Interview 17/10/13

Sharon Van Orman

Name or Pen Name:

I use Sharon Van Orman when I am writing horror or paranormal novels.

And I use Ann Pennington when I write historical fiction.

Email:

sharonvanorman@cox.net

Biography:

Sharon is a full time writer. She lives in Nebraska with her family and a collection of animals including those that were chosen and others that did the choosing.

Social Media Links:

Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharon-Van-Orman/104637372952495

Facebook profile:

https://www.facebook.com/sharon.vanorman

•When did you first realise you wanted to be an author?

I don’t think there was ever a time I didn’t want to be a writer. I invented stories before I could write. And once I was able I wrote them on paper.

•Do you have any interesting quirks that only occur when writing?

Well…yes. But since it only takes 10 signatures to have someone committed I probably shouldn’t incriminate myself.

•Where do you get your ideas for your books?

Oh…everywhere. Lykaia began when I was doing research for another book. I found the myth about King Lykaonas, the first lycanthrope. And recently I found a sci fi short story that I wrote, and ended up writing a full length novel. Its called “Lazarus Code. A First Family Saga”

Inspiration can be found everywhere, and most everything makes it into a novel eventually. Consider yourself warned….

•Out of all of the books you have written, do you have a favourite? If so, which one and why?

Yes. The title is Liath. I’ve not finished it yet, but it’s by far my best work. Liath is about a Grecian woman. The novel itself is historical fiction. I’ve been working on it for a while. And I think she is waiting for me to become skilled enough to finish it her story.

•What do you think makes a good story?

If it evokes emotion and leaves you wanting more. That’s a good story.

•Who are your favourite authors?

Diana Gabaldon, Jane Austin, Anne Rice, Alice Borchardt, Jim Butcher, Kim Harrison, This list is very long…

•If you could pick one actor to play a character in your book, who would it be?

I generally don’t model my characters after actors. They are their own people. But someone else recently asked me that question which started me thinking. Melina Kanakarides reminds me of Dr. Kat but she is older than the character. Kat Dennings would work as well.

•If you had one piece of advice for an aspiring author, what would it be?

Don’t give up.

•Please can you tell us about your latest book and what it is about?

Season of the Dead is my newest release. I co wrote that with Paul Freeman, Gerald Johnston and Lucia Adams. It’s a zombie apocalypse novel focusing on four characters. Each written by a separate author. It gives the genre a fresh take and is a fast paced, fantastic read.

Erato: Book 2 of the Sophia Katsaros series is due out soon. Dr Kat is back, as are the wolves and the dryad. This time the wolves are being hunted. Based on the events of the last book Sophia is the main suspect. Viewed as a threat the alpha orders the enforcers of the pack to kill her. Unfortunately, some innocents get caught in the crossfire. In an attempt to protect those she loves she offers to help the Alpha of the Lykaonas pack find the real killer.

What remains to be seen is if she can find the killer before the enforcers find her.

•Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?

My hope is that when you chose to suspend your reality for mine, that it is time well spent.