It never ceases to amaze me the abundance of different types of people you find, especially in the world of authors.  Here today to have a little chat is science fiction author Chystalla Thoma.  She speaks five languages, travels around the world, and oh yeah – has published loads of her own work!  Read on to learn about Chrystalla's literal and literary travels…

Hi dear Kim! Thank you for having me over today.

Q.  Your novel Rex Rising (Elei's Chronicles) was just released.  Can you tell us a little about the book? 

Rex Rising is a Young Adult Science Fiction novel about Elei, a young aircar driver in a world where parasites create new human races. He leads a peaceful life — until a mysterious attack on his boss sends him fleeing with a bullet in his side. Pursued for a secret he does not possess and with the fleet at his heels, he has but one thought: to stay alive. His pursuers aren't inclined to sit down and talk, although that's not the end of Elei's troubles. The two powerful parasites inhabiting his body, at a balance until now, choose this moment to bring him down, leaving Elei with no choice but to trust in people he hardly knows in a mad race against time. It won't be long before he realizes he must find out this deadly secret – a secret that might change the fate of his world and everything he has ever known – or die trying.

Q.  Is this a stand-alone book, or part of a series?

Rex Rising is Book One of Elei's Chronicles, and a sequel is currently in the works, called Rex Cresting. However, the book can also stand on its own, since the ending is quite satisfactory (as I've been told!), even if there are more books to come.

Q.  You're a fellow indie author.  Can you tell us more about your decision to self-publish?  What has been your experience so far?

I followed the developments with indie publishing with great interest, from the birth of small, independent publishers to the possibility of self publishing on Amazon, Smashwords and B&N. I hesitated a little, but the deal seemed good, so I took the plunge this summer and self published Rex Rising. Self publishing gave me so much control over the whole process that I became addicted, although it is also stressful as it demands a lot of responsibility from the author.

So far I really like the experience, from being able to choose my own cover to the date of publication and the ease with which I can upload revised, corrected versions of my books if I find any error that slipped all my careful efforts.

I am still planning on keeping one foot in traditional publishing, as small publishers are really good and provide excellent editors and cover artists. But I am definitely not regretting self publishing Rex Rising. 

Q.  Real books or e-reader? 

I don't really mind. Since I bought my e-reader, I am hooked. At home, I still live among mountains of print books and sometimes I still buy those, if there isn't an electronic version of the story I want. I do think, though, that the future of writing lies in e-books. It's just the way things evolve.

Q.  Okay, now give me the deeds on the real Chrystalla Thoma…  What were you like in high school?  Wall flower, or social butterfly?

I am not a very social being. Besides, socializing takes time away from reading and writing. *grin* Definitely wallflower.

Q.  Did you enjoy reading as a teenager?

I LOVED reading, I lived for that. I was a real bookworm (and still am!) My parents didn't think it was healthy for me, and they were probably right, but I was happy among my books.

Q.  Where do you live now? Can you tell us anything about your family?

I live in Cyprus, where I returned two years ago after sixteen years of wandering (France,England,Germany,Costa Rica). My husband, Carlos, is Costa Rican and a marine biologist who is also an archaeology and fantasy buff… like me. We have always had a great time together. He's very supportive and has always helped me spread my wings and do everything I want.

Q.  A random fact popped out on your blog…  You call yourself a professional escapist – why?

Because that's my official title… I don't handle stress and real life very well, so I find all possible ways to escape, from stories to music to wandering the countryside to watching movies. I am always happier elsewhere.                                 

Q.  You speak five languages.  How did that come about – study or travel?

Both. I studied languages. I studied in France, then moved to England for my MA in translation, then to Germany for my PhD (France and Germany have no fees for students). In Germany I met my husband who is Costa Rican and moved to central America for three years.

Q.  Most reckless thing you've ever done?

Besides marrying Carlos? lol! Hm… Left my job time and again to hunt for another, before being sure I'd find one. Came very close to an erupting volcano. Swam in the sea while I could see sharks below me (yes I did! Never swam so fast in my whole life…) Dived very close to electric stingrays. Lived in Costa Rica for three years… Can't remember more now.

Q.  What three things would always be found in your purse (keys, wallet and cell phone don't count)?

A notebook for stories (moleskin)

A pen.

Sunglasses (I have eyes very sensitive to the sun, like a vampire!)

Q.  Do you create your own cover art?

Yes, that's one of the main reasons I love self-publishing. I love creating my own covers.

Q.  Do you have any advice for writers, young and old alike?

Write what you really like reading. Get honest feedback and study your art as much as possible. Don't rush into publishing before you're sure you've done your best and produced something of good quality.

Q.  What can we expect next from Chrystalla Thoma?

Many things. But first of all, an anthology called Corpus Pretereo by Escape Collective Publishing is coming out in October which contains my short fantasy story "Dreamdancer".

I am working on the sequel of Rex Rising and hope to have it ready by the end of the year.

In the works are also the prequel to Rex Rising, as are also an epic fantasy trilogy (YA), a novel about a cloned angel, a steampunk fantasy with vampires set in Cyprus, and plenty more.

Thanks for taking the time to chat, Chystalla!  You can learn more about Chrystalla Thoma at her blog, or by following her on Twitter and Facebook.  If you'd like to read Rex Rising, you'll find it available on Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon DE and Smashwords.  And be sure to check out for her Rex Rising book trailer!