. I hear so many people say that they would love to write a book but then they list all the reasons why they can’t. I don’t buy that. If you want something bad enough, you will find a way to accomplish it. 

M.H. Soars – 30 March 2014

The Back Flap

Being a teenager is tough, especially when you have to pretend to be something you’re not, and you’re in love with someone you shouldn’t. 115 years ago, a small planet called Arcadia was invaded by a vicious alien race and nearly destroyed. Cut off from their resources, the Arcadians turned to Earth for help. A group of Arcadian explorers discovered a Prophecy that claimed their salvation lay in the hands of two children from Earth. To ensure their safety, the Arcadian Council sent their most gifted youngsters to Earth to act as protectors. Samantha is one of them.

To succeed in her mission she must learn to control her Arcadian powers and keep her true identity from her best friend, and the girl she swore to protect, Alexia. But Samantha will soon realize that nothing is as it seems. Someone is trying to prevent the Prophecy from taking place and the prophecy boy hasn’t been found yet. There is also a new drug circulating at school that is turning students into freakishly strong menaces.

To make matters worse, distractions keep getting in her way. Such as her love/hate relationship with her “cousin” Matthew. Or her confused feelings toward popular and mysterious Julian. She wants nothing more than to be free to live her life. But the survival of Arcadia depends on her and her friends. Free will is not an option

About the book

What is the book about?

The book is about a group of teen aliens sent to Earth to protect two human youngsters. Their planet Arcadia is on the brink of total destruction after being invaded by a vicious alien race and the humans were prophesized to be Arcadia’s final hope.

When did you start writing the book?

In 2012.

How long did it take you to write it?

Roughly one year and a half.

Where did you get the idea from?

I was always interested in the Sci-fi and PNR genres, so I thought it would be fun to combine them in one book. The general idea for the series came after brainstorming with my sister.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes, describing places. Writing about the characters was more fun.

What came easily?

Character interactions.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Entirely fictitious.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Marion Zimmer Bradley and her Darkover series made me fall in love with the Sci-Fi genre. Richelle Mead’s writing style was also very influential. I like how easy her books are to read and how engaging her plots are.

Do you have a target reader?

The book is for mature young adults but I think adults will appreciate it too.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Yes. When I get an idea for a book, I write it down. I write a brief synopsis and character descriptions. After that, I start to write the general outline of the book. What I want to say in each chapter. I use Scrivener to keep things organized. In The Prophecy of Arcadia‘s case, since it’s part of a series, I had to write an outline for each book because certain things had to be set in motion in the first book.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Yes. An outline is like a lifeline to me. If the book is a standalone, I will do a more detailed outline per chapter. If it’s part of a series, I will do a general outline for the book, meaning what I need to cover in that book, and just a couple of sentences for each chapter.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit as I go, although that might not be the fastest way to write.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes. Best investment ever.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No. I prefer to write in complete silence.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I always wanted to go Indie, to have the freedom to write whatever I wanted.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I did it myself, but I do have a graphic design background.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I’m just winging it.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Yes. Passion and perseverance. I hear so many people say that they would love to write a book but then they list all the reasons why they can’t. I don’t buy that. If you want something bad enough, you will find a way to accomplish it. You just have to start at the beginning and not give up when times get rough (when the right words refuse to come by).

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in several countries: USA, Brazil, Italy, The Netherlands.

Where do you live now?

I live now in New Mexico, USA.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I have an obsessive personality. When I’m into something, I devote 110% of myself to it. Which is a good thing since I’m obsessed with writing.

What are you working on now?

 I’m currently writing the second book in the Arcadian Wars series.

End of Interview:

For more, visit M.H. Soars’ blog.

Get your copy of The Prophecy of Arcadia from Amazon US (paper or ebook) or Amazon UK (paper or ebook).