C.C. Cole, author of the teen sci-fi/horror novel Act of Redemption, tells Kidzworld about her writing journey.
What inspired you to write a novel like Act of Redemption?
Following the death of my sister from a domestic violence episode, I started creative writing. It was ‘mental therapy’ for me to gain peace and closure. I wanted something with action and adventure, since my personal life was morose enough.
What books do you read in your spare time?
I like biographies (Napoleon), documentaries (especially WWI). I like Harry Potter (who doesn’t?). Another favorite is No Country for Old Men. I read more fantasy (Lord of the Rings, Dune, others) in my younger days.
Do you have a favorite YA or teen author?
It’s reaching a bit, but I like Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein.
Everyone has a weakness. Yet your main character, Shevata, seems to be strong and fearless. What do you consider to be Shevata's weakness?
To me, what makes Shevata stand out is that her enemies are not her real weakness. She longs to be part of the people she protects, but ‘doesn’t fit in’. The people are her biggest weakness.
What do you want readers to take away from your novel?
One important lesson is the importance of obeying the law. In the prologue, Shevata went against orders which cost her soul and the lives of the people of Gastar. She lacks the morals of normal people, given her actions. Her view of her enemies is the same ‘dehumanization’ that evil entities view people. She makes the enemy live (and die) by their own rules, so they fear her. Characters of good would not ‘cross the line’, which limits them in what to do with the enemy. Shevata crossed the line ages ago.
Do you have plans to write other novels in the future?
The Gastar Series has four parts, with book 2 due in April 2010. I’m also working on a non-fiction piece about a WWII ex-POW.
What made you decide to self-publish with AuthorHouse?
AuthorHouse had what I needed, including access to editors, designers for the book cover, and variable options for marketing. Sure, I tried the ‘traditional way’, but got a lot of ‘no’s’. To me, that was not going to get my work published, so I did it myself.
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