Author Interview Edge of Death:
1.“Edge of Death” is the second book in a series. Was writing the second book harder for you than the first book? In what ways was it different from writing the first book in a series?
The second book in any trilogy can be tricky. I’ve read several where it’s nothing more than a bridge between the first and third and nothing much happens. On the other hand, the second book can become the most interesting book. In my case, this book was harder for me to write because it lacked direction of the first book, ‘Curse of the Sea.’ I had a series of events taking place without any reason why. In other words, I lacked a villain with a motive. Once I realized the problem, the book came together quickly.
2. Which character is your favorite to write about in this book?
I have several favorites from previous books that carry over into this one, but I really enjoyed developing Hades, god of the Underworld, the villain in this book. He’s out to get Alex because she’s the granddaughter of a Titan. According to him, the only good Titan is a dead one. In addition, he wants to become relevant to the mortals on Earth once more, but Alex stands in his way. Unintentionally, at first. This conflict won’t end here, however and there will be further episodes in the future.
3. Can you detail the writing process? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Is there a specific place where you like to write?
I’m definitely a pantser. I’ll come up with an idea for a story and sit down at my computer and write. But this also means that I edit a lot more than someone who’s more organized and actually outlines or plots out their books. Once I finish a first draft, I let it sit for a while, but I’ll often have revelations about it while I’m watching TV or doing something else. I write those down and make changes when I can. In addition, I try to write an entire series at one time. In one sense, this is good, but in another, it means that I have to be aware that any changes in book one could result in changes in the rest of the series.
4. What’s next for you? Do you have any plans for future books?
I’m preparing the next book in my series with the working title of ‘Call From Home.” Currently, it’s with my editor for her review and then I’ll be sending it out to some beta
readers. I also have a draft of my next series called the Golden Harvest, but that won’t be ready for a couple of years. And, I have some short stories with my writing group for a new anthology that will come out soon.
5. Last but not least, do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
The only reason why an author is still aspiring is because they haven’t written anything. My advice is the write. Then read—everything. Not just in your favorite genre, but all genres. It’ll help your writing.
About the Book
Title: Edge of Death: Book Two of the Admiralty Archives
Author: Joni Parker
Genre: Urban Fantasy
In this second installment of The Admiralty Archives, the warrior Lady Alexin, the Keeper of the Keys for the Elf realm of Eledon, finds herself exiled to the harsh world of near-future London. Rendered little more than a political pawn by the Elfin Council of Elders to avoid a war with the Rock Elves, she has little choice but to struggle to find her way in this strange new land. Taken under the protection of kindly mentors, Vice Admiral Malcolm Teller of the British Royal Navy and his wife, Alex brings all her skills to the fore as she uncovers a series of deadly plots.
Murder is on everyone’s mind as an underground White Supremacist organization takes aim at Admiral Teller while two wizards, resurrected from death, must kill Alex in order to survive. To make matters worse, the Rock Elves dispatch a hundred assassins from Eledon with their sole mission to bring Lady Alexin to the very… Edge of Death.
Author Bio
Writing fantasy novels are Joni Parker’s passion. She’s completed two series so far: “The Seaward Isle