Author Serenity Valle has just released a sequel to her book, The Fantastical Life of Serenity: A collection of short stories about what could be…but not quite is. I read the book a couple of months ago (see my review here on Goodreads), and since I enjoyed it, I decided to interview her for my blog to help promote the new book.
How would you describe your use of the word “Fantastical” in the context of your books? What can readers expect?
In the first book, “fantastical” was used to describe the strange occurrence that changed Serenity’s life. I don’t want to give too much away and ruin the stories for anyone who hasn’t yet read it, but there are alternate realities involved. The title actually came to me a couple of years ago and went with one of the short stories (I don’t remember which one now) that I had started back then. They grew and changed so much, I can’t actually remember the plot of the original. The second book got the title on the coattails of the first, though Serenity might think her life is quite fantastical compared to her old one, so I think it fits. 🙂
Do you have a personal favourite story or character from The Fantastical Life of Serenity? If so, what can you tell us about it/them?
Oh…hmm. I admit I’m partial to Jacques Capitan from the fifth story in the first Fantastical book. Honestly, though, I adore all of my main characters.
When you wrote the original The Fantastical Life of Serenity, had you planned on writing a followup story, or did the idea for that come later?
I think about half-way through I started thinking about it. I didn’t decide to do it until I was finished and re-reading the first book, thinking… and THEN WHAT? You can’t just leave me hanging! What happens with Calvin? 🙂
For those who’ve read the original book, what can people expect from the Epilogue? Do any of the previous characters from the stories make a re-appearance?
Epilogue is a romance. There aren’t any alternate realities in this one, however there are references to them here and there. The main female, Serenity makes a reappearance, as well as Sanjana. Calvin, who is mentioned at the end of the first book is the main male character. Readers will see tie-ins though with events and names.
Do you think people who haven’t read the first book should read it before checking out the Epilogue, or can they enjoy the story without it?
I think it could be read alone, but readers would wonder what the references are, so I recommend reading the first book before the second.
Has your writing been influenced by any other media (books/TV/film/etc)? If so, what?
I’m sure it has, though I couldn’t pinpoint anything. I do love a good mystery though and that’s what I’m working on now.
Is your writing in any way inspired by people in your life? If so, can you tell us about how someone in particular has had an effect?
My characters are certainly inspired by people in my life! I dare to say every main or highly supporting character is based on someone in my life. For example, Sanjana is based off of my co-worker and friend Melissa, who was there for me through hard times during the time we worked together. My husband just plainly inspires me in everything. He’s a writer too, so we kind of push each other, my son also writes so we’re all always getting onto each other when we take too long of a break! I also admit that a lot of the first book and second book is loosely based on my own experiences.
When you’re not writing, what occupies your time?
My toddler and my house! I also make soap and garden.
Have you got any more books planned or that you’re working on that we should look out for in the future?
Oh yes! My current main WIP is a paranormal mystery, I’m nearly half done with it and already have cover photos to be made into the cover. I usually have more than one thing going at a time, which helps me combat writer’s block, so I have a psychological thriller and a fantasy-comedy on the back burner. There are also plans for more Fantastical stories but I can’t tell you what they might be right now. 😉
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I love to connect with other authors, fans, readers.
Please like my page and interact with me! I’m signed into Facebook pretty much all day lol. You can find me in these places:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.serenityvalle
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7065765.Serenity_Valle
Wordpress: http://serenityvalleauthor.wordpress.com
Twitter: @SerenityValle
Thank you for your time. I enjoyed the first book, and look forward to the Epilogue.
Thank you!
Buy the books
The Fantastical Life of Serenity: A collection of short stories about what could be…but not quite is.
Paperback
The Fantastical Life of Serenity: Epilogue
Paperback
Dominica May 