Issaura's Claws (The Incarn Saga #1) By Katharine E WibellGenre: Fantasy
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: 29 November, 2016
Blurb: According to legend, when the world was young, the goddess Issaura appeared among men. Those who treated her with kindness received the gift of the gods—the ability to transform into an animal form. This was a great honor but one that separated this race from other humans. Before Issaura departed the mortal realm, she promised to return if her people were ever at the point of destruction.
“Now a threat is rising from a land across the mists of the ocean, a threat that will push this race to the brink of extinction. Responding to the call to war, seventeen-year-old Lluava heads off to find her destiny, one that will carve her name in history.”
Interview:
1. What inspired Issaura's Claws?
a. This story was loosely inspired by a dream which involved a military camp where speaking animals were training and I was a white tiger. Strange but true! The rest of the story revealed itself to me as soon as I began typing. I will admit that I have studied animal behavior, apprenticed in dog training, worked at a zoo, and was a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. That knowledge helped make the Theriomorphs—a race that can transform into animals— more real and intriguing.
2. Favorite fiction genre?
a. Interestingly, my first love in literature is ancient epic poetry. I love reading about heroes surviving great odds, preordained quests, gods and monsters. The Odyssey, Ramayana, and Beowulf are just a few examples. Outside of that, I am definitely a high fantasy person who loves anything from Game of Thrones to Harry Potter.
3. You're stranded on an island for a year. The essentials are available, but you can only bring one additional item. What do you choose?
a. Swiss Army Knife if I can’t choose the obvious and pick a boat. With a small knife, I could whittle down wood to form a variety of things including weapons and snares, shelter if needed, even rudimentary games to entertain myself. I could also use it to help “write” my story.
4. What do you do when you're feeling down?
a. I like to put on my slippers, make some hot tea/coffee, curl up with a good book or movie, and hug my dog.
5. What is your advice for aspiring writers?
a. To anyone attempting their first book, be patient with the editing process. For me, writing the first draft was easy and relatively quick compared to all the subsequent rounds of editing. Though everything takes time, this definitely demands the majority of it. Yet the gleaming, polished final work makes everything worthwhile. There might be tears and frustration along the way, so I suggest keeping some chocolate nearby whenever you need a pick-me-up.
6. How do you work through writer's block?
a. I have two very different strategies when it comes to writer’s block. First, I step back from that particular section and spend some time mulling over how my characters got to that point in the story and, if I know the ending, how they might reach their destination. Next, I review my work and reread/edit up to the current blockage. This not only allows time for my mind to process possible directions but also saves time editing down the line. Another strategy is to turn off the computer and do something very different for a few days. I am lucky that my other occupation is an artist. I will spend a day to a week just painting. When I return to my book, the block has usually dissolved.
7. Do you prefer reading or writing?
a. I prefer writing. Though I value reading and believe that it is almost impossible to be a good writer without reading many, many books, writing is my pleasure. Through writing, I can create worlds, work through personal issues and relationships, and explore places and experiences I never would otherwise.
8. Where do your book ideas come from (e.g. dreams)?
a. As I mentioned earlier, Issaura’s Claws was loosely inspired by a dream I had which involved a military camp where speaking animals were training and I was a white tiger. From there, the rest of the series assumed a life of its own. My second book series will be based on many of the characters my sister and I invented during our childhood “make-believe” games. Although the story will be much more complex, the core of who the characters are and a few of the subplots will remain. Honestly, my book ideas come to me in many ways. As long as you are open to inspiration, your muse will speak to you.
9. Write what you love or write what's popular?
a. The big question! I write what I love. I always said that I would write the perfect book for myself, the kind of novel that speaks to me. People are so different that I would not want to guess what others like, but I do know what I enjoy. Although I write what I love, I hope my stories speak to others and capture their attention and their hearts.
10. What do you like to do other than writing?
a. Outside of writing, I create art in a style known as reverse glass painting. Just as in my first book series, much of my art incorporates animals. My dog, Alli, serves as my artistic muse and appears in a variety of paintings playing with Mardi Gras beads or throwing a Crawfish Boil. Other than work, I love exercising, floating down the bayou in my chateau made of inflatables, and playing in sports leagues like kickball. Since I live in New Orleans, there is always a festival to attend or new cuisine to try. Overall, I would say I love to live life.
You can find Issaura's Claws on Goodreads
You can buy Issaura's Claws here:
- Amazon
- Amazon Paperback
About the Author: Katharine Wibell’s lifelong interest in mythology includes epic poetry like the Odyssey, Ramayana, Beowulf, and the Nibelungenlied. In addition, she is interested in all things animal whether training dogs, apprenticing at a children’s zoo, or caring for injured animals as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. After receiving degrees from Mercer University in both art and psychology with an emphasis in animal behavior, Wibell moved to New Orleans with her dog, Alli, to kick start her career as an artist and a writer. Her first literary works blend her knowledge of the animal world with the world of high fantasy.You can find and contact Katharine here:
- Website
- Blog
- Goodreads
Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Issaura’s Claws. Two winners will both win a signed copy of Issaura’s Claws. US Only.
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