Interview with YA Fantasy Author Shami Stovall

Shami Stovall grew up in California’s central valley with a single mother and little brother. Despite no one in her family earning a degree higher than a GED, she put herself through college (earning a BA in History), and then continued on to law school where she obtained her Juris Doctorate.

As a child, Stovall’s favorite novel was Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. The adventure on a deserted island opened her mind to ideas and realities she had never given thought before—and it was at that moment Stovall realized story telling (specifically fiction) became her passion. Anything that told a story, be it a movie, book, video game or comic, she had to experience. Now, as a professor and author, Stovall wants to add her voice to the myriad of stories in the world and she hopes you enjoy.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

★Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/

★Blog: https://sastovallauthor.com/blog/

★Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation

★Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/

While protecting the newborn griffins on the Isle of Landin, Volke Savan and his adopted sister, Illia, run afoul of the Dread Pirate Calisto, the same cutthroat who carved out Illia’s right eye. As a master manticore arcanist, Calisto’s strength and brutality are unrivaled. When Illia suggests they bring him

to justice, Volke wonders if they’ll have what it takes to fight the corsairs on the high seas.

A fast-paced flintlock fantasy for those who enjoy How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell, Unsouled (Cradle Series) by Will Wight, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan.

Praise for the Frith Chronicles!

“Perfect for those who enjoy the Codex Alera series, the Homas Wildus series, and the Harry Potter series. Stovall is quickly becoming a name I look for.”
– Seattle Book Review

“An addictive series. Shami Stovall has produced a mesmerizing story of magic, intrigue, and true adventure.”
– ManyBooks

“Absolutely brilliant.”
– Archaeolibrarian

Now continue the Frith Chronicles with the second book, Dread Pirate Arcanist!

★Amazon ----> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WK2H37L

Thank you so much for having me! And thank you for letting me gush about my recent novel, Dread Pirate Arcanist!

Can you tell us what your new book is about?

Dread Pirate Arcanist is the sequel to my award-winning fantasy novel, Knightmare Arcanist! It follows a teenager by the name of Volke Savan, and he lives in a world where people can bond to mythological creatures to gain magic. People who bond to phoenixes get fire and healing, whereas people who bond to leviathans get wind and storms—and the possibilities are endless!

In the sequel, Volke faces off against a dread pirate who has bonded to a manticore. Volke’s adopted sister, Illia, actually has a grudge with the pirate—he’s the man who killed her parents and cut out her right eye. It’s definitely a confrontation that builds throughout the adventure, and I hope readers look forward to seeing how it concludes.

Can you tell us a little about your main and supporting characters?

Volke is the kind of guy who admires heroes in fairy tales. He’s earnest (can easily be described as a precious cinnamon roll) and hates villainy of all kinds, especially pirates. He’s bonded to a knightmare—a shadowy suit of armor.

Illia, his sister, has held onto this grudge against the dread pirate her whole life. She narrowly escaped his clutches when she was younger (and even set fire to his ship, the Third Abyss) so the two have a history. She’s bonded to a rizzel—a cut ferret-like creature that can teleport.

Your book is set on a series of islands.  Can you tell us why you chose this location in particular?

I based the entire setting on the age of pirates, specifically the Caribbean. I liked the feel of small islands with one or two towns, high-sea adventures, and swashbuckling of all kinds. While pirates aren’t uncommon in fantasy, I was smitten with the idea of magical pirates (especially those with cool and interesting magical creatures).

How long did it take you to write your book?

Less than 6 months. I wrote it alongside another novel (a post-apocalyptic sci-fi adventure). I’m a fast writer, though. Lots of people have commented.

What has been the most pivotal point of your writing life?

Just deciding to go for it. I wasted a lot of time not taking the plunge, and I feel like if I could do my whole life over again, I wouldn’t have hesitated.

What kind of advice would you give other fantasy authors?

I would suggest really learning how to world-build. Read a lot of books with great world-building and look at the techniques they use to weave information and setting together. Have your story be affected by the world! It really makes the difference between amateur and professional. 

Thank you again for having me, and please remember to check out Dread Pirate Arcanist!