Interview A.J. Wharton Author of Rebirth
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about A.J. and her new release Rebirth, book one of the Birds of Change.
What defines you as an author? As a person? Are they one in the same?That’s a really tough question, I’d say I’m defined by my experiences and relationships. I pull a lot of what I create from those around me, and I try and focus it and sculpt it into something enjoyable for my audience.
What inspired this particular story?
I had a lot of inspiration when writing this particular story, I had dreams for several weeks outlining the events in the book. After awhile it became hard to think of anything else, and I sought an outlet to express the ideas that I was having. I find I draw a lot of references and imagery from current sci fi and anime tv shows. Heavens lost Property being my favorite.
What secret do you use to blast through writer’s block?
When I’m stuck in a certain section I will attempt to write what is happening in someone else’s POV. Actually, some of the scenes I wrote trying to get through the writers block ended up in the final manuscript.
What inspired you to write?
For my day job I travel for long hours and I find comfort in audiobooks. One author really stuck out to me and I fell in love with her style (Susan Illene). After completing the sensor series, I felt more capable of really voicing what I wanted to relay to the audience in book format.
How long have you been writing?
Off and on for several years, this book would make my first completed manuscript though.
Did you tell friends and family that you were writing a book? Or did it take a while to come out and tell friends and family you were a writer?
I did, and they couldn’t be more proud. My father is spreading the word with everyone he knows. I first mentioned it off handedly and surprised them. I have been so passionate about this book that I tend to not shut up about it.
Do you see yourself in your characters?
Not really, I mean there are parts of each character that will correspond to how I’d act or react. If I had to pick one I saw the most of myself I’d say Korarina.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
I feel that Rebirth really conveys a lot of strong feelings about self-identity. Its important to know who you are, to feel comfortable in your own skin. There are several moments when people are thought less of because they are unique. It’s important to remember that being unique is one of the best things someone can be.
Where do your story ideas come from? If they come to you in the middle of the night, do you get up and write them all down?
Mainly in the form of dreams, and yes sometimes I write them down. Other times I will blurt them own to my partner who will contribute thoughts on it.
Do you find it easier to write from a male or female point of view? Why?
No not really, I find when I’m really thinking about what the character would do its more about personality than gender.
Why do you write what you write? Contemporary, paranormal, suspense, etc.
I write what I write because the paranormal has always fascinated me. Along with Mythology, there is always a different avenue to explore with all the possible variations of creatures and beings out there.
If writing is your first passion, what is your second?
I am definitely passionate about writing, for a while I would have said my first passion was photography, but I think writing has taken its place as number 1.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I play a lot of video games on my PlayStation or I watch any one of a number of sci fi or anime’s.
My usual go to for television would either be Dragon Ball Super, Heavens Lost Property, or Seven Deadly Sins. For games I’m currently playing the 2nd Tomb Raider in the reboot series.
You’ve got a time machine, a cloak of invisibility, and one hour. Where would you go, and what eavesdropping would you do?
I’d go to the future, probably at least 100 to 200 years. Learn about some of the most popular technology or stock trends, and when I get back I’d invest in profitable endeavors.
I hear that!
Click on the cover to read more or purchase!
A peek between the pages of Rebirth.
A rustling chain nearby; my body feels weak and heavy as the darkness surrounds me. Cold numbness fills my body. The razor-sharp wind cascades past my face. A shattering noise wakes me up to the icy wind whipping across my body. The current turns me over and over as if I’m a mere plaything for the air around me. My eyes spring open and struggle against the oncoming current. I am high in the air above the city. Beneath me, bright lights of buildings stretch as far as I can see. I panic as I fall faster and faster toward the ground.
“Aaaaaaahhhhhh!”
A bright light emanates from behind me and lights up the night sky as the pulse of power fuels an explosion above me. I twist and turn as I rocket toward the ground. Something is attached to me and squirming to get out of my reach. Got to hold on; got to hold on just a little longer. A black, crumpled mass tears from my body, its claws ripping at my flesh as it disappears above me. My body rocks from it, picking up pace as my arms flail around, helpless against the downward pull of gravity. Beneath me, I recognize the building as the one they had shown when Praetor Fraus delivered his announcement. It isn’t how I remembered seeing it though. When I last saw it, it was charred and broken, but this building looks pristine. The city fills my vision as I soar closer and closer. Brilliant glistening buildings formed almost a perfect circle: the edge of the city outlined by crystalline magenta walls.
A mangled voice comes from behind me, but the wind makes it hard to make out what it is saying. I see through the glass ceiling of the building and I try to change my path, but I burst through the glass as fire surrounds me.
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It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime.Good Luck with Rebirth!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A.j. Wharton, Birds of Change, Rebirth, Urban Fantasy by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
Very intriguing excerpt! Book sounds great. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of your life. Best of luck with the book!
Cat