Blog Tour: Interview With Arrival Author Marian Beland @lovebooksgroup

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Arrival by Marian Beland. I have an interview with the author today and if you like the sound of that, you can click here to order your copy now. Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour for more exclusive content and reviews. 

Here's what it's all about...

The King indeed has never met anyone like her. In fact, no one had, nor would they for another 1250 years. Being ahead of their time doesn’t make Gen ahead of their ways. A twenty-first-century mind in a first-millennium female doesn’t necessarily guarantee happiness, peace, or success so much as it does headaches, misunderstandings, fear, and danger. Of course, stirring intrigue in a curious king’s mind may be of great help; if you are careful. Unfortunately, being careful is not one of Gen’s strong suits.

Here's that interview for you...

First question-bit of a cliche-how did you get into writing?

I always enjoyed the creative writing assignment in school because it allowed me to tell a story. Even as a child, riding in the back seat of the family car, my imagination always populated the scenery with characters and action which later turned into writing assignments.

Do you write full time & if so, have you always done this?

It would be wonderful to be able to write full time, but unfortunately I work a full time job.

Do you have a particular writing style or genre that you prefer to write?

I have a love of history and adventure and truly enjoy incorporating those aspects into my writings.

How do you develop your characters as you write, are any of them based on real people?

Although some of my characters have been inspired by historical persons who lived during that time, all of them seem to develop by themselves as I write.

What was the inspiration behind your book?

I was living in Reno, having what I call, a “desert experience”. You know, one of those times when you’re removed from the normal hub-hub of life and turn introspective. At that time, it came to me that I would like to write an adventure story based on English history. Although I have always enjoyed English history, I really didn’t have a full grasp of its depth and breadth, so I went to the library and started researching. When I came across the accomplishments of Alfred the Great, I was in awe! Here was this incredible human being who was bigger than life, who overcame tremendous obstacles and accomplished so much, yet never lost sight of his own humanity. Wow! I thought. What an inspiration for those living in our own time. How come I have never heard of him?

So I set out to tell his story to a modern audience, in what I had hoped would be an entertaining way.

What is your writing process-do you plan it out first? Write a bit at a time?

Well yes, I do sketch out a general path of where I want to end up. For me, the creative process is visualizing a scene and then letting the characters flow; letting them interact with each other and their environment. Sometimes I even surprise myself as the scenes play out.

How much of you is reflected in your writing?

Oh, that’s a hard question. I guess, now that I think of it, a lot. How can any author of fiction not see themselves reflected in their writing? I see my own values reflected, as well as concepts of good and evil; and perspectives of life, trials and triumphs.

What kind of research did you have to do before/during writing behind your book?

From the beginning, I really wanted this work of fiction to shine a light on the incredible accomplishments and personal dignity of a great man. So although the historical figure is fictionalized, many hours were invested in research before one word was written. I have always been one of those people who, when reading a book or watching a movie based on something in history, wanted to know “what really happened”. So I have dedicated four pages on my website to historical information on the real people and events.

How much attention do you pay to the reviews that you get?

I very much value each and every review! Readers are the entire reason for the story. Their thoughts, opinions, and reactions are important and if a reader takes the time and energy to share those through a review, I certainly pay attention and take it to heart.

Are friends and family supportive of your writing?

Yes. I am truly blessed with exceptionally supportive family and friends. They have believed in me from the start and stood behind me the entire time, never wavering in encouragement and providing whatever was needed to help me along this journey.

How do you feel leading up to your publication day?

Excited! Stressed! Jubilant! Anxious! Scared! All of them at once, and then happily relieved as I realize that it’s finally here.

Which other authors inspire you or are there any you particularly enjoy reading?

Humm. I enjoy such a wide variety of authors and genres it’s kind of hard to narrow down; Chernow, CS Lewis, Clancy, Rowling, Mary Stewart, …

Finally...what are you working on right now?

I’m thrilled to tell you that we’re in the editing phase of Book 2 (Here and Now” series); the exciting continuation of “Arrival”.

About Marian Beland

Marian Beland resides with her family in the horse country of northern Connecticut and is the author of the “Here and Now” trilogy.

Her lifelong passion for history and adventure are the foundation of her captivating novels.

When Marian isn’t writing, she is likely training or deploying her search & rescue K-9 partner on missions to find the lost and missing.