Danielle Raver

I have just finished reading Danielle's debut novel:  Brother, Betrayed, and I thought it was excellent.  It's an epic fantasy-adventure, but with a slightly different flavor.  The linchpin that ties the whole story together is the relationship between three brothers who must defend their kingdom and family from powerful forces that threaten to tear them apart.  And discovering the nature of those forces keeps the reader's brain active until the end.  I can't say much more or I'd be giving too much away, so check it out for yourself.  It's a very well written book and I'd highly recommend it.

In addition to writing, Danielle has a Master's degree in School counseling and has taught elementary school for 5 years.  She is currently working on a follow up to Brother, Betrayed called Flight Moon.

Check out Danielle's Website for links to buy Brother, Betrayed plus other cool info. including more details on Brother, Betrayed and Flight Moon.

TAS: Let's get the plug out of the way.  Tell us a little bit about Brother, Betrayed - who will be interested and why?

DR: Brother, Betrayed is a fantasy-set tragedy. Readers who like a strong emphasis on character development will enjoy it I think. There's also elements of magic, fighting, and classical fantasy (such as dragons, elves, and dwarves.)

TAS: What aspects of being an author do you most enjoy?

DR: I most enjoy being able to create something. Writing is my way to leave my mark, literally. I also enjoy spending time with my characters and falling in love with them. Their accomplishments become my accomplishments, their trials my trials.

TAS: What aspects of being an author do you least enjoy?

DR: Writer's block. I hate having the story in my head and not able to get it down on paper.

TAS: What moment as an author have you experienced that you are likely to remember 20 years from now (good or bad)?

DR: The moment I let go of Brother, Betrayed and said “okay, I'm done” will likely not fade from my memory. I was exhilarated and depressed all at the same moment. On one hand it felt like a child being born, on the other it felt like a good friend was moving far away without saying goodbye.

TAS: What bad habits do you have when it comes to writing/promoting your books and/or what do you wish you could do better?

DR: Hmm... I have a funny confession. Anytime I go out anywhere (since I published my book) I look at all the fellow shoppers or what not and I'm constantly thinking “How could I strike up a conversation with them about my book?” “I wonder if they would like my book?” “How could I get them to buy my book?” I guess that's the marketing side of it coming out.

TAS: If an editor suggested a change that you felt weakened the story but you also felt it would increase sales, would you do it?

DR: It depends on how strongly I felt about it. If it would increase sales, hopefully that means that it would make my book more appealing to a general audience. I've had to learn that while sometimes I stick to my guns about what I feel is right for the story, sometimes I'm just being stubborn.

TAS: If a movie studio intended to make a film of one of your books and you had a choice of $1,000,000, but you'd give up all creative rights, or $100,000 and you'd have a large say, which would you take and why?

DR: Does it sound awful that I would take the million? I guess I wouldn't find it that important to have everything just like my book. I've had my turn at creating my world and it's characters, and if people want to find about that they could read my book. I actually think it would be fun to see where a movie studio would take it.

TAS: Tell us about the most interesting place you've ever been.

DR: There are too many places that hold my heart to choose one. How can I choose between the way the wind sings in the pines of the Black Hills or the way the ocean smells right before dawn? Or how fireflies come out during thunderstorms in southern Alabama? Or how the full moon reflects off the sand in the Arizona desert? Or the silence that a billion people make in Hong Kong? Or the taste of fresh strawberries in a market in Adelaide? My heart is many places.

TAS: Is there anything that you look forward to that gets you through a tough day?

DR: Wow this is going to sound corny but I'd have to answer that with my children. When I get home and give my boys a big hug all the troubles of the day melt away. I realize that no matter what happens, life is good because we have each other.

TAS: Tell us about a guilty pleasure.

DR: Seriously? Okay, fine. Lucky Charms. My husband and I started a no carb, no sugar, no starch diet after our second son was born. But every once and a while I'll have a private “pity party” featuring either Lucky Charms or chocolate truffles.

TAS: What's the most childish thing that you still do?

DR: Uhh seriously? Okay.... whine to my husband after the kids go to bed.