Seven Questions with Fantasy Author Laura Zimmerman

Hi everyone! Today we have debut novelist Laura Zimmerman with us! First, a little about Laura. Laura lives in a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, three daughters, and three furbaby felines. Besides writing, she’s passionate about loving Jesus, anything Star Wars, and singing loudly. She takes her coffee black and spends her days pretending to do yoga. Keen is her debut novel.

1) Everyone seems to have a “how I got published” story. What is yours?

My “how I got published” is actually more of a “how I was forced to get published”! Haha. I’ve written stories for years and over time I migrated to penning entire novels. Several years back my husband got tired of watching me spend so much time creating my stories, only to have them sit on a computer and collect dust. He gave me an ultimatum: I had one year to pursue getting published or he would take one of my manuscripts and self-publish it on Amazon! (Oh the horror!) That gave me the motivation to attend a few writer conferences which showed me it really was possible for me to share my love of story with the world! I haven’t looked back since!

2) If you could travel anywhere for book research (all expenses paid) where would you go and why?

It feels a little late now that Keen is published, but I’d love to visit Ireland! Not only to learn more about banshee and faerie lore, but because I’m in LOVE with the scenery and culture of Ireland. I’ve even considered retiring there (If my husband will go with me!).


3) What were some of the challenges for you writing your book? 

I suppose my greatest challenge is not having an office or place outside of the home to write. I homeschool my children so they’re with me 24/7. Which means I’m constantly interrupted when I write. I’ve taken to going to the local coffee shop 2-3 times a week to get some writing in. It’s got noise and music playing, but at least I know no one will need me to help them with laundry or to cook a meal!

4) What is your favorite thing you have ever written? 

I’ve written a good number of manuscripts–some more finished than others. But the one I was most passionate about was actually a dystopian zombie book! I still think about that one and have hopes of doing a rewrite of it someday. Who knows? Maybe it will be my next project after The Banshee Song series!

 

5) Besides speculative fiction, what other genre would you like to write in?

I have hopes of writing straight historical fiction. I love history so much and am a constant learner. But my mind is always in the clouds and every story I write tends to take a fantasy turn. Maybe I’ll get that historical fiction written sometime soon. I just need to remember to keep the faeries out of it, right?

 

6) What do you drink/eat while you write?

Coffee. Always coffee. Sometimes water. Often a snack that is carb based. The carbs have nothing to do with how well I write. They just make me happier! *wink*

7) What is the last book you read?

I’m almost finished reading Finale of the Caraval series! I really liked the whole thing but have a feeling book 1 will be my favorite of the 3. We will see! I am in love with Stephanie Garber’s writing style and the genius behind the entire series!

 

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Thank you for joining us, Laura! You can connect with Laura through Instagram @lauralzimmauthor, Twitter @lauralzimm, Facebook @authorLLZimmerman, and her website Caffeinated Fiction at www.lauralzimmerman.com.