The Extraordinary & Lovely #Awethor C E Vance
#Awethor C E Vance is one of those extraordinary people who loves to enjoy life to the fullest. Writing is a big part of her life, along with her family. Her entry in the Awethology Light is ‘Eternal Arguments,’ a must read.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a married mother of four and college student from Salt Lake City, Utah. I love the outdoors (especially in the Autumn), cheesecake, dogs, dancing unhinged in the rain (or shower for that matter!), sour candy, and the colors purple and blue. I am a huge sucker for anything sappy or touching, but consider myself neither a girly-girl or a tom-boy.
What bought you to the world of writing?
I started writing poetry in middle school as a way of working through my problems. I wrote very deep and emotional stuff, and sometimes it was the only outlet I had to express myself. My writing was always very personal to me, and when a teacher in 10th grade returned one of my poems covered in red ink, I took it so hard that I quit writing for years. When I started again as an adult, I realized how much I had missed it, and along with my poetry, I began to toy with the idea of writing books. Before long I had published my first, and now have several more in various stages of development. I’m finally doing what I feel I was born to do!
What story have you entered into the Awethology and Why?
The story I wrote for the Awethology is called Eternal Arguments and it is the first story I have published for adults. It is a preview to my series of full-length novels, The Eternal Trials Saga. I decided to enter it because it is a story that is very unique. Every one of us, no matter what we do or do not believe, has probably wondered about what is truly beyond death. This story came from me somewhat working through the traditional ideas of accountability after death, but in a fictional world where it is all merged with something that resembles a modern court system. It is my hope that this twist on the Afterlife will appeal to everyone, regardless of their beliefs, and that they will relate to the humanity that I tried to instill in my characters.
What type of books do you write and do they fulfill your reader’s needs?
My first published book is entitled How Maxwell Grover Stole My House, and it is the first story in a children’s middle-grade fantasy series. It is funny, irreverent, and at times a little gross, but if you ask me that is everything that a good kids story needs! The first sequel, How Maxwell Grover Stole My Parents, will be out in a couple of months and it is more of the same. These books have everything that kids, and yes even adults, could want out of a good story: mystery, magic, sneaky shenanigans, and one horribly unforgettable villain.
My first adult novel will be out in early 2016. It’s called The Innocent and is the official Book 1 of The Eternal Trials Saga. The unique thing about the stories in this series is that while they all take place in the Afterlife, they all have different characters with different backgrounds, and each tale takes place in a different part of that world. For example, while Eternal Arguments is set largely in a courtroom, The Innocent takes place on Earth as well as several different locations in an after-world. I want each of these stories to have a common thread, but be able to stand alone as well. My hope is, again, that they will appeal to a large audience, and I think having different characters with their own flaws and sometimes heart-wrenching stories to tell is something that can help readers relate to them. I know that most of my favorite stories are the ones that have left an impression, and this series will definitely do that.
Tell us about your short story?
The main character is Jason Newman, a representative in the Afterlife for those who have recently become deceased. It is his job to guide new arrivals through the complicated process of death, and prepare them to go before a panel of elders for Introspection.
His client in this story is Robert Jenkins, a quiet man in his 60’s who found himself alone at the end of his life. Not only does Jason have to help Robert defend decisions he made that drove his loved ones away, he is still trying to deal with the aftermath of his own untimely demise. As the story progresses, Jason begins to feel an odd connection to Robert, but the truth behind their relationship is something that he may not be ready to face. Little does he know, however, that Robert may be the key to unlocking the chains that have bound him for far too long.
What was your experience with #Awethors group and the Awethology?
I love this group! I was so scared to self-publish, but this group is a huge part of the reason that I have survived in this crazy new venture. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned, how much people have gone out of their way to help me, and how many people I have been able to help as well. I have so much fun talking with interesting people from all over the world, and they have helped me become a better writer. I consider so many of them to be dear friends, and I consider myself very lucky to be a part of such an amazing group.
As far as the Awethology, I have to say that it is pretty cool to have the honor of being part of something that is made of up of so many talented and diverse writers. Not only are we from all over the globe, we all write in different genres and have very unique styles. I think that these are all things that will make this collection stand out, and I think that both volumes will be well-received and become very successful!
How do you promote your writing?
I have only been published since March, so I’m still figuring everything out. I did my first book signing at a large event over the summer, and I try to promote on my website with blogs and games, and also on social media. Thanks to a friend, I am happy to say that I have also started to get invitations from local schools to do assemblies for their students. They have asked me to introduce the kids to the Maxwell Grover series, as well as talk to them about the world of writing. It is such a privilege to be able to connect with them and show them all of the amazing ways that books can transform your life, and it is something I take very seriously. Sure, it is a great way to promote my writing, but more importantly, it is a way to foster a love of reading that will hopefully last them a life time.
Where can we buy your books?
The best place is on my website http://cevanceauthor.wix.com/books, but you can also find me on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Who are your favourite authors?
I love the classic romance writers like Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters (what can I say, I like a bit of angst with my love stories!) as well as some H.G. Wells and Jules Vern. I also enjoy more modern writers like J.K. Rowling, Suzanne Collins, and Veronica Roth (yep: Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Divergent). I guess I enjoy a wide range of writing, and I find that my tastes evolve over time.
Social Media Links
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/cevance.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CEVanceAuthor
Do you have any more information you’d like to share with us?
Look for the Maxwell Grover sequel this winter and The Innocent in the spring. I’m also looking at releasing the short story, Eternal Arguments, as a stand-alone volume that will be available in paperback and on Kindle. Check my website for updates, and make sure to check out my Awesome Indies page full of books by other great authors, as well as the blog, and my brand new Grover Games page. There is something on my site for everyone!
Thanks for the interview!
