In The Lime Light – #AuthorInterview with #Fantasy #Author Krista Gossett

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Today I’m introducing you to fellow Author Krista Gossett through a brief author interview.  Krista is an epic fantasy author and illustrator from Cincinnati, Ohio.  She raises her two nephews and African cichlids.  She went to IADT for graphic design, where she acquired her ASGD and BFAGD, both with cum laude honors.  She is planning nine books in the series and hopes to write more books in the fantasy category, but explore other subgenres like romance, mystery, and steampunk.

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Hi Krista 🙂  Thanks so much for chatting with us today.  What Inspires and stirs your creativity?

As a lifelong RPG video gamer, I’ve found a lot of inspiration from the epic stories and mythologies used to create these games.  The Final Fantasy and Dragon Age stories really resonated with my style of writing and the way I imagine worlds so they have lent some obvious influences.

What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?

I like to challenge social norms and tackle issues that spark conversation.  Some genres are springing up confusing subgenres that sometimes limit writers to smaller audiences or topics.  I think that readers benefit from being challenged and shouldn’t have ideas dumbed down for them!

What Inspired you to write your book?

I was first inspired to write this series ten years ago, maybe only got thirty pages into it before I had no idea where to go with it.  I came back to it many times over the years, but really hit gold when I had done a writing assignment in college, one were I had to do a modern retelling of a favorite fairy tale.  While I was doing so, I came across the drafts for my book and suddenly the words were flowing again.  It still took many years and edits before I was confident enough to publish it though. 

How would you describe your “Voice” or Style of writing?

I like to do a sort of limited omniscient view.  The narration is more aware than the characters themselves but still holds back enough to capture the mystery of the unknown.  This way, I can pull back for the big picture or swoop in and get personal.  It feels like a cinematic experience. 

Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?

Love this question!  Absolutely both!  I think I let the character work itself out a lot, but I use meticulous notes to keep events and conversations straight.  I not only takes notes, but I do character bios, maps and even drawings to better see through the window into their world.

What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?

Ask lots of questions, but do what feels right.  You don’t have to take three jobs or have a lot of money to be successful.  Believe in your story and use the best resources you can.  Remember that first and foremost you need to write a great story!  Keep that confidence up.  No matter what route you choose to go, make sure it’s 100%.  Some people can easily edit or design their own books, but if that is out of your comfort level, be prepared to pay out or learn some new skills.

If you had to describe yourself to someone who has never met you, what might you say?

I’m quiet and observant and tend to listen and laugh a lot at first.  I can be a little spacey but I’m a constant daydreamer, always inspired and distracted by little things.  I tend to wear pajamas everywhere I can possibly get away with it.

When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?

Since I’m a creative sort, I also crochet, play video games, customize dolls, draw, play flute, and sometimes terrorize the neighbors when I forget to close my windows while doing karaoke.  Chances are, they probably heard me singing a Disney song… 

What “Charity” or “Cause” do you feel passionately about & Why?

I donate to St. Jude’s or any charity focused on children, cancer, or autism.   I have lost many relatives to cancer and many of my friends have children who struggle with autism. Even when you don’t have a lot to give, every little bit helps.  I like to use Amazon Smile, which lets you choose the charity of your choice to donate a small percentage to.  When I need to buy fish food for my cichlids, I get the bonus of giving a little.

Thanks so much Krista for sharing your time and talent with BnV

Please be sure to visit Krista to discover more about here writing:

kristagossett.blogspot.com

 www.facebook.com/kristalynngossett

https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-gossett-9778a832/

http://crimsonmoonchild.wixsite.com/kristagossettauthor/    (temporary website)

Twitter Handle: CrimsonMoonGirl

Krista will be a participating author at the Virtual FantasyCon Oct. 15-21 where she will be making her first ebook free for the month of October!

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~Morgan~