If you want an idea how far Sara has come, be sure to check out my previous interview with her here. But now, it’s time to catch up with Sara and learn more about Untoward Awakening and other upcoming projects.

Gary S: First of all, thanks again for doing this, it’s a pleasure to have another opportunity to speak with you. It was in 2016 when I first interviewed you about Throne of Lies; how would you say your life has changed since publishing that book three years ago?

Sara Secora: Publishing my debut novel was a big moment for me. It was my transition from writer to author. Along with that new title, I gained a lot of confidence in myself, and more importantly, a lot of respect for myself. I had a goal; I planned it out, and saw it through. Despite all the challenges and the bleak moments – I did what I set out to do.

GS: Back then, you were pretty ambitious. You ran a gaming channel on YouTube and you were doing voice work. How difficult is it to focus on all these different creative projects and how have you managed to balance them?

SS: I’d like to say that I am even more ambitious now. I am taking on a lot at most times by dipping my hand into various complimenting creative fields, such as: writing novels, voice acting full-time, and even working as a casting director with video game studios. Unfortunately, I did have to let YouTube go a few years back as it was proving to be the bit that overflowed my cup.

I manage the main ventures I take on by focusing on them differently as time goes. Sometimes writing takes priority to meet a deadline, then it’s back to constant voiceover work to make ends meet. For me, the trick has always been having short term goals and accomplishing them, but also never forgetting to take that important time to recharge so I don’t fizzle out.

GS: What was the most important lesson you learned about the process of writing and publishing with Throne of Lies and Agoraphobic?

SS: Several come to mind, but I will try to whittle it down to the one that stands out. I would say the most important lesson I learned was the importance of doing what you love. If someone had paid me a grand number to write those stories, I like wouldn’t have done it well, if at all. Writing novels takes huge amounts of dedication and heart, and I believe one can only succeed with doing so if they have a passion in what they’re doing. Although I’m sure that can be said with a great many other things.

GS: When will we get to experience the second book in the Amethysta Trilogy, Untoward Awakening?

SS: The long-awaited adventure into the world of Vataenya. That was the plan long before I published Throne of Lies. Book two was meant to truly begin the story while the first was setting the world, the characters, and the plot into place. Now that I have firmly placed the groundwork, I’ve been able to bring the true fantasy elements to the forefront with Untoward Awakening and will continue to do so throughout the series.

GS: Was Untoward Awakening easier or more difficult to write than the first book?

SS: Immensely so; even though Untoward Awakening may expand beyond the 100,000-word count (while ToL rested at just over 80k), I’ve found that writing book two has flowed well for me. It’s as if all those years of toiling over the first novel was building up to this moment and the story just can’t wait to be told.

GS: Without giving away too much, can you let us know what the general direction of this book will be?

SS: Amethysta still has a lot of questions with very few answers. Those closest to her are now gone or dead. She tries to find balance, but all goes awry, and she needs a plan fast. She’s forced out of her comforts and into the unexpected world where she learns what it’s like to not be a princess. The many cultures and kins deliver a colorful—and at times, a horrifying—experience to her and her companions. She’s out on a journey trying to outrun the ghosts of her past that are never far behind.

GS: The book cover is absolutely stunning, but does it mean that bad things are in store for Amethysta?

SS: The cover art for my series, along with the titles themselves, are always there to reflect on the story within its pages. I believe a book is always judged by its cover and I wish for mine to speak a whisper of the tale. But as for your question, you will have to wait and see what lies in store for Amethysta.

GS: What were your biggest challenges with writing this book?

SS: Much like the first time around, I’ve struggled greatly with the financial side of publishing. I am an independent author and that comes with a hefty price tag. Because I refuse to cut corners, I’ve had to budget carefully with the production. Thankfully I’ve had support from friends and followers as well as favors given to me by those who know the creative struggle.

GS: Since releasing your first two projects, would you say that the art of writing has become a more prominent part of your daily routine?

SS: I heavily try to make writing a daily task. Before my plate filled up as much, I would write on average approximately three to six hours a day. Now I am happy to just dedicate a solid hour or two while also attending to my other responsibilities.

