Welcome to FIVE QUESTIONS. In this feature on my blog, you'll learn about new and exciting books from the author's themselves. You'll hear about the book, their characters, the inspiration behind the book, and other insider details. All through five simple questions.
Today, we are hearing from Sarah Ickes about her new novel WICKED WINGS, available starting today.
What makes your protagonist unique?
Vectra Tillerman isn’t your average adventurer in many ways, and I’ll try to explain without giving away too much. For starters, she has lived many lifetimes, uses fewer contractions than most modern people do, and appears ready for the next Steampunk convention. She has unruly brown hair partially hidden underneath a black fedora, tends to wear a brown leather coat vest with a waterfall cut along the back and dark brown boots over checkered pants. Her life is shrouded in mystery for a very good reason, and one that readers will learn about when they read WRITTEN WINGS.
Oh, and she may just have a few powers derived from Ancient Greek Mythology.
What was the inspiration behind the book?
Growing up, “Percy Jackson” by Rick Riordan, was my favorite series by far, but
“Seekers” by Erin Hunter was a close second. I loved that they were inventive stories that
kept me engaged throughout the plot, and contained the secret formula to writing a
wonderful narrative. When I decided to begin my writing journey, I knew that I wanted to
have that same creative feel to my books, and strive to transport the reader into another
world as well as they did for me.
But when it came to establishing my main character, Vectra Tillerman, I’ve had some people look at the front cover of my book and think that she is based off of me; when the truth is actually quite the opposite. I wanted to create a character I could dress up as when going to a Renaissance Faire, Cosplay convention, or a Halloween party, and there she was.
What’s the most interesting or unusual thing you learned while researching for this book?
I would have to say that a hydraulis was a fascinating find, and even more intriguing to listen to when being played. It’s essentially the precursor to today’s church organs, but it functioned whenever water was pumped into cylinders to keep the notes regulated when the keys were pushed down. This marvelous design was created by a Greek inventor during the 3rd century B.C. and the partial remains, of such an instrument, were discovered in an archeological dig near the Greek city of Dion in 1992. Click here to hear how it sounds.
Which is your favorite minor character and why?
While I do enjoy writing many of my side characters, I would have to say that Rudi the elf was fun due to his Christmas background and his unfortunate allergy to peppermint. He may be a little temperamental, but he has a good heart and still cares despite him pretending not too. In my opinion, he would be considered a lone wolf in the realm of Christmas elves and enjoys his different life style while being away from the North Pole.
Of all the books out there, why should readers choose this one? (What makes your book stand out from the rest?)
If anyone is into clean adventure, action, suspense, Greek Mythology, steampunk, and a dash of mystery, I would say that this book might be your next read. Now, I say “might” simply because I don’t wish to force my work onto any reader. There are historical events, items, and wordage referenced through the storyline, and I like to throw in various surprising facts for good measure. I also realize that some readers may be hesitant to try my series due to the steampunk element, as it is not for everyone. However, the book is not laden with jargon or overly-elaborate machines because my goal is to keep the story moving at a nice pace and not turned into an instructional textbook.
So, if you would like to try your hand at a fantasy story with ancient fighters, a knight, elves, gnomes, mazes, mythological creatures, and an abandoned amusement park, then I hope to see you in the Olde Realm.
WRITTEN WINGS is available now, and can be purchased at the following retailers.
Thanks for the interview! It was great. :) - Sarah