Books for YA!: Author Interview: Heather James, author of Fire

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am Heather James, a young-adult author in my twenties, currently working on a trilogy of fantasy novels based around the four classical elements. I love reading everything I can get my hands on and dream of having my own library one day (by which I mean a room in my house dedicated solely to books, even if it's only tiny!). Until I have a house with a spare room and have bought enough books to fill it, I'm content being a school librarian because it means that I get to spend every day surrounded by books.

2. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? Do you wanted to become a writer ever since?

I have always wanted to be a writer or, at the very least, work with books in some way. If I wasn't writing stories, I wanted to be publishing or reading them.

3. What inspired you to write Fire?

I loved the idea of characters who could control the elements; particularly producing and manipulating fire. I also wanted to write about a love triangle from a very different perspective and hopefully produce a story where it is difficult to pick a side.

4. Where did the idea of this fantasy world comes from?

I'm not really sure! I created characters who could do extraordinary things and then needed a fantasy setting for them to inhabit. The world was created as I needed it.

5. If you're going to be an inhabitant of this world with elemental ability, which realm do you think you belong?

As much as I would love to be able to shoot flames from my fingertips, I would definitely be a Brizan. I haven't tried to create my own ideal world, or any characters who reflected me, but I think I would fit in very well amongst the Brizans.

6. What was the hardest part of writing your book? What was the easiest?

The hardest part (besides seeing it through to the end) was a scene between Roxy and Cinaer towards the end of the book. I completely scrapped a few versions before I felt like I got it right. It is now one of my favourite chapters. The easiest part was creating the powers - I loved defining what the Protectors could do, exploring their strengths and their limitations.

7. What's your favourite scene or part in your book?

The Roxy/Cinaer chapter I mentioned above! Although I also love a lot of the arguments between Roxy and Brae and Jasmine's reunion with Brae at the beginning of the book is another moment I really love.

8. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating this books?

That I could do it! And also that the first reaction I had to it was really positive.

9. Which of your characters would you say you're more similar with? And why?

I'm not sure that I would say that I am like any individual character. Im definitely not as forceful and confident as Roxy, but I'm not like Jasmine either. Neither character reacts to situations in the same way I would - that's one of the most exciting things about writing though - exploring different personalities and outlooks on life.

10. If you could talk to one of your characters, who would it be and what will you say to them?

That's a hard question - I couldn't choose between getting to speak to only one of Roxy or Jasmine! I would have to speak to them both and I would want to tell each to be nice to the other!

11. Give 3 reasons why people should buy and read Fire?

Because:
It is different - Fire isn't a Twlight-esque love triangle; picking a side isn't easy.
It's really, really cheep, which I think makes it worth a try!
I really hope that you will enjoy it. I put a lot of work into creating something not only for myself, but something which other people will hopefully be drawn into and love.

12. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Thank you so very, very much for being willing to give Fire a chance. I really hope you are looking forward to Water!

Author Bio:
Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Heather James is a young-adult author who writes about heroines with amazing powers, heroes who will break your heart and fantasy realms that you will want to move to.

She works in a secondary school library and spends her school holidays writing, reading, playing flag-American football and baking cakes.

Title: Fire (Elements of Power #1)
Genre/s: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:

Is control over the elements a gift, or a curse?

Roxy thinks that she is in control of everything: with flames flaring at her fingertips and an equally fiery attitude, what more could she need? But then she meets Brae, a prince from a rival Realm, who turns her assumptions of superiority upside down.

Jasmine has none of Roxy’s confidence or intensity. But she does have a secret - and Brae - and she’s not going to give either up willingly.