Interview: Genevieve Crownson, Author of ‘The Soul of the Sun’

Genevieve Crownson lives in Charleston, SC with her family. She is an avid animal lover and can often be found with her fur-legged friends. Currently, she is at work on the second book in her Argos Dynasty series, the follow up to her highly anticipated novel The Soul of the Sun.

Congratulations on the release of your latest book, The Soul of the Sun. Did you have a mentor who encouraged you?

I was in first grade when I chronicled my first story. I remember being so excited to write down all the fantasies that popped into my head.  And from that point on I couldn’t stop. I bombarded my Mom with tale after tale. I would write at home, at school, any opportunity I had.  The stories would be about my pets, my family, or just the trees outside. Nothing was off limits. Our teacher had us make covers for our stories and we would check them out as if they were books from the library. I can’t recall the teacher’s name. But I believe it was because of her I found my love of storytelling. I would say her encouragement inspires me to this very day. It always reminds me of the joy there is in writing from your heart. 

What was your inspiration for The Soul of the Sun?

I have been blessed in receiving incredible, Technicolor dreams. Stories that spring to life like a movie as I sleep. I will wake up in the middle of the night at some crazy pre-dawn hour and start writing furiously. The dreams are so detailed, and I have no idea why they come to me this way, but they all do.The Soul of the Sun was part of several dreams that spanned out over a period of time. I first met my main character Emma in my dreams as she sat with her Grandmother, just as the opening scenes of the book showed. The follow up books in the series are also dream based. 

What do you hope readers will get from your book?

I want readers to understand how important it is to believe in themselves and value the person that they see reflected back in the mirror each day. I hope they don’t try to be someone they’re not—that truly blocks the magic of life. Happiness really is within arms-reach. A little bit of magic can be found in everyone’s life and it’s important we don’t block it with negative ideas or feelings. Anything is possible if you dream big enough. My character Emma in particular really struggles with this and the readers are able to go on a journey of self-discovery with her as she begins to realize that she is special. That perhaps she does have what it takes to change the world. 

Many writers experience a vague anxiety before they sit down to write. Can you relate to this?

No. When I sit down to write I am happy. I eagerly look forward to moments when I can squirrel away enough time to create something new. The only way to describe it is, it’s like when you get lost in a really good book and you forget where you are, you are just there in the book.  The anxiety for me comes much later when it’s time to edit and find all the mistakes that I have made.

Do you have a writing schedule? Are you disciplined?

I do not have a set writing schedule. I tend to write whenever I get a spare moment and that’s usually after work or on weekends. I try not to be too strict with myself otherwise I end up feeling guilty and it can really hinder the entire process. I do come by the urge to write at unexpected times. If I can’t sleep I will often get out my manuscript, or sometimes when I have heard a wonderful piece of music that has touched my heart, or even after watching a movie that was truly inspiring I also write.  I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist so I find I am disciplined enough without imposing schedules on myself. 

How do you celebrate the completion of a book?

I remember distinctly after I had typed the very last word, leaping up and dancing around the bedroom. I felt like a little girl knowing that I had finally written a novel that was ready to be seen by the world. I was euphoric. I will admit here and now that I am prone to dancing around the room with joy. Okay fine quite often. I will confess I have never grown out of it. J I also celebrated by taking a break and going to the beach!  

How do you define success?

Success to me is finally getting to that place where no matter what happens around me, I will remember to live fearlessly. To remind myself each day of life is a gift and I shouldn’t worry about the small stuff. I should find happiness in the present moment. I of course want success in my career, but I believe that when you come from that place of peace your life will be successful in all areas. You just have to work hard and believe in your dreams.

Do you have a website or blog where readers can find out more about your work?

I do have a website, and my blog can be found there. I am a big animal lover and you will find many humorous stories about my pets. You will also discover what I am working on right now and just fun things. You will also receive special updates from me if you join my VIP list. I hope you enjoy the page; I really tried to invoke a sense of magic to it. If you visit please feel free to write to me, or leave a comment. I would love to hear from you all. 

Where is your book available?

My book is available on Amazon in e-book and paperback. You can also go to “The Books” page my website; there are links to buy the book. 

George Orwell once wrote: “Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.” Comments?

I find that it is partly true, I cannot resist the urge to write, it is like breathing to me. It would be very difficult for me not to write. However I do not find writing an “exhausting struggle,” quite the contrary. I find it a release, a way to get my feeling down on paper, to understand the things that go on in my world. Not to say I don’t have struggles, there are times when I write my way into a corner and can’t seem to find a way out. Those times can be very frustrating. But overall for me it is what I love to do. 

Anything else you’d like to tell my readers?

Thank you to all my readers for all the love and support. It means the world to me. And thanks to Blogcritics for this interview.

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