GS: Are you doing anything different with regards to the publishing process of Untoward Awakening?

SS: I’ve found a more efficient way that is more cost effective. I also have formed a small team that helps with each of the many processes needed to formulate a manuscript to an actual book. During production of ToL, I was mostly trying to find said team and that was time consuming and a major headache.

GS: What are some of the books (and other works of fiction) that inspired the Amethysta Trilogy?

SS: I would say Stardust, Alice in Wonderland, Lord of the Rings, and a touch of Disney magic. Truthfully, I was inspired by many writers, but I aim to make my story my own.

GS: How soon are you expecting to begin work on the third book in the series?

SS: The idea is to publish Untoward Awakening, then begin creating the second edition for Throne of Lies. It will feature a new book cover by the same artist from UT and perhaps some new/refined written content as well. After that I would take a short break before beginning the process all over again with the final book of the series.

GS: What piece of advice would you give to someone aspiring to write and self-publish their own works?

SS: I would say read a lot. Take notes about what you want to write and find your place as a writer before the stress unfolds. Enjoy the process of discovering your story. Understand the undertaking you’re working toward and take it a step at a time. Each day write, you can always edit later. Remember why it is you want to be a writer, and why you want that story in the hands of other readers. Always remember that reason.

Be sure to follow the progress of Sara Secora’s author journey!

– Sara’s official website
– Sara’s Twitter
– Sara’s Instagram
– Sara Secora on Amazon
– Sara Secora on Barnes and Noble

Recommended Fantasy Novels

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Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is known for his Mistborn series, among other successful fantasy novels. Elantris is a great recommendation because it’s a stand-alone story about a cursed place that has been sealed off from society. Anyone affected by the “Shaod”, the random turning of a person into an Elantrian, is thrown into the city, to stay there for all eternity.

Buy the book (UK) / Buy the book (US)

The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett

The Colour of Magic is the first in the popular Discworld series. Terry Pratchett himself has described it as “an attempt to do for the classical fantasy universe what Blazing Saddles did for Westerns.” I’ve decided that I want to start with The Colour of Magic as it’s often recommended for first time Pratchett readers.

Buy the book (UK) / Buy the book (US)

The Emperor’s Blades (Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne Series Book I) by Brian Staveley

Brian Staveley’s level of creation is said to be brilliant. The Emperor’s Blades is the beginning of the Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne series and it follows the murder of the Emperor of Annurian. His son Valyn quickly learns that his own life is in danger, and the emperor’s daughter, Minister Adare, aims to hunt her father’s murderer in the capital. What follows is some compelling world building and conspiracies.

Buy the book (UK) / Buy the book (US)

Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

Prince of Thorns is a fantasy trilogy that has been receiving a significant marketing push from the same publisher as the Game of Thrones books. The books are set in a world of ruin and main character Jorg has the ability to master both the living and the dead. The only thing that haunts Jorg, is the thought of revisiting his father’s castle to confront the horrors from his childhood.

Buy the book (UK) / Buy the book (US)

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

A Darker Shade of Magic is about a London based traveler that is able to travel between parallel Londons. He uses his talents to smuggle, but soon finds himself being accused of treason.

Buy the book (UK) / Buy the book (US)

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

For those who enjoy a good heist, the Six of Crows might whet your appetite. It follows Kaz Brekker, an infamous thief who is promised wealth beyond his wildest dreams if he can capture Bo Yul-Bayur, a scientist, from the Ice Court. This is by no means a task for one man, meaning Kaz must assemble a team to pull off the job successfully. Six of Crows is full of fascinating world building and magic. An easy fantasy novel to get lost in.

Buy the book (UK) / Buy the book (US)

Half-Resurrection Blues by Daniel José Older

Carlos Delacruz is a half-dead agent living in New York. He works with the Council of the Dead and believes that he’s one of of a kind; that is until he discovers there are others walking the fine line between life and death. One inbetweener is a sorcerer that summons an army of creatures. A mess that Carlos will have to clean up. Along the way, Carlos uncovers the truth of his own life and death.

Be sure to leave some recommendations of your own in the comment section!