So a few weeks ago, I posted the trailer of Prodigal and Riven by Tyler H. Jolley and Sherry D. Ficklin and I got quite a few hits on it, so today there's an interview with the lovely authors as part of their blog tour! Don't know what the book is about? Read Prodigal and Riven's Goodreads pages so you're all up to speed!
Is there something you wish you could remember and why?
Sherry – I’m pretty much just happy when I can remember what day it is and if I’ve eaten.
Tyler – I wish I could remember where I stored all my original Star Wars action figures. Do you know how hard it is to get something like that and never take it out of the box? I’m pretty sure some vermin broke into my parents’ storage unit and is having a blast with them.
What time period would you like to time travel to?
Sherry – I think I’d go forward rather than back. One, I’m a big fan of indoor plumbing and deodorant, but I’m also really curious to see what’s in store for humanity as a collective.
Tyler – Hands down, the mid 1980’s. Fashion was awesome, music was great, and I could eat 3 large pizza’s, a dozen doughnuts, washed it all down with a liter of coke and never gain a pound. #Glorydays
What time period would you really not like to travel to?
Sherry – I feel like they’re called ‘the dark ages’ for a reason, you know?
Tyler – The future, I like it to be a surprise.
Where did the idea of this world you’ve created come from?
Sherry – It is always sort of the same, a little spark comes, in this case from a history channel special on the Romanovs, and then it just takes on a life of its own. I give Tyler full credit for bringing the steampunk elements into it.
Tyler – Sherry’s correct, she saw the history channel documentary and thought, ‘I wonder if they were time travelers?’ When we started outlining it I didn’t even realize I had incorporated the steampunk elements until Sherry pointed it out. It really felt natural and happened organically.
What is it like working with another author? How does it work practically?
Sherry – It’s really fun, or I think so. Tyler may feel different, lol. We share the workload and come together on all aspects of the plot and the characters, though we each have our favorites. We step on each other’s toes sometimes, but I think overall we work really well together. Ty is very patient with me.
Tyler – Agreed. It’s really great to have a co-author, they keep you on track and help you work out some of the plot issues. Normally when you bounce your ideas off your friends or family they look at you like your nuts. It’s nice to have someone who knows the story as intimately as yourself.
Are you planning to work together after this series is over?
Sherry – I don’t know. We’ve pitched the idea around. I think we both have quite a bit going on, individually, at least right now. But I wouldn’t rule it out.
Tyler – We’ve had so much fun with the series, and I have enjoyed co-authoring. I have a few irons in the fire, but after that, who knows? I wouldn’t say never.
I want to thank Sherry and Tyler for their interesting answers - anything you agree or disagree with?