Books Are Magic: Interview with Stephanie Abbott: Author of Past Lives series

Today, we have an amazing author, who writes fantasy so beautifully. Here is an interview from the author of the Past Lives series.

About the author - Stephanie Abbott is the face behind the popular pseudonym,S.A. Reid. Well-known for her “real and likeable characters”, she also writes paranormal fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi. Additionally, she also pens cozy mysteries as Emma Jameson.

Is there an inspiration behind why you chose writing?

Probably just that I grew up surrounded by passionate readers. I loved books from an early age and soon wanted to tell stories as well as read them.

Give us a glimpse into a typical day in your day starting when you wake up till you lie down again.

LOL. Okay, I make coffee, shower, dress, pack lunch, arrive at work fifteen minutes early so I can eat breakfast while I check my sales on Amazon. I work all morning, then write on my lunch break – either a blog post or the current novel. I work all afternoon, then commute home, usually an hour and ten minute drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic. During that time I listen to whatever unabridged book I’m following. Once home, I greet the cats, microwave something for dinner, check my email, check Facebook and Goodreads for messages, then write until I can’t keep my eyes open. Yes ... I lead a life of danger and excitement.

Finish the sentence- one book I wish I had written is....

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman.

What are your current literary works? Any sneak peeks?

Right now I am finishing Blue Murder, the second in the Lord and Lady Hetheridge cozy mystery series. (Writing as Emma Jameson.) Then I’ll finish Soulless, an adult romance under the name S.A. Reid. Finally, I’ll return to the world of reincarnation and superpowers to publish Past Lives #2: Brannon.

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?

Usually I try to choose guests that make me sound smart, or at least mysterious. Today I’ll give you my honest answer. Michael Fassbender, Milla Jovovich, Kate Winslet, Anthony Hopkins and James McAvoy. And I wouldn’t say a word or eat a bite, I’d just sit there staring and listening with a stupid grin on my face.

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?

For the Past Lives Series, I can think of two. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” covered by the Alice Band (they change part of the chorus to, “Baby I’m your woman”) and “Time Is Running Out,” by Muse.

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?

Again, usually I would try to answer with something to make me sound brainy, like “Oh, Masterpiece Theatre, though it’s gone down terribly in quality, don’t you think?” But today I will give you the true answer, which is that old Fox Kids X-Men cartoon from the 1990s. It is a terrible excuse for a show. And I pretty much have it memorized.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Easy. Having complete strangers send me messages stating that they loved a book and can’t wait for the next one. Every time that happens, I am over the moon. It never gets old.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

Don’t be afraid of rejection. So many folks crumple at the first “no,” or even just fear of getting a no.

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?

This is going to sound awful, but it would be the world of the Past Lives series. Because there’s more than a little wish fulfillment in it for me.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

Better Late Than Never. I am always the last to adapt and often ten-fifteen years behind the curve.

What is your favorite scene in the book and why do you love it?

By book I presume you mean Past Lives #1: Rachel, so I’ll answer it that way. I love the scene where Ted Harrington, two weeks sober and murderously angry, plots to take down his telepathic masters in one final bloodbath. Then he realizes Chairman Fullbright’s life is in danger, and his inner core of loyalty – which he doesn’t believe exists – takes over.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

An author. Then an actress. Then a singer (despite the fact I can’t carry a tune). Then an author again. So I am truly blessed.

In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?

Everyone who comes to mind has passed away. But if Marion Zimmer Bradley still lived, and needed a co-writer for a Darkover book, I think we’d do a bang-up job together.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

I’d be telekinetic – stopping bullets, knocking down walls and kicking butt without ever lifting a hand.