Anna Del C. Dye author interview

Book Blurb:

Friendship should be forever…
Once upon a time the elfs’ lives were quiet and peaceful. Then mankind and their enemies happened.
The giant eagles have been the Elfs’ friends for millennia—but has something turned the majestic birds against them now?
They say that in perilous times you discover who your true friends are. When a mad wizard wreaks havoc, can the elfs alone obtain victory against him? Save the eagle race? And the mankind caravan? 
See what awaits you in Shahira & the Flying Elfs, the new epic fantasy novel by Anna del C. Dye. Written in the genre of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works and the Shanara series, this story is full of action, romance, and secrets. It will keep you turning the pages.

Author Bio:

Anna was born in the extreme South along some famous beaches. She is the third child and twins with her sister Elena. She grew up with four other siblings being placed in the middle. The green-eyed, brown-haired author found a mother in her husband’s mother and loves her dearly. She accredits her mother-in-law with teaching her many things in life.

The author loves reading, but had few opportunities to do so while growing up. Once married she was introduced to the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books that she admits to having collected. Some years ago she was introduced to Tolkien’s Lord of the Ring’s and to J. K. Rowling’s writings, which she loves.

Some of Anna’s writing recognitions: She received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry and had her article entitled A New American Mother published by Desert Saints Magazine. Her short story entitled Amerine—Fairy Princess won an award in the Oquirrh chapter contest and was published by Kalkion Magazine. Other articles about family and relationship have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUBÒ of Salt Lake Valley-West. Now her new book Shahira & the Flying Elfs won Honor for the first chapter's contest in Oquirrh writers.

Book Giveaway Jun 29 to July 16

You have a chance to win a PDF form of the Young Adult Novel, Shahira & the Flying Elfs. The author will be giving one E-book to every blog that participates in the blog tour. So leave a comment if you want to be entered.

Thank you for agreeing to be my victim…mmm…guest today on my blog.  I know the life of an author is very busy and when that author is the mother to four children she is even busier.

1.     How wonderful was it to grow up as a twin?

We did everything together. Elena was the leader and I followed. We got in many innocent troubles together. One time she cut the beautiful hair off her doll and told me it was my doll when it didn’t grow back again. I was so mad because I love my doll even with her plastic hair. So I cut off her doll’s hair… I thought…

2.     Do you get any inspiration or stories from things you and your twin did as children?

Not really. I grew up in a household where children were seen but not heard. Reading was considered a waste of time, and so was being idle. Having friends outside the family a no, no and that didn’t let our imaginations run. The truth is that my mom died when we were six-years-old and I try to forget my childhood.

3.     What was your favorite prank you and Elena liked to play on others?

Not many. We are not identical twins and are quite different from each other in many ways. She is darker skinned than I am and always more mischievous and outgoing. I was just a scared little girl wanting to be love.

4.     I too like the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books.  Have you read the original editions from the 1930’s or have you read the updated ones from the 1940’s and later?

My books said “Collect the Originals” so I guess mine are the update ones.

5.     Which is your favorite Nancy Drew story and why?

I love all of them the same. I never thought of choosing one as a favorite. These books are what taught me English to begin with. They have tidbits of everything under the sun and make me feel so intelligent after I read them. I was so proud when I could read the book in two days. It took me a week when I started. Now look at me…

6.     Is your story Shahira & the Flying Elfs geared more towards children, youth or adults?

My elfs series is for pre-teens and young adults, though many of my readers are adults.

7.     Where did you get your inspiration to write about flying elfs?

The last movie of Lord of the Rings has Gandolf flying on giant eagles. I wanted to know more about them. They are such quiet specie and I wonder under what circumstances would they would let anyone fly them, after all they are majestic, proud birds. That is how Shahira & the Flying Elfs came to me.

8.     I know of no legend where elfs fly, do you?  If so, where is the legend from?

Legends no, but the only book I read of the Shanara Series has flying elfs. I don’t remember what they fly, but I recall that they were ugly elfs. I can’t imagine ugly elfs… to me they will always be the most beautiful race. Now, they are beautiful because of their disposition more than physically.   

9.     Will you continue with this series of flying elfs, or will you write about something else?

This is book six in my elf series and Shahira is the only book with flying elfs. The last book in this series has gnomes, elfs, and a mysterious warrior… no giant eagles.

10.  When will your next book come out/did come out?

Shahira and the Flying Elfs is already at mayor book distributers. The last book in this series, with the working title of “The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain” will come out at the beginning of 2014, marking the end of the elf series.

11.  Where can my readers purchase your books?

You can find all my books at:

My website: http://www.annadelc.com 

Amazon: http://ning.it/19iThs3  

Barns & Noble: http://ning.it/1744E2U  

12.  Is there anything else you want my readers to know about your books?

My books are easy to read and clean. Here is a teaser:

Flying takes you to new heights, but still you don't see if you try not.

Shahira is a she-eagle and lives with her father, mother, and baby brother. Her dream is to find a stripling young eagle for her mate. But mating is a ritual that happens in the sky and she cannot fly. She keeps telling herself that soon she will be able to, but every time she tries she falls.

The character causing all the problems in this tale is Artoris. He is almost a wizard and suffers from schizophrenia. He hears and sees people talking to him all the time. This makes him very dangerous, especially as he thinks his brother, the head of the Wizarding School, is against him. A crazy wizard, on his own, pursued by his personal demons, makes for interesting suspense.

Let’s not forget Llorradinn. He is the Elf who finds love in Shahira’s nest and who is willing to do anything for her. As a true Elf, he would sacrifice his life for Shahira if it would save her.

Thank you Brenda for this interview many happy readings to you.

You're welcome.  Come back anytime.