Interview with Sara Flower, the author of By The Sword

I'm joined today by Sara Flower, the author of the upcoming YA fantasy novel, By the Sword. She is here with us to talk about her book, her passion for writing and some of her favorite Valentine's-Day-related stuff! Enjoy the interview and don't forget: WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR COMMENTS! :)

By The Sword

     Seventeen year old Talya`s main goal is to bring down the Malinorian Empire. And Jalarn, the empire`s prodigy general, is at the top of her list of enemies to kill. Not only has Jalarn murdered Talya`s king, he`s almost killed her. Twice.

     But things don't go as Talya planned when a visiting prophet sends her on a mission to the highly feared Hunter Forest. It is there that she must gain the allegiance of the forest's inhabitants before Jalarn and his men do.

     Then, memories of a haunting vision resurface when Talya comes face to face with Jalarn. She makes a rash decision that sends her down a path she never thought she never imagined she would follow.

About the author: 

Sara Flower is a twenty-something Canadian writer that has been writing stories since kindergarten. She is addicted to traveling and music while being something of a fitness nut.

 
E: Evie
SF: Sara Flower

E: Welcome to Bookish, Sara! Thank you so much for joining us for the Valentine's Day event! Can you please tell us a bit about your upcoming book, By The Sword?

SF: Thank you so much for having me. My book, By the Sword, is young adult fantasy story. It is about a fiesty young knight named Talya who wants nothing more than to bring down the Malinorian Empre - especially Jalarn, the prodigy Malinorian general. Talya's country, Sanctus, prepares to go to war with the empire. In the meantime, Talya manages to get herself into all sorts of trouble - especially when she keeps running into Jalarn.

E: Who or what inspired you to write it?

SF: A couple of things. I read some exciting books by Wayne Thomas Batson and they inspired me to write a story in the high fantasy genre. I also had this image in my mind for months of this super tough girl fighter that I wanted to write about and she fit perfectly into this story. I was listening to the CD Innocence and Instinct by Red at the time and the story just flowed.

E: How would you describe your book in 5 words?

SF: Talya seeks vengenace, but finds redemption.

E: Are any of your characters inspired by people in your own life? Which one of them would you say is the most like you?

SF: For this book, these characters were all generated out of imagination. Talya's bravery and boldness is something I have always wanted in my own personality, but I would say that I am more like Chrissa - strong but in a quieter way with very big dreams.

E: Have you always wanted to be a writer? At what point in your life did you decide that writing is something you want to do?

SF: I started writing stories when I was five and I always wanted to publish books, but as a teen I thought it would be more of a part time hobby. Sometimes, adults make anything to do with the arts sound like it can't be a feasible career. It was not until I finished my college diploma in Hotel Management that I finally decided to take the steps to write full time.

E: If your book had a soundtrack to accompany it, what songs would be on it?

SF: This is such a great question! Music and writing go hand in hand. Headbangers would like most of this soundtrack. LOL

 

Fight Inside By Red

 

The Soldier's Song By Demon Hunter

 

All Night Long (Darth & Vader Remix) by Felguk

 

Watch You Crawl By Red

 

68 By Haste the Day

 

In the Dark By Flyleaf

E:  Valentine's Day is almost here! Could you share with us your three favorite romantic books?

SF: I will be honest, romance is not one of my favourite genres, but When Heaven Weeps by Ted Dekker has the most amazing love story. It isn't mushy or sappy, but it symbolizes the love that God has for us by showing the unconditional love that the main character has for an unloveable woman. Intense.

 

Okay, there's one more. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. A classic that has such whit and intrigue. I love it.

E:  What's the ultimate Valentine's Day date you would like to experience?

SF: I am totally all for doing my own thing right now so I am not really sure. Haha. When the time is right, maybe a quiet dinner at a unique restaurant and then exploring somewhere afterwards.

E: Who is your favorite book couple?

SF: Jan Jovic and Helen from When Heaven Weeps

E:  If you could act in any romantic movie, what would it be?

SF: Well, okay, this might sound strange but I liked the story of Ivy and Lucious in The Village. I would act as her because she risks her life to journey through the woods and get medicine for her wounded fiance. And she is blind. The movie isn't in the romance category, but I like the unconditional love that Ivy and Lucious have and the twist is that she must become his hero, rather than the other way around.

Sara, thank you so much for joining us today!  

I'm looking forward to reading your book!

I hope you guys enjoyed the interview, for more information about Sara Flower and her book, please visit her blog.

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About the Author

Evie is the Blogger behind Bookish. She enjoys reading many different genres, especially YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Fiction and Fantasy.

She loves talking to authors and is always happy to welcome them for interviews, and guest posts. She also likes spreading the love for awesome books and  chatting with fellow book-worms.

You can find Evie here: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Shelfari | The Library Thing