Everyone please welcome UK fantasy author, Francene Stanley!

1. What’s the title of your latest release? Link?

My latest release is Tidal Surge. Link: http://amzn.to/1hmEn98 However, I’m nearly finished editing the third in the Moonstone series, Shattered Shells, which I plan to submit to Solstice Publishing soon.

2. Why do you like writing in this genre?

I love fantasy—working out what could happen if things were different in the tangible world. We all hear a little voice inside us—whispering advice, giving words of caution. What if a person had the ability to speak inside the mind of another? Humans, with their moral frailty, could be influenced to use the terrific power to generate good or evil. In my first book, Still Rock Water, link: http://amzn.to/1ejUH2r Liliha inherits a star moonstone ring and with it the ability to help people in trouble. However, in Tidal Surge, her daughter finds a bracelet, slips it up her arm and is drawn into murder. Mother and daughter fight the moral battle, unaware of each other’s role.

3. What do you like to read?

The books that draw me to read are science fiction or fantasy. While I was growing up, I read every published science fiction book available, and then books based on the readings of the renown psychic Edgar Cayce as he delved into the afterlife.

4. Favorite movie?

Movies that contain hidden possibilities fascinate me. Labyrinth with David Bowie, all The Lord of The Rings, Chrysalis with the bunch of old-uns who moved to a higher plane … so many.

5. What are your writing habits? Music or silence? Daily regimen or spurts of creativity?

I write every day, as soon as I’m dressed and prepared. I start by reading the news at 8am, then write a daily views on news, link: http://bit.ly/JBC6am Once that is published, I spend about an hour on social media. I like quiet when I’m writing. My husband sleeps late, so I’m free to concentrate. In the afternoon, I work on my current manuscript—usually two on the go and one in the draft stage. Self-editing takes the longest time. I want to ensure everything is perfect before I submit a chapter a week to an online critiquing group at Internet Writers Workshop.

6. What was the most surreal moment you’ve had as a author?

My most surreal moment came when the local paper sent a photographer after the launch of my first book. What shocked me was my change. Instead of the calm woman who took everything in her stride, I became a shaking wreck, unable to speak without a quiver in my voice or form a proper sentence. I can laugh about it now.

7. How can readers find you?

My author page at Amazon shows a little about my varied life experiences and lists my books. Link: http://amzn.to/1ljAdMf My author website: http://Francene–wordstitcher.weebly.com

8. Look at your writing area…what’s the item you keep to inspire you (piece of artwork, figurine)?

On the shelves above my writing desk, I can gaze at photos of my three children (two deceased), an embroidery of wildflowers, my singer/songwriter brochure, photos of myself and my sister as children, my grandmother’s bible, a woven Indian headband and some preserved ginger in a jar from my German co-writer. They remind me of who I am and how far I’ve come.

Best of luck with the books, Francene!

BB