Interview with Terra Harmony, indie author

Terra Harmony is another one of those people (like me!) who has written a novel and put it out there in the world to sink or swim on its own. As part of the Orangeberry Summer Splash book tour we’re both participating in, I’m hosting an interview with her here, right on this very blog all about her and her book, Water, which is a contemporary eco-fantasy. (You can find it on Amazon, or go to her webpage)

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
Definitely future – and I won’t forget my camera. Pictures of what the future holds for our planet just might be the thing to get people on board (as in the recycling train, whoo-whoo)!!!

What is one book everyone should read?
Um….mine? But if elemental magic just isn’t your thing, we could go with ‘Gone with the Wind’. That one grows on you!

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
That is a tough one. Not flying because I get motion-sickness. Not reading minds because sometimes it is just better not to know what people are thinking. I’m going to go with the power of persuasion here, something I seriously lack.

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
Probably Hitler, so I could punch him in the face.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Steak and eggs, hands down.

Night owl, or early bird?
Neither. I’m more of an afternoon person – after I’ve had my nap, that is.

Pet Peeves?
When people ignore my e-mails – so rude!

Skittles or M&Ms?
Both, please!

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
You need to pick up my series because you want something more out of your reading.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? 
After the Akasha Series is complete, I have my heart set on a mermaid series. I’ve already started the research on it, in the form of images. My husband gets scuba diving magazines and I tear into them with scissors, making a collage of underwater photography.

Then, of course, Pinterest became popular and I can find mermaid images there. Check out my mermaid board at http://pinterest.com/terraharmony

What inspired you to want to become a writer?
I have a very active imagination and the constant desire to ‘do more’. The life of a mom of three with a full-time job sometimes just isn’t enough for me. Writing is the perfect creative outlet.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Seeing my book in print. I had e-books for almost a year before I even considered it. Holding your first real, hard copy book in your hands is…magical.

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?
Probably something steampunk. The idea is just so cool, but very hard for me to imagine – even when it is spelled out in words.  I need to live it!

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Definitely ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ by Adele. A little obvious given the elements but I totally get into the groove of writing when I listen to her belt it out. If ever I was given the opportunity to turn my books into movies, an Adele soundtrack would be a must!

What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Love thy book bloggers…

If you could be one of the Greek Gods, which would it be and why?
Probably Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, horticulture, grain and harvest. Then I would totally tell people to stop scorching the earth for their harvest and teach them about permaculture instead.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?
An ice-cream truck driver.  Sure, there were others but I still look forward to ‘growing up’ and driving around all day dishing out ice-cream.

How did you know you should become an author?
When I couldn’t stop writing. It began in high school, when I started jotting down my daydreams. I must’ve looked like a really studious note-taker to my teachers. I always returned to my writing, no matter how busy my life became. Eventually all those daydreams turned into a story.

Who are your favorite authors of all time?
My favorite old-school author would be Sydney Sheldon. Something more modern day is Diana Gabaldon. Recent fav is Susan Ee, author of Angelfall, but I’ll have to read more of her work before claiming her as an all time favorite!

What’s the craziest writing idea you’ve had?
Make everyone hate my antagonist with a passion, then convince half of them to love him.

Hidden talent?
Catching things – including myself when I trip. It happens a lot. I’ve ‘clumsied’ myself into quite the coordinated person.

Favorite Food?
Meat.

Favorite Candy?
Hot Tamales or Lemonheads, depending on my mood.

What was your favorite children’s book?
The Ramona series and the Babysitter’s Club series.

How do you react to a bad review?
I read it out loud to my husband, tell him all the things I want to say back to that reviewer, then listen to his advice and let it go.

For the constructive negative reviews, I actually incorporate solutions into my writing. I try to learn from them.

If you were a bird, which one would you be?
Is a penguin technically a bird? Because I prefer fish on ice to insects or mice.

If you were a super hero what would your kryptonite be?
Cake

You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
A future for my kids!

What do you do in your free time? 
I’d like to say snowboarding, but I haven’t been on the slopes in many moons. Playing the piano and reading is a little easier to fit in.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
Slow down, already!

What’s your favorite season/weather?
All of them. I couldn’t stand living in a place with just one or two seasons. I need variety!

What is your guilty pleasure?
Vampires.

Favorite places to travel?
Anywhere without the kids…sorry guys, but sometimes mommy needs a break.

About the Author
Terra is author of the Akasha Series, a set of four contemporary eco-fantasy novels. ‘Water’ and ‘Air’ are available as e-books, and ‘Fire’ is due to release in October 2012. She was born and raised in Colorado but has since lived in California, Texas, Utah, North Carolina and Virginia. Terra has served a 5½ year enlistment in the Marine Corp, has earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree and presently runs the language services division of a small business.