Writer Wednesday: Butterfingers, Fairies, and Demon Cats

Today on the grill, I’ve got an extra special guest. Not only is fantasy author Julia Crane one of my Indie Eclective peeps, but she’s also (like me) an American ex-pat AND we were both born in the very same Year of the Tiger. (Don’t ask which Year of the Tiger. But trust me, we are both extremely young.)

Shea, thanks for having me and not spilling the beans on our age.

The woman who tells her age is either too young to have anything to lose or too old to have anything to gain. – Chinese Proverb

Julia, we’re both ex-pats. I’m originally from the West Coast, you’re from the East Coast. While I now live in London and practically need a rowboat to go shopping, you’ve got camels roaming in your backyard. Tell me, what’s the best thing about living in a foreign country.?

The best thing is the opportunity to travel and visit places I would have never imagined. I’ve been snorkeling in Oman, hiking in Katmandu, biking in Croatia, and I’ve pigged out in Italy just to name a few. Travel is SO cheap from Dubai, as long as you are not heading back to the States.

I agree! I love the fact I can hop on a plane and be in Rome or Madrid or Lisbon in a couple hours.

What one thing do you miss most about the good old USA?

I have to name more than one Butterfingers, Folgers coffee, and Homestyle PopSecret popcorn. I’m currently in the US visiting family, and I have a suitcase packed with all my favorites. I have to admit seeing greenery and the turning of the leaves is a nice change from the desert.

Butterfingers. Sigh. Have I mentioned those are my favorite candy bar?

How do you find that living abroad has changed your writing? Or has it?

I didn’t start writing seriously until I moved overseas. I think the opportunity to see different cultures is definitely a good thing. Dubai is mostly ex-pats so it’s a great place for people watching, and getting ideas for stories.

While roaming the desert around Dubai, have you run into any supernatural creatures? You know, djinn and whatnot?

I’ve made eye contact with some feral cats that could be supernatural creatures…

I’m very glad I haven’t come across a Ghoul:

A desert-dwelling, shape-shifting demon that can assume the guise of an animal, especially a hyena. It lures unwary travellers into the desert wastes to slay and devour them. The creature also preys on young children, robs graves, drinks blood, and eats the dead to take on their form. (Wikipedia) Whenever I visit a place, one of the first things I do is research their mythology. It’s all so very interesting.

Speaking of fantasy and the supernatural, your current series (Keegan’s Chronicles) consists of two books so far: Coexist and Conflicted. Will we be seeing more of Keegan and her magical world?

I’m almost finished with the third in the series, “Consumed,” and I’m still not sure if there will be a fourth or not. We will see how this one gets wrapped up. I do plan on making at least two spinoffs from the series. I want to expand more on a couple of the characters.

Any other projects in the works?

My next book will deal with Anna, who is a witch from Keegan’s Chronicles. I’m anxious to get working on it. After that I plan on writing a Young Adult witch series distinct from the Chronicles. I’m also going to be co-writing two other books, one with Talia Jager, and another with Nolia McCarty.

Tell me, Julia, how do you feel about fairies (Keep in mind the Queen of the Fairies has spies EVERYWHERE)?

I do believe! I love fairies. Although, the housecleaning fairy I’ve heard so much about has never stopped by to visit.

You know, I had an appointment with her once and she never showed. Do you suppose they have a Housecleaning Fairy Customer Service Department?

Dragons? (This is important, so answer carefully.)

I am a huge fan of dragons. I’m a believer in Feng Shui and the dragon is a very powerful creature that can bring security and success. What’s not to love?

“Everything is better with dragons.”–Shea MacLeod

I got quoted! I have arrived.

Chocolate?

I could eat a pan of brownies in one setting. I seriously lack self-control. I can’t have chocolate in the house, it has to be a treat I get when I’m out. I’m actually glad they don’t do trick-or-treating in Dubai, because I usually eat most of the candy before the kids show up.

And finally, it’s the apocalypse! And not just any apocalypse, a MAGICAL apocalypse! The laws of physics no longer apply and all the supernatural creatures we only dream of are now real. What’s your plan of action?

I think I would hunt down your dragon warrior, and try to get him on my side. If nothing else there would be some good eye candy before the end.