The Claiming Words, By Tricia Drammeh
I’m thrilled to have The Claiming Words author, Tricia Drammeh, join us today for an interview. Tricia’s work spans fantasy, paranormal romance, YA, and multicultural elements. Not to mention, she’s knocking the socks off reviewers. Please join me in welcoming this prolific and talented writer!
Silverberry: What inspired you to write The Claiming Words?
Tricia Drammeh: My love of reading led me to write the book. I actually began writing without a clear idea of where I was headed. The characters found me first, so I guess I’d have to say my characters inspired me to write their stories.
Silverberry: What’s the novel about, and who would enjoy it?
Tricia Drammeh:The Claiming Words is about the power of friendship and love. It follows two lead female characters, Alisa and Rachel, who have grown up together in a small, southern town, but have never been friends. When a new student moves to town, both girls are drawn to him—and drawn into danger. The book falls into the young adult category and I would recommend it to teenage girls thirteen and up, though some of my biggest fans are in their thirties and forties. I think the book would appeal to anyone who enjoys fantasy and romance.
Silverberry: What do your main characters yearn for?
Tricia Drammeh: They yearn for the same things most teenagers yearn for: friendship, acceptance, and love. Due to the extraordinary challenges they face, my main characters are also seeking safety and security, as well as answers to a mystery from the past.
Silverberry: What was your approach to crafting the plot for the sequels?
Tricia Drammeh: Each book tackles a particular challenge in the characters’ lives, but the overall plot for the series involves defeating an immortal enemy. Each book works toward the overall goal. As such, each book builds on the last, and while there are some unresolved issues at the end of each book, there is a satisfactory ending. I always cringe when an author ends a book with a cliffhanger, so I try not to do that to my readers.
Silverberry: What have been the biggest influences on your writing?
Tricia Drammeh: I think every book I’ve ever read has influenced me at least a little. I love JK Rowling, Terry Goodkind, Tolkien, Tad Williams, Anne Rice, and many, many other authors.
Silverberry: Why do you think YA Paranormal Romance is so hot right now?
Tricia Drammeh: Young adult romance has a widespread appeal because the storylines are complex enough to appeal to older adults, but the romantic scenes are appropriate for most age groups.
Silverberry: You’ve written six novels. Tell us about some of them.
Tricia Drammeh: Four of my complete novels are part of The Claiming Words series. I just completed a young adult paranormal novel about a girl who decides to perform a séance. When the séance goes horribly wrong, she figures out that being a Medium isn’t as glamorous as she thought it would be. The working title for the book is Diary of a Psychic Apprentice. I’m working on edits right now, so it will probably be quite a while before I can consider publication. I also have a stand-alone novel titled The Fifth Circle. It’s a book that explores mental illness, abuse, and addiction as the two main characters spiral down into a hell of their own making.
Silverberry: What advice do you have for would-be writers.
Tricia Drammeh: Write every chance you get, even if it’s just a sentence a day. Sentences turn into paragraphs. Paragraphs turn into chapters. Don’t get too hung up on perfection in your first draft. Just focus on finishing. Perfection is for edits and rewrites. Self-edit, find beta readers, or professional editors (if you can afford it)—just make sure that manuscript gets several passes by several sets of eyes before you submit to agents or publishers.
Silverberry: What’s ahead for you?
Tricia Drammeh:Demon Fire, the second book in The Claiming Words series, is scheduled for release Summer 2013. I’m working on completing the first draft of the final book in the series and also working on a couple unrelated projects.
Thanks for having me on your wonderful blog, Silverberry. I really appreciate it.
Silverberry: Thank you, Tricia! People interested in purchasing the Claiming Words, and learning more about you and the series, can follow the links below.
The Claiming Words Website Book’s Site
Twitter: @triciadrammeh
Purchase The Claiming Words on Amazon
The Claiming Words on Goodreads
