scene with action figures, toy cars, or Christmas ornaments (seriously, those little Kinder Egg Star Wars ornaments were great for this) and jot down the movements like I would choreography, then go back and try to make a narrative out of it that still fits with the overall tome of the story (character-driven). It’s the WORST. I was comforted to learn that I’m not alone in my hatred for fight scenes, author Christie Golden mentioned they’re her kryptonite, too, during a seminar at Star Wars Celebration Orlando, 2017—so at least I’m in good company. Fortunately I have found a process that works for me, and I am often fond of the finished product, but it’s always tough getting there.
Yeah, I struggle a lot with anything that’s heavy on action myself.
Okay, ready for Word Sprints? First one: Plotter or Pantser?
Both: the shorter the piece, the less likely I am to have done any pre-writing at all save thinking about it in the car, but any time I’m writing long fiction and/or balancing multiple plots I ‘pants’ my way through a beat-by-beat treatment and write from that… which I have been told counts as plotting.
Coffee or tea?
COFFEE. Black—or a six-shot americano—or a six-shot iced Americano with one pump of sugar free coconut—but mostly black coffee.
Musical Theatre or Rock Concert?
Since my first career was as an actor, and a great number of years were spent in musical comedy, I have no problem saying THEATRE!
That’s awesome! It’s been great chatting, and you’re welcome to come back any time to let us know about new releases and maybe chat about theater.
About the Book
Title: Rites & Desires
Date: March 20, 2018
Publisher: Def Con One
Length: 312 pages
Categories: Superhero, Super villain, magic, urban fantasy
Synopsis
Ruby Killingsworth relies on magic to keep her entertainment empire on top. When a ritual gone wrong robbed her of this magic, she wasn’t about to take it lying down. Enlisting Loki’s aid and commanding the band of supernatural henchmen he’s proffered, Ruby embarks to capture the magic of an ancient African gem.
While endeavoring to regain her powers, Ruby must also contend with the daily business of Goblin Records, her romantic designs on her billionaire neighbor, and the unwanted attention of the newly elected U.S. president. The return of her power and a relationship with the city’s most prominent citizen would give Ruby all she ever desired. But magic comes with a price, politics are a dirty business—doubly so when a trickster god gets involved—and Loki is never on anyone’s side but his own.
Purchase Links
About the Author
Amanda Cherry’s debut novel, Rites & Desires, released this year. She is an author and actor loving life in the Seattle suburbs and once co-starred with the Geico Gecko. She geeks out about Star Wars at Tosche Station and blogs about writing at www. thegingervillain.com.
Social Media
Website | Tumblr | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Looking good! Amanda, you’re not alone. I’m creating a subgenre with fantasy and science fiction called ambient fantasy and/or ambient science fiction. The basic idea is that it’s more emotionally driven than action driven. (wry grin) Great interview!