The Hidden World Blog Tour with author S.M. Boyce

Hey guys! Thanks for stopping by for the Hidden World Blog Tour. It's my pleasure to have S.M. Boyce with me today. I've gotten to know Boyce over the last few months and I've learned there is no end to her many talents. I'm glad to have her with us today! Now on to the interview :)

Where did you come up with the concept and the names for your characters?
The concept for the Grimoire Trilogy is a snowball. By that, I mean that I first had the idea almost a decade ago. I didn’t really think much of it at first. I’d have a daydream here or there about a character, but it wasn’t until I was 16 and started taking writing seriously that the idea for the trilogy came about. After that, I’d get an idea there or be inspired by something here, and over time, Lichgates came about. It’s been a 7-year journey, and an amazing one at that. I’ve never put this much effort into any one thing besides learning the writing craft itself.
The characters are half mine and half my writing peers’. Kara had about 7 names before I settled down with one, including Fiona and Kait. It’s been a long road! Ha. My friends J. N. Chaney and Aly Sanger were some of my greatest aids in coming up with names. Point is, don’t be afraid to ask for help!

When is the second book in the series going to be released?
Treason is coming out as early as Summer 2012. My goal is to have the entire series published this year. I’m still not sure if that’s possible, though, so at the latest, you’ll see Treason in Fall 2012 and Origins (Book 3) in Fall 2013. That’s the latest, though. You should see them both sooner.
On top of the trilogy, I will also be releasing an encyclopedia of the world, a collection of short stories and deleted chapters from the series, and even a few novellas from the perspectives of minor characters. At latest, everything in the Grimoire Trilogy should be available by the end of 2013. Exciting times!
If you’re impatient (like me) and want some of these extras now, you can check out the official book website by clicking here.

EBook versus print which do you prefer?
Ah, the great debate! My eReader rocks, because I can have hundreds of books at any moment, anywhere – as long as I charge it. Print books don’t ever run out of battery, but they’re a beast to store and transport. So, I have a compromise: I buy almost all of my books as eBooks, and then buy my favorites in print. 

Who is your favorite author and book?
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. I know it’s a children’s book (I’m a seven-year-old at heart) but it’s just a good story. It’s timeless, magical, and fun!

What are your plans for your books?
After the Grimoire series is finished, I’m going to dive into zombies and ghosts. It’s going to be freaking amazing.

Are you self-published?
I am! It was a hard decision to make, and I spent weeks researching and debating my options. I’m pretty sure I drove my husband a little crazy with it, since he’s my go-to for venting and advice on tough decisions. However, I couldn’t be happier with my choice. If you want to read more on why I went indie without querying agents, you can check out my blog post here. I have nothing against traditional publishers, of course. I just feel that this is the best way for new writers to break into the market.

If you could be any fictional character in your book or in any other book who would you be and why?
Whew, lots of options!
Well, from my book? Probably Kara. We share a lot of the same humor (I’m a sarcastic twit, too), so it wouldn’t require much adjustment.
From any other book…Arwen Evenstar. Elvish princess, a destined king’s lover, and gorgeous? Yes, please. She’s fiercely loyal, can ride a horse like a pro, and she’s immortal. What’s not to love?

What/Who is your inspiration for writing?
My husband is one of my many inspirations. He’s a computer programmer, and yet helps me tweak the plots I design. His mind is incredible, and I know that I am one lucky lady to have him.
…I know. We’re gooey.

When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer? and was it always fantasy or do you write in other genres?
I’ve written everything from fantasy to literary fiction. I’m game for anything, really, because I’m a daydreamer. I love to come up with stories and conflicts, no matter what genre. I’m biased towards fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal fiction, though, because I’m a magic-nut and love to see the impossible.
When I was five, I wrote my first story…it was about a lonely pickle. It was pretty bad. I’ve improved since, though, and writing has just always been a part of my life. I’m just so lucky that my parents supported me, even when I had to break the news that I wouldn’t be a lawyer. Ha!



Thanks for the interview today and letting me apart of your blog tour. This was my first time so I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I have. I'm going to have a button made up that says, "I survived my first blog tour!" I'm just kidding, although that would be pretty sweet! Before I bid you all farewell, I would also like to mention that Boyce also has an editorial service. She's my editor and saved me from pure embarrassment of spelling simple words wrong and putting commas everywhere! If you need an editor you should without a doubt check out her services. I am definitely using her for the rest of my series and editing my blog tour post. JK ;)  http://edit.smboyce.com/ 

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