Interview with Pembroke Sinclair, Author of Wucaii

Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?

I have memories of my mom curled up on the couch reading a Romance novel that go back as far as I can remember. She instilled in us kids a love to read. I love curling up on the couch with a good book or reading to my kids before bed or listening to them read to me.

As for writing/storytelling, I’m not really sure where that came from. I just know that when there’s a story inside me, I have to get it out.

How long have you been writing?

Well, my first book was “published” in 3rd grade—meaning the teacher had it laminated. I wrote in high school (and not just essays, I was pretending to take notes and actually writing a story), but I didn’t get my first novel published until 2009.

When and why did you begin writing?

I honestly couldn’t tell you when, but as for why, I just like to create new worlds and imagine how my characters would react to certain situations. I also like to explore the notion of what it means to be human, which I do quite often in my stories.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Some days I don’t know if I do consider myself a writer.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I was having a competition with my fellow swimmers in high school to see who could come up with the best story.

What cultural value do you see in writing/reading/storytelling/etc.?

Storytelling is a great way to pass on values and morals to future generations. It’s also a way to explore social issues that might be controversial under the veil of fiction. But more than that, it’s just a way to connect with people. Entertainment is a great way to bring people together.

How do you pick your character names?

Sometimes they just come to me, and other times I will draw from people I know or go to baby name websites and pick names that I like.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

The hardest part about writing Wucaii was really figuring out how I wanted to tell the story. When it was originally conceived, it was going to take place in the past, with Aelana transforming into the hybrid. Like this version, there were some flashbacks. However, along the way of writing it, I ran into some bumps in the road. I had started working on this story in high school, then in college, I took a writing workshop where the professor completely shook my confidence with the story. In addition, the story I had wasn’t working. I would get stuck and had no idea where to go. I went back and forth with the story for years trying to figure it out, only to get frustrated and put it away.

Eventually, I just restarted the entire thing and decided to see how it went. Thankfully, it worked, and Wucaii was able to come into the world.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I loved creating Aelana. I think it would be amazing to by a half-human, half-dragon.

What inspires you?

Readers. Without them, I wouldn’t have a reason to write.

Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?

Favorite authors include Piers Anthony, Christopher Pike, Milton, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carroll. Their works are so amazing, I want to be just like them.

Who designed the covers?

Usually a graphic designer from the publishing house. However, when the one publisher I was with closed, I had a friend/graphic designer create Wucaii’s cover for me.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

That sometimes the first idea you have for a book isn’t going to work, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the story. Granted, there are some stories that you might have to, but others just need to be reworked.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you for being awesome and for reading my work. You’re the reason I write.

About Pembroke Sinclair

Pembroke Sinclair is a literary jack of all trades, playing her hand at multiple genres. She has written an eclectic mix of fiction ranging from horror to sci-fi and even some westerns. Born in Rock Springs, Wyoming–the home of 56 nationalities–it is no wonder Pembroke ended up so creatively diverse. Her fascination with the notions of good and evil, demons and angels, and how the lines blur have inspired her writing. Pembroke lives in Laramie, Wyoming, with her husband, two spirited boys, a black lab named Ryder, and a rescue kitty named Alia, who happens to be the sweetest, most adorable kitty in the world! She cannot say no to dessert, orange soda, or cinnamon. She loves rats and tatts and rock and roll and wants to be an alien queen when she grows up.

You can learn more about Pembroke Sinclair by visiting her at:

Blog: http://pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com/

Newsletter: http://blogspot.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2968608462c588bb6b8bd7714&id=8de5dfd226

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicarobinsonauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PembrokeSinclai

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/+PembrokeSinclair/posts

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pembroke-sinclair

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3522214.Pembroke_Sinclair

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Pembroke-Sinclair/e/B007RFYJ6W