Nebraska Writers Guild discussion

Today we’re talking with Sabrina Sumsion, who released her latest YA novel, Saving the Hero.

Sabrina, tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I’m a ninja disguised as a homeschooling mom, former literary publicist, craft-aholic and all around reading diva. Really, I kick down doors---no, wait, that was my husband when I locked us out of the house.... Well, I engage in combat on a regular basis---online when I play MMORPGs with my children...okay, maybe I’m not a real ninja, but my husband says I stole his heart. Does that count?

No? Shoot. Well, I love reading and I love writing. I think imagination is the biggest advantage a child can get in life, and I try to allow my children many opportunities to expand theirs every day. I love teaching authors how to avoid publishing traps and scams as well as how to market themselves and their works. There is nothing better in life than giving someone information that helps them become successful. I also take a few hours each week and create jewelry, make lotions, or paint something. I have little creation stations scattered through the house. My daughter gets into them a lot and scatters things, which drives my husband crazy, but remember how I mentioned that he says I stole his heart? Yeah. I’m not giving it back. He’s stuck with me forever. Bwah ha ha ha!

I'm guessing those ninja skills came in handy for your latest release. Can you tell us a bit about it?

Saving the Hero is the story of a loner vampire hunter who is forced to kidnap an infected nosy veteran as well as an eight-year-old girl. While waiting for the end of 30 days, she finds herself drawn to the veteran even though she knows he’s destined to die.

Sounds like the vampire hunter has a lot of issues to deal with. Where can we read her story?

The book is available only on Amazon.com in eFormat or in print until this fall, when it will be released to all reading platforms. You can find it on Amazon. It's also available in print wherever fine books are sold.

This book marks a new genre for you, right?

Yes, Saving the Hero is my first foray into Urban Fantasy. I was drawn to it because of the idea I had about vampires. I poked around and figured out that Urban Fantasy was the best label for what I wrote.

Kassy is such an intriguing character. Which actor would you like to see playing her?

I don’t have anyone in particular in mind. The only restrictions I’d like to see are that it’s not some tiny girl. In Saving the Hero, Kassy is tall and sturdily built.

She'd have to be to carry out some of those maneuvers! Where did the idea for this book come from?

It started when I read an article on a scientist who is studying the influence parasites have over humans. I sat and brainstormed what possible influences could happen, and I ended up on vampire tendencies. I wrote the story thinking I’d make it a short story as a writing exercise. One thing led to another, and eventually it morphed into a novel.

That's not surprising as your characters are quite dynamic. What was the most surprising part of this book for you?

What surprised me was how there weren’t going to be relationships in it, but the characters decided the story should go a different way.

Kassy certainly does have a determination about her, so that doesn't surprise me! If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Brandon Sanderson. He’s a buddy of my husband and is one of the most humble writers I’ve met. He’s a brilliant writer and I study how he crafts his stories. His Hugo-winning podcast called Writing Excuses is a delight to listen to. If that wasn’t epic enough, his master's level creative writing course is available to view on YouTube.

You've got quite a bit of experience that you can share with others as well, especially with your Aliens Are Real, Part 1 series.

I’m actually currently working on Aliens Are Real: Part 4. This is a continuation of the young adult series I started in 2012. I also have ideas for several short stories based around the Saving the Hero world.

Ooh, so lots of goodies to read. How can readers discover more about you and you work?

Website: www.sabrinasumsion.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSabrin...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sabrinasumsion

Thank you, Sabrina, for answering our questions. And readers, go grab Saving the Hero while it's on sale. Feel free to post your own questions for Sabrina as well. Thanks, everyone~

I'll be here all week, folks. Try the flavored lemonade and be sure to tip your waitresses! (And ask a question or two.)

Question! What's your favorite recipe for flavored lemonade?

My favorite recipe starts with a freshly squeezed lemon and maple base that you can get here: http://runningwithtongs.com/2012/04/1...

After that, I juice or puree the second flavor I want to include. It's usually a fruit flavor so I simply grind up frozen fruit. The amount I wing. If I'm making a pitcher of lemonade to share, about a cup of fruit. If I'm making a glass with added fruit, I'll add a few table spoons depending on how much I'm craving the particular berry.

Nummy! Now I'm craving some lemonade...

I just re-read my interview and let me clarify the mentor question. When I answered it initially, I read it as if I *got* to choose a mentor, who would it be. Brandon, hands down.

If I'm picking from people with an active involvement in my writing, I can't pick just one! I'm blessed to have an amazing writers group that supports me in writing endeavors as well as personally. We all have various strengths that complement one another. I couldn't do it without any of them.

Who would you pick to be your favorite character from a book (any book including yours)?

Very nice interview!

Thanks for joining us Kathleen! What's your drink?

Favorite characters are hard to pick. I like a lot of characters for a variety of reasons. I think the first character I really fell in love with was Tanin from the Dragon Lance series by Tracey Hickman and Margaret Weis. His character was misunderstood, yet did his best to choose the right no matter where he was thrown.

I love Hermione Granger from Harry Potter because she's a strong, intelligent girl. Yeah, she was annoying in some parts, but really, who doesn't go through an obnoxious phase?

In the books I've written, my favorite surprised me. In the Aliens Are Real series, I introduced a new character in Part 3. Kaipo is a laid back Polynesian who moved to Nebraska from Hawaii. He's become a breath of fresh air to write. I wish I'd known someone like him in high school!

Awesome! I'll have to check out your series!

I have to agree with Hermione--I just read the Harry Potter series for the first time and loved it!

I am quite addicted to Coke (the drink of course!) but I'll join you for a lemonade!

Thanks Kathleen! Aliens Are Real: Part 1 is perma-free through most digital book sellers. :)

Well, now that I know you're a Coke girl, I'll have to look for Kathleen on those named bottles. LOL!

Lol! I've been looking, but alas, no name!

Just picked up the book!

I have a friend named Kathleen and she found one with her name so I know they're out there.

Thanks for grabbing the book! Hope you enjoy it.