Q&A with Author Anna J. Walner
Q: How long did it take to write your debut novel, Garkain?
From start to polish and publishing, I would say a little over four months The other books in the series were much quicker to write, already having that foundation. Building the character’s backstory was the most crucial part of the first book, which took time.
Q: When did you begin writing?
I’ve always been a writing, keeping a journal from elementary school onward. I keep one on my bedside table to this day. I really began to discover my voice as an Author around ten years ago, and developed the courage to first publish The Enrovia Series just before my daughter was born. I wrote that Series for her.
Q: How many books do you have planned for The Uluru Legacy Series?
I have four books in the series. The second one, Larougo, is currently available for preorder. The fourth and final in the series is undergoing final edits and then will be ready as well.
Q: Why the unique combination of both vampires and werewolves?
It’s not something you see often, and I wanted to bring these two communities together, who are traditionally enemies, to achieve a common goal. They show that it’s possible to coexist, one of the many things that make this series unique.
Q: Tell us, readers, about Amelia.
Amelia is really me. I gave her my adoption story, having been adopted from hospital in Houston myself. Although her story varies a great deal, we are in fact quite similar,, Both strong-willed and independent women, who have grown into the women they were meant to be.
Q: What is The Colony?
Ah, I can say that The Colony is a society that exists in the heart of the Australian outback, and has for centuries. Hidden to human eyes, it has become a safe haven for both Vampire and Werewolf. The second book delves more into the backbone of The Colony itself, so I don’t want to give too much away!
Q: What themes will readers find in your debut novel?
Found family is foremost. Along with acceptance. Amelia is thrust into quite a different family dynamic than she was expecting. But at the heart of the story is family, and of course, love.
Q: Who are the other main characters?
Phoebe is Amelia’s biological mother, who introduces her to her brother and sister, Michelle and Robert. And of course there is Roan, Amelia’s love interest. Not to be overlooked are the two elders, Anatole and Ambrose, who remain mysterious in Garkain. But we come to know them much better in Larougo.
Q: What inspired you to write this novel and get you into writing paranormal/fantasy stories?
I’ve always enjoyed escaping into a book that transports the reader in some fashion. And the paranormal has always intrigued me, so the books I enjoyed growing up became the ones I would now write.
Q: Choose three words to describe your writing style.
Concise, and Character-driven. I do build the world of The Colony, but I primarily focus on Character development. And that goes along with my personal reading preference. If an Author can make me truly care for the Characters, I will read on to see where they go and what they go through.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers in your genre?
Get the first draft down. As hard as it may be to second guess as you write, let it flow. When the creativity hits, run with it. It’s sometimes why I’ll be up writing late into the night.
Q: Tell us, readers, what the whole journey was like for you as a debut novelist in creating this book, Garkain.
I became the reader as I was writing. Just as eager to find out what my Characters were about to do. It was exciting to sit down at the keyboard and go along for the ride. I am a classic pantser. And with that come surprises, even for me. Along with challenges. I have had to get my Characters back on track a few times!
Q: What other projects are you working on, if any?
I have a work in progress that has been roughed, but I am primarily focused on The Uluru Legacy Series at the moment. But at some point you will see something new. I just can’t say when that might be!
Q: Where can readers find you and your books online?
Everywhere! Both books are listed wide, so any book retailer should be able to order it, and every E-book distributor should have it in their catalogue.
Urban Book Reviews 