I Get Serious, Silly, and a Little Witchy Woman with Author Elizabeth Cheryl

I’m nervous about doing this interview. You don’t get it, I don’t get it, no one understands! I read Elizabeth Cheryl’s book, The Summerland, and generally I don’t get a chance to read the books for the people I interview. This time, I did. Should make the interview easy, right? You would think, but that’s not the case. I think it’s because the book revolves around death, love, desire, witches, time travel, general angst. It’s the dirt where I call home, but again, so nervous! Inexplicable! But I have a plan. Let me talk first about the fabulous Elizabeth Cheryl.

Elizabeth Cheryl has spent many years researching the phenomenon of witchcraft in Europe and New England. She was born and raised in Northern California. Her mother, Cheryl and her family were from a small town in Massachusetts called Newton. After moving to California in 1968, Elizabeth’s mother began exploring her role as a woman in the modern-day church. Elizabeth grew up over the years learning and absorbing her mother’s spiritual teachings through many types of religions.

And let’s talk about her book, The Summerland.

Abigail thought her life was almost normal—until she awoke in the year 1692. When Abigail Parker graduated from high school, she thought she was going to spend her summer enjoying social events with her friends and prepping for college. But after the sudden death of her mother, she was forced to move to Salem, Massachusetts, with her eccentric Aunt Bridgette. Unearthing an old book from her closet, Abigail begins a journey like no other……..

 

Elizabeth will always have a special place in my heart. We bonded at RT, and as most writers know, conferences have a way of forging relationships like war. In the end, writing is more about war than most things, so I guess that makes sense.

So, this is what I am going to do. I am going to start out deadly serious and work my way to silly. Cover me, I’m going in.

Aaron: A lot of YA novels start out with the main character struggling with the death of a parent. My own YA novel, The Never Prayer, has such a start. But for you, things are different. You lost your mother during the writing of the book. How did that affect your book?

Elizabeth: Well first of all I wanted to thank you for having me on your very fun and thrilling blog. I always enjoy working and writing with you. We had a lot of fun at RT, my BFF!

But to answer your first question, it was something I never expected when I started this journey, Aaron. The ironies in this book and what has happened in my life recently, frankly are spooky. Abigail, my main heroine in the story, is from Boston, as was my mom. Abigail loses her mother to cancer as I did my mom. Throughout writing this story over an eight-month period, my mom sort of took on the role of my editor. It was a beautiful time for her and I. We laughed and cried through the process. My mom passed away the week after we completed the book. Needless to say it was beyond heartbreaking. My life has not been the same since and not sure it ever will. When my novel was published, the road of edits began. I had to make some changes to Abigail’s outlook on the loss of her mother because now I was writing it from a much realer perspective unfortunately.

Aaron: Did you feel close to your mother during the novel? In what ways?

Elizabeth: Absolutely…I felt as if I was writing for her most of the time. I would write one page, print it and she would sit and read it right away. I would anxiously await her reaction. She was my inspiration.

Aaron: Your novel revolves around the Salem Witch trials. Why do you think witch-burning was a part of our collective history? And why do you think it stopped?

Elizabeth: That’s such an interesting question. You’re really making me think on this one. I think through history we as a society are fascinated with stories of trials and tribulations. I think anytime you cannot fully explain or understand an event that had consisted of unfortunate bloodshed it creates a frenzy of rumored curiosity.

As for why it stopped, there are a few records indicating that the Governor of Massachusetts, Sir William Phipps, was the man who eventually stopped the trials. He turned a blind eye to the brutal killings until finally his own wife was accused. You can imagine how quickly it was all brought to a halt.

Aaron: While you were working on The Summerland, you met a girl who looked exactly like your main character, Abigail Parker. Tell us a little about what happened and what that led to.

Elizabeth: Yes it was crazy! I was at a Waffle House and there was a teenage girl that looked exactly as I pictured Abigail to look. I approached her–I’m sure she thought I was crazy. I told her I was writing a book and she looked just like I had pictured my Abigail. She smiled huge and said that she was moving to LA to be an actress and that she wanted to keep in touch with me in case the book would ever be made into a movie. This was two-and-a-half years ago and we are still friends. We are waiting patiently for the book to be a movie and her adorable face as Abigail. 😉

Aaron: Your cover is striking. Where did you get the wonderful picture of the tree and what is its significance?

Elizabeth: Aw… Thank you, Aaron. I love the cover as well. I found the tree on i-stock and my publisher had the graphic artists do their magic. The meaning of the tree is one that was important to the story. The accused during the trials were hung on a large Oak Tree. It was sad to see such a beautiful, strong tree to be used as a killing machine. To have its magnificent branches strapped with nooses to take a life. I wanted to picture the Oak as it should be and that’s glorious and strong.

Aaron: Okay, girlfriend, your website rocks the party, rocks the party right! How did you get such an amazing website? Amazingly amazing. I’m amazed. Cheryl’s website (heads-up; music plays when you click the link).

Elizabeth: Really?! You thought it was amazing? I am a green pea at making websites and I’m learning as I go. Thanks for the props though on finding a way to stick my website in the article!

Aaron: If I traveled back in time to 1692, I would miss the following things: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (yeah, try to burn Willow, I dare you), bicycles, Pellegrino, decaf coffee with Silk brand soy creamer, modern Mexican food, and hot tubs. What would you miss?

Elizabeth: Haha… I would miss, black and white Starbucks coffees, Bloody Marys, True Blood, showers with body wash, straightening iron, and sushi.

Aaron: If you could bring any of the characters in your book to life, who would you choose and why? Man, that is such an awesome question, I want to answer it, but I’ll restrain myself.

Elizabeth: Hmmmm that is a good question! I would bring Mary Elizabeth, I think. She is so wise and I could learn so much from her. Plus, she could teach me to time travel!

Aaron: Okay, last question, though I’m still hung-up on the question from before. I so impress myself. Let’s say you and Abigail teamed up to bring a group of people from 1692 forward in time to the present day for a weekend. Where would you take them? What would you do?

Elizabeth: Oh Geez…. Let’s see. I would take them to San Francisco for sure. They would be in shock if they saw our advances in technology. And I would take them on a Cable Car ride through the hills. We would eat clam chowder on the wharf and end the weekend on a ferry ride to Alcatraz stopping for pictures under the Golden Gate Bridge. It would be breathtaking.

Thanks so much, Elizabeth!  Had a great time!

The Summerland Novel page
Elizabeth on Goodreads
Elizabeth’s guest post on this blog: The Demons of Addiction
Elizabeth’s Crescent Moon Press page

I Get Lunar With Perigee Moon Author Tara Fuller

So, Tara Fuller is a Crescent Moon Press writer, and her first book, Perigree Moon just came out.  Get it while it’s hot, yo.  Since she is a newbie, like me, and since she is awesome, like me, and since she has a new book, which will be me, I badgered her into letting me interview her.  After the restraining order didn’t work, she agreed.

 

Her book is all Salem Witch Trials, time travel, smoky teen angst and a boy with dark hair and piercing blue eyes.  As you’ll see.  For the full story, you can check out the full pitch and full bio at Crescent Moon Press.  Fully linked.  Also you can click above, to her website and to Amazon.

But don’t go yet.  Let’s get to it.

Aaron Michael Ritchey: Let’s start right off with the hardest question of all. How do you cope with the brutality that is the writing life? The rejection, the constant self-doubt, the fist-shaking rants at heaven? That’s how I deal with it. Shaking my fist at heaven. And ranting.

Tara: Lol, there have definitely been some fist-shaking moments for me too. Lots of moments when I didn’t think I was good enough. For me, I just remind myself every day that anything worth having doesn’t come easily. And this has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I don’t think any amount of rejection could make me walk away from it. Writing is just part of who I am. I love it.

Aaron: What was the inspiration for Perigee Moon? Was it a sparkly-vampire-type of dream? Or were you walking along, and suddenly, yeah, witches, man, witches.

Tara: Nope. No sparkly vampire dreams for me. I had known for a while that I wanted to write a time-travel story. And then one day I was watching a documentary on the Salem Witch Trials (yes that is the sort of thing I do for fun) and it hit me. Why not combine the two? After about three days of plotting (Definition of plotting: me lying on my floor listening to music and staring at my ceiling fan thinking about witches and kissing) the idea for Perigee Moon was born!

Aaron’s Response: That made me laugh. Witches and kissing. Laying on the floor, listening to music. Great answer. I walk. For me, walking is plotting. Cool.

Aaron: How did you pick the title? I can’t do titles. I used up all my good title ideas in high school and college. I call most of my books by numbers. Yes, I’m working on Book 123. Kidding. Titles, talk to me.

Tara: I’m not great with titles either, but this one was pretty easy. The spell in this book that the entire story in hinged on must take place during a Perigee Moon (the time when the moon is closest to the earth). So this time, thankfully, I didn’t have to pull too much hair out coming up with one.

Aaron Responds: It’s a great title. And interesting. You can google perigree. Dang, you learn something every day.

Aaron: Speaking of witches, what drew you to the whole Salem thing? Do you enjoy the smell of burnt flesh? Please answer both questions. It’s important for our readers.

Tara: I have always been fascinated with history and the Salem Witch Trials were something I loved learning about. It’s really crazy to learn about the events that went on back then. It’s heartbreaking to say the least. As for the second question: the only burning flesh I’ve ever smelled was mine when my flat iron attacked me recently, and no I wasn’t too fond of that moment, lol.

Aaron Bites Back: Had to google flat iron. Okay. Gotcha. And yeah, Salem Witch Trials were fascinating. Those wacky Christians.

Aaron: Rowan Bliss is the name of your heroine, which is awesome. How did you pick that name? And can I use it as my stage name for my transvestite show in San Francisco this summer? Please, both questions, hit me.

Tara: Well, thank you! I love her name. When I name a character I approach it just like I did with my kids. I break out the baby name books. When I found the name Rowan it just felt right. As for your stage name, have at it. I’m sure Rowan would be flattered, lol. 😉

Aaron Ain’t Done: I’ll come out, dressed in black, very witchy woman.

Aaron: So, we talked, and you love music. Love the playlist section of your website. Link here. And yeah, that Snow Patrol “Run” song is awesome. How do you pick the music you write to? Random, or do you have a special way? For example, when I wrote The Never Prayer, I searched my music collection for all songs that had “Angel” in the title. Do you do something similar?

Tara: I am a huge music fan, so when I hear a song that speaks to me or a project I’m working on, whether that be from lyrics or just a melody, I store it away. The console of my car is jammed full of old receipts and scrap paper where I heard a song on the radio and said “Oh! That song is so Finn!” then proceeded to pull over so I could write it down so I wouldn’t forget.

Aaron’s Quip: That’s so sweet. Having a playlist really helps me, especially during the re-write process.

Aaron: Can you write without music? Can you revise with music? How do your writing routine and music intertwine?

Tara: I can write without music, but I usually don’t. It’s a very useful tool for me in the writing process. When it comes to revising I can go to the song I had on while I wrote that chapter and it helps take me back to the tone and mood of that scene.

Aaron Shamelessly Agrees: Me too. Same, same.

Aaron: Last music question. You will be judged on style and content. If suddenly your MP3 player was taken over by demons, and you could only choose ONE band/artist to write to for the next fifty years, who would it be? If you say Justin Beiber, I will love you forever. Others will judge. Oh Lord, will they judge.

Tara: Lol! I’m sorry to say that Justin Beiber wouldn’t be my choice. I would have to go with “City and Colour”. They are too amazing for words and have actually inspired a lot of the current series I’m working on (Kissed by Death).

Aaron Acts Out: I’ll have to check that “City and Colour” out. Because I’m completely self-centered, I must say, my answer would be Moby. And not just because he’s a hardcore vegan Christian.

City and Colour; Comin’ Home

Aaron: At its heart, what is Perigee Moon about? What transcendent human truths does it contain? In other words, theme. Crush me with theme.

Tara: At its heart, Perigee Moon is a story about growing up. Rowan is dealing with loss, falling in love for the first time, and finding out who she is and what her place is in life. She’s really not different than most teens. They are going through all of this too. She’s just going through all of this under extraordinary circumstances.

Aaron’s Muttering: Ah, coming of age. Traversing rocky waters.

Would you date Alex, the love interest in your book? Or would it merely be a physical thing? No blushing. But don’t go into anything beyond PG-13 rated descriptions.

Tara: Would I date Alex? Well, if I wasn’t married and was ten years younger of course! Alex is a good-looking guy but he is so much more than that. He is a character that broke my heart. But in a good way. He is strong, caring, intelligent, and just a little bit broken. And when he loves someone he does it with his whole heart. Even if that person doesn’t deserve it. Alex believes in family and respect. He’s an old-fashioned kind of guy.

Aaron Risks Embarrassment: What a great answer. I might be crushing a little. If I wasn’t married, twenty years younger, and well, you know, into guys with black hair and piercing blue eyes…

Aaron: What aspects of Perigee Moon did you draw from your own teenager years? For me, the answer is simple. I can’t remember that far back. I just steal everything from the Gossip Girls, since, of course, that is so totally reality.

Tara: One of the things I loved about writing this book was being able to draw from those memories. Feeling lost, not knowing who you really are yet, or what you’re going to be. The awkward moments when you finally meet a boy that you can’t walk away from, but don’t know how to act. The wonderful butterfly sensations of first love.

Aaron’s Second Shameless Agreeing: Me too. Same, same.

Aaron: You’re a late night writer. Can you write during the day if forced to? Or do you draw power from the night like a vampiric H.P. Lovecraft? What is the latest you have stayed up? Any all nighters? All funny stories welcome.

Tara: I do most of my writing at night because I have two small kids. But I write whenever I get a chance. On the weekends, I escape to a local coffee shop to write during the day. As for all-nighters? I’ve had plenty of those. Too many to count. I have sacrificed sleep for finishing up a chapter or reading a good book or catching up on True Blood more times than is probably healthy, lol.

Aaron’s Sleepiness Showing: In insomnia terms, I’m an early waker. But yeah, understood. It’s great your spouse is so supportive.

Aaron: For question 13, if you could be someone in Perigee Moon, who would it be? And why? How long could you stand being your villain? Or is that too many questions in one question? Pick one and love it. And thank you so much!!!

Tara: If I could be anyone in Perigee Moon it would be Rowan. Obvious choice I know, but she is so much stronger than I will ever be. The things that she manages to overcome in this story inspire me. I admire her. Plus she gets to kiss Alex. I mean, who wouldn’t like that? 😉

Aaron’s Final Finale Finally: Well, thanks so much to Tara Fuller! Great answers to what I have to say are great questions. Greatest. Interview. Ever.

To read the greatest review ever of Perigee Moon by Sam at Falling Books, go here: