{Author Interview} Natasha Slight - Guardians of the Grimoire

Kristin:  Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live?

I was born and raised in Montreal, where I still live with my husband and two daughters. I’ve moved around a lot, but I always come back to Montreal. The people here are very warm and friendly; just don’t get in their way on the road!

Kristin:  What is the name of the book you are currently promoting and would you like to tell us a little about it?

Guardians of the Grimoire, book one in the Grimoire series, is my debut novel. Although, written for Young Adults, the book has also been well received by adults. It is a Fantasy Adventure packed with action from beginning to end. The concept of the book is based on the idea of multiverses (parallel universes).

Kaël, an evil god, seeks to gain access to the Grimoire. If he succeeds, he can control the four universes. Desperate, the Spirit Mother hides the book on Earth where a goddess and three young girls will help. Kerani, Tiluvia, and Cesca must race to Gaïa's island, while attempting to control their newfound magic. Will the girls reach Gaïa in time? Or will Kaël succeed in finding the Grimoire?

Kristin:  Where did you come up for the idea for your book?

Well, actually the idea just popped into my head one day. There’s really no other way to describe it. It was like a movie playing in my head. The longer I sat, thinking about it, the more detailed it became. Before I knew it, I was frantically writing everything down. It took me a few days, where I was completely immersed in the storyline. I still have the very first draft and I shake my head every time I look at it, wondering how I came up with it.

Kristin:  Tell us a little about your main character(s).

I have three main characters, all female, which is rare in high-fantasy books. I find this genre very male oriented and I wanted to do something different. I like to think ‘out of the box’, so this was right up my alley.

Kerani: The leader of the group, she is a feisty, strong-willed, sword-wielding princess. She doesn’t take no for an answer and is not afraid to fight.

Tiluvia: Quirky, funny, and always smiling, she’s my comic relief in the book. She is also very sensitive to the moods of others around her. She is the shoulder to cry on and the pillar of the group.

Cesca: She is my brooding dark beauty who is also very shy and quiet. Plagued by inner turmoil, Cesca is someone who has to find and accept herself for who she is. The question is will she succeed?

Kristin:  Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

I love all three equally...hmm, this sounds like what a parent would say to their children. LOL But it’s true!

Kristin:  Do you feel like you put parts of yourself in your characters?

Oh my goodness, yes. The first time I was asked this question, I came to realize that each character embodies a quality from my own personality. For me it felt like the girls’ personalities just naturally evolved, but in hindsight, I see where they evolved from. Today, I can understand when they say an author’s book contains his or her soul in it.

Kristin:  Will there be a sequel or do you have another project in the works?

After I finish writing this trilogy, I have a novella I’d like to write, followed by another trilogy. I don’t know why, but writing trilogies just seems to come naturally to me. I feel very comfortable with it. This is all in the Young Adult category. Afterwards, I’d like to branch out and write a series for adults, which I’ve already begun to plan. My mind is just bursting with ideas!

Kristin:  How long did the entire process from writing your current work to getting it published take?

It took me 2 years and 3 months. I still remember the date I began to write: October 8th, 2009. My official coming out was December 1st, 2011. I would work all day, often times 7 days a week and into the wee hours of the morning. I went through a lot of edits, but I can’t tell you how many, because I lost count after fifty! Since I am self-published this also includes all the social networking I had to set up, the research into indie publishing vs traditional publishing, not to mention all the research I did for my book. It was a major learning curve and one heck of a roller coaster ride.

Kristin:  Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Everywhere! From books, movies, music, life events, and even dreams.

Kristin:  Do you have any “rituals” when you write?

Yes, I do. The first draft of a book is always written by hand. I begin writing in my dining room, because the table gives me space to spread the sheets out in front of me. Once that’s done, then I hibernate in my office rewriting, editing, working with my editor and proofreader until the book is ready to be published...and that can be months! 

Kristin:  If you couldn’t be an author, but anything else…what would you be?

Oh, that’s easy, I’d own a restaurant. My other passion in life is cooking. I’m not afraid to taste new things and I’m always putting my own twist on recipes. 

Kristin:  Independently published, commercially published, or self-published?
I am presently self-published.

Kristin:  Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

I have three tips.
1) Read A LOT. By doing this, it will help to develop your own writer’s voice. You’ll discover what genre you like to write in and maybe even what language. I’m bilingual in both French and English, having grown up with both languages, but don’t ask me to write in French! I much prefer to write in English.
2) Write A LOT. Like the expression says, “Practice makes perfect.”
3) Write about something that truly inspires you. If you feel very strong about your idea, and it captures you entirely, then write about it.
4) Most importantly, DON’T GIVE UP.

Kristin:  When did reading and writing become important you?

I’ve read my whole life, so books have always been very important to me, but writing became important when I allowed myself to try my hand at it. I didn’t reject the idea. Writing is now a passion for me. I don’t see myself doing anything else in life.

Fun Stuff

Kristin:  The apocalypse is coming…what do you do?

Make sure my latest project is backed up on my USB key. You never know if you’ll survive!

Kristin:  What 5 things are within your reach right now? No cheating?

My cup of tea, pens and pencils, Webster’s dictionary, a camera, and of course my book.

Kristin:  Favorite Food?

Everything that is in the ocean. I melt for seafood, especially lobster.

Kristin: Favorite Movie?

Ratatouille! Not only is it about cooking, but it’s in Paris. *sigh* I’ve been there once, and I think I left my heart at the top of the Eiffel Tower. No choice, but to go back and get it.

Kristin:  Favorite TV show?

Lie To Me.

Kristin: Favorite Song?

La Mer by Charles Trenet

Kristin:  Favorite singer or band?

Adèle

Kristin:  One food you would never try?

I’m someone who is always willing to try new things, and I like to watch Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern (one day I’ll get to see what a cricket tastes like), but one thing I would never, never, never want to try are Coconut Grubs. *shudders* I close my eyes when I see them on TV. I would love to post a picture here for you, but I can’t bring myself to Google search for an image. Eew! Eew! Eew!

Kristin: Health nut or junk food junkie?

Can I be both? LOL I’m usually the health-wise type, after all, I do have two kids, but sometimes momma just wants her chips. I’ll only eat chips if the bag is freshly opened, afterwards, they don’t taste as good, and in my house the bag can stay there for over a week. I put mine in the freezer; they’re better cold, especially when it’s a brand new unopened bag! Crazy, I know.

Kristin: The most exotic food you have ever eaten?

Turtle, while I was in the Cayman Islands. They slather it in sauce and it’s really good. Psst, by the way, the sauce is there to hide the fact that the meat is green.

Kristin:  Day on the beach or snow skiing down a mountain?

Day on the beach all the way! I hate the cold and snow and I don’t ski. Imagine, I live in Montreal with minus 40 degrees in winter. Brrrr.

Kristin:  If you could move anywhere on this Earth, where would it be?

The South of France and it’s not IF, it’s WHEN. I seriously plan on moving there one day. No snow and the beach is close by.

Kristin: Two books you think everyone should read. (Yes, you can and should include yours.)

Well, if you’re reading this then you’re already aware of my book, but if you’re into symbolism, I strongly suggest anything written by Dan Brown. My favorite is The Lost Symbol. If you like high-fantasy, then I suggest The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay.

Kristin:  Places my readers can stalk you?

Website │ Twitter  │ Goodreads │Amazon │Barnes and Noble  │Smashwords  Author Facebook │ Grimoire Series Facebook

Thank you for taking this time to let us get to know you. We have enjoyed having you today. I hope you have enjoyed yourself and will stop by to see us again soon.