Today we're talking to Alicia Maslo, the author of the Annarii Fae series.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I was born in Hawaii and have traveled the US many times. I currently live in Tennessee with my husband and two children. I am the spouse of a Soldier, so that in itself is a full-time job, but other than that, I am focusing on my career as an author.

How and when did you become a writer?

Well, I always wrote little poems when I was feeling a strong emotion growing up, but other than that, I actually started my path as an author in February of 2016. Writing a book was on my bucket list, so when I had a really cool idea, I said I was going to go for it. Ten months later it was published. I have not gone to school for my chosen career field, luckily, there are some really talented editors that catch my mistakes, but I do hope to make this a full-time career.

What genre do you write?

I started writing Fantasy for YA, but since have branched into NA & Adult Fantasy, Contemporary, and even Sci-Fi.

How would you describe your writing style?

I write when it hits me. If I don’t feel it, then I don’t write. Most times it’s on my laptop at my desk or in my favorite chair, but sometimes, the characters scream at me to be heard when I’m out to lunch or shopping. In that case, I pause to jot it down in the notepad on my phone to save it for later. I don’t force the words, but let them come to me. I prefer complete silence while I write, like when the kids are at school and the husband is at work. If I can’t avoid the noise, it’s headphones and some good classical music on Pandora to help me concentrate.

What makes you different from other writers?

This is pretty much answered in the last question, but like I said, I don’t force the work. If I have to take three weeks off because a scene was really emotional, I’ll do it. If I’m uninspired, I get away from the keyboard and go have fun. I’m not about putting out half a dozen books a year and shoving my work down readers throats. I work at my pace and make sure that what I put out there is just how I want it to be- I don’t write for the sake of writing. I write because I love it- if others happen to like my work too, that’s great!

Who inspires you?

To be honest, I wouldn’t know if I was accidentally emulating someone. I would hope not- I should like to think that my imagination has inspired me. I have a very vivid imagination, that sometimes runs away with me. Do I love certain others? Of course! Who doesn’t have their favorites, but I don’t think their styles of writing affects me- each person is unique and so is their writing.

How did you come up with the title of Rite of Annarii?

Honestly, I have no clue. I was writing the story and describing the graduation ceremony and thought, “What would they call a graduation ceremony in the Middle Ages if they had them?” That’s when the word “Rite” came to mind; and since the story was about the Annarii Fae, I put the two together. Thus came about the name Rite of Annarii.

How did you come up with the plot?

It was all through dreams. The first idea was a dream and then it would write itself out. Once I got stuck, I would go to sleep thinking of what had happened so far in the story and another dream would come along to further the story. I literally wrote it through a sequence of dreams.

Who is your favorite character in Rite of Annarii and why?

In Rite of Annarii, it’s really a tie between Fellwynne and Aleck. Fell has this fun, sarcastic and snarky personality but is still so kind and loving; while Aleck, is the epitome of the tall, dark and handsome, brooding yet chivalrous man.

We live in divisive times. Should your religion/politics influence your writing?

No. I personally like to read to escape the realities of life, not get sucked into them even more. What a chore that would make reading out to be.

What are you working on now?

I just finished the first draft of Afflicted, Book 1 of the Princes’ Collection with my co-author Zizi Cole. We’ve decided to team up and rewrite the fairytales from the Princes’ points of view. The princesses had their turn, now it’s time for the princes. These are made strictly for adults. I’m also working on Book 2 of the Annarii Fae series.

Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

I have 3 releases coming up this year, so please look for my short A Survivor’s Journal in the War Cry anthology releasing Oct. 22nd, it’s my contemporary piece. I also have the prequel to Rite of Annarii releasing Oct. 28th, The Anguished Queen. Nov. 11th is when Afflicted will be available. Also, I will be at the Behind the Mask Author Event & Masquerade Ball on February 24th, 2018 so please stop on by my table for a signed copy of my work and some swag- then join me in the evening to dance the night away!