Good morning!
Here we are again, gathered around the monitors, ready to take on the week.
BUT HOLD ON!
Let's get things off on the right foot.
Welcome to our exclusive interview with S.A. McClelland, a gifted storyteller who has carved a niche for herself in the young adult fantasy genre. Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Ireland, where she often wanders with her three beloved dogs, her tales are as enchanting as the drizzly, sunlit paths she treads. McClelland's part-time writing journey has led to the creation of the captivating "Elements" series, a world brimming with dragons, elves, and spells that whisper of ancient magics and familial legacies.
In her notable work, "The Silver Dragon: Elements," we explore the life of a young protagonist suddenly enveloped in a mysterious silver glow, signaling the awakening of latent magical powers. This glow not only alters their own life but also stirs the tranquil village around them. Thrust into a complex weave of new realities, they contend with an elf claiming to be their father and a community grappling with the implications of their powers.
Join us as we delve into the realms of McClelland's imagination, uncovering the inspirations behind her vivid characters and the magical worlds they inhabit.
Star Trek or Star Wars?
Oh… I like both 🙈
Firefly – gone too soon or overrated?
Gone too soon…
Reboots – a great idea or a lack of creativity?
A bit of both. Depends on year made and how it's aged over time.
A book you’re looking forward to release (by someone else)?
Probably H.G.Ahedi’s next sci-fi book the last one Tartarus was really good.
Coffee, tea, or cacao?
Tea… always tea.
Favorite hangover recovery recipe?
I don't get hangovers 😆 my husband is always jealous that I wake as normal.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
During a clear out and I found old notebooks when I was a child with a story in them.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Everywhere… a lot of them come from dreaming.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
All over the place. 3 wild kids, 3 unruly dogs… and a hectic schedule mean I don't have a set time to write each day. But I always try and get some words down no matter what.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
That I probably like to nibble on a pen while typing on a computer 🙈
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Information - other books and the web.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I was probably around 7 and wrote a tiny tale of a horse and gave the first outlines for the current series I'm working on releasing.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Walk the woofies and play games with the kids. Overcooked on the switch is our flavour of the month.
What does your family think of your writing?
They're all supportive in their own ways. My daughter has read 2 out of 3 of the published books and is currently angry I don't have the next one ready to read… she finished one of them within a day 😅🙈
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That as much as I like writing and creating covers, I hate editing and creating titles😆
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have around 10 written all in different stages of editing or release. My favourite is probably the newest edition which is a young adult fantasy fairytale retelling based loosely on red riding hood. It has no working title as yet. But I'm hoping to get it ready for the end of this year start of next year for release. 🤞
Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Just write. Even if you think it's utter poo, just keep writing.
What do you think makes a good story?
A good plot and great characters.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a veterinary surgeon.
What is the first book that made you cry?
I haven't come across one…
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Energize unless it's editing…
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
That you go down the how to of writing rather than just getting words down on a page.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Friends with a few and they all push me to write better, just from seeing their own works. It makes the competitive side of my brain want to do better.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
Probably 🤔 Amy Johnston idyllic series. The prose are so good.
Do you write novels, novellas, short stories, episodic fiction, poems, screenplays, or something else? What is your preferred format?
I write novels and novellas. I did write a screenplay when in school at age 16 and enjoyed that process.
My preferred format is novels.
Are you traditionally or self published? Or both? Do you feel there are advantages to one over the other?
I'm only self published. I never even tried to be a traditionally published as I like having more rights being creative, but I might not say no if the right offer was made.
What do you owe the real people upon whom you base your characters, if anything?
An apology. Sorry I used your names…
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
7 unpublished and close to finish… and I think (they're lost in the drive somewhere) another 5 half written…
What is the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything?
23
What does literary success look like to you?
Being paid to write and walk my woofs all day, that's the end goal.
What do you have coming next?
The Ruby Dragon book 2 in the Elements series has just been released as of March 31st.
May 31st - Blood Monster book 2 in the Blood Fire Chronicles will be out. That's up for pre-order now. (The series is a short Novella spin off about the vampires)
Then in the summer (aiming for end of July) The Emerald Dragon, book 3 in the main Elements series should be out. 🤞
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