Author Interview with S.J. Davis

S.J. Davis was kind enough to swing by the Nest to answer a few of Andrea's questions.

Andrea: What inspired you to become a writer? 

S.J. Davis: I have always been an avid reader, the kind of girl who took paperbacks with her everywhere (long before e-readers or smartphones kept us occupied). I read everything from F. Scott Fitzgerald to V.C Andrews - many times over. I also created characters in my mind and wrote "movies" in my head, usually setting the stories to music. But it was my first "real" boyfriend who told me I should write. He is a musician and thought it was crazy of me to not write. I thought it would be crazy to write! However, a decade or so later, when my children finally went to school, I had the time and the interest. I have to say, it is truly other writers that inspire me and keep me going. I need a lot of encouragement because writing is not an easy pursuit and it's very personal. Much of what I write come from experience. 

Andrea: Why focus on YA? 

S.J. Davis: I love Crossover YA, I like the intensity we feel towards people and places when we are younger. Honestly, I still feel 25 in my mind. Certainly, the "window dressing" of the young adult experience is different than when I was a kid, but the issues and feelings are the same - relationships and desires are universal and timeless. 

Andrea: Do you base your characters on real people? If not, what inspired you when you were creating them? 

S.J. Davis: Yes, my characters in INK are inspired by real people. Sparrow is very much like me, although I didn't cut myself, I had other control/destructive issues in my life that I worked through. Layne based on Layne Staley of Alice In Chains, with permission from his mother Nancy. Mateo, the spirit guide, is a composite character based on many wonderful guys I have been blessed to know. 

Andrea: Where did you get the concept behind Ink? 

S.J. Davis: I am of Native American descent on my father's side, and there was really no good YA for me to read as I grew up. There were a few very "tribal" stories but nothing mainstream. I wanted to write a story, a paranormal YA, where the main character just happens to be Native. With so many legends and myths in the Native American culture, paranormal was a great way to frame the story. 

Andrea: What is next for you writing wise? 

S.J. Davis: I just finished a short novel called Invisible Sun. It's a steampunk (victorian era/sci-fi) vampire story. It should be published this month and available on Amazon also. 

Andrea: Who are your top 5 favorite authors? 

S.J. Davis: I have really been enjoying Rue Volley's vampire sage called Blood and Light. I adore Marisa de los Santos's Belong To Me, she is a poet and each line is so evocative. I also love Emily Bronte, the poetry of John Keats, and the ideas and works of Mary Wollstonecraft. I also love Stephen King. 

Andrea: What are you currently reading? 

S.J. Davis:  I am just finishing The Forest of Hands and Teeth, by Carrie Ryan. I am late to the zombie party but I love her story! 

Andrea: Any words of wisdom for all the aspiring authors out there? 

S.J. Davis: I think everyone finds their own way once they decide to dive in and go for it. For me, meeting people on twitter and facebook helped my journey. It's how I found my publisher and where I made friends with many Indie writers. I couldn't live without them now. 

Andrea: At Reading Lark, we love our birds. So, what's your favorite bird? Why? 

S.J. Davis: I love the cardinal! It's a bright red bird and I always feel so hopeful about life whenever I see one. Maybe because I love to wear bright colors, I relate to this bird! 

Andrea: Where can our readers go to learn more about your and your work?

S.J. Davis: Anyone can find me on twitter @steampunksarah or find INK on facebook! Thank you!!