The Wayward Mage is the third book in this contemporary fantasy series returns to the life of Tessa Andrews as she balances the magical and mundane worlds. We chat with author Sara Hanover about The Wayward Mage, writing, and so much more!
Hi, Sara! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
At the risk of alienating some of my readers, Sara is a pen name and I’ve been in publishing for a while. But Sara is fun and brash.
How is your 2021 going in comparison to that other year?
Because writing is my full time job, it isn’t much different. I’m an introvert and staying home writing is what I do.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
The Poky Puppy. Becoming an author? Almost any of Andre Norton’s and Walter Farley’s books. The book that stops my thinking??? That’s a toughie. We’re talking hundreds and hundreds of books. I’d have to (right now) pick Tad Williams’ first epic trilogy that starts with The Dragonbone Chair.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
Right after I discovered reading. My mother wrote, also, although not fiction.
The Wayward Mage is the third installment in your series and it’s out today! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
The greatest Magic is believing in yourself. I know that’s seven but I’ve never been really great at cutting word length!
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect to find out, along with Tessa, the price Magic can demand of you, and that it can’t be used to heal human frailty. Also that Tessa isn’t alone, she has a family she has built.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing this installment and how you were able to overcome them?
I had a severe health challenge, several, and needed to deal with them. It took the better part of 2020.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I dearly love Simon Steptoe. Also Malender.
What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
It took a lot of writing and submitting before I began to sell novel length. You read good books, and you read books on good writing. I thought I’d never get published, I started submitting when I was 15 and didn’t sell a major novel until I was 30.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
Write what you know. In both directions. Good, because it tells you to know yourself and your experiences. Bad, because the imagination stretches so much farther and in the genres I write, who can know where that will lead?
What’s next for you?
I have a fantasy heist book in progress. Also an epic fantasy. Also a paranormal romance. And I’m seriously considering the new serial program at Amazon. Oh…and I have a steampunk/dragon book sequel I have to get written this year.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
It depends on the preferred genre. I loved Faith Hunter’s JUNKYARD CATS. Honor Raconteur’s Henri Davenforth Case Files books. Tad Williams’ new trilogy. C.L. Polk’s witchmark world. Rebecca Roanhorse. I love Louise Penny’s detective books. My ereader is full of TBRs.
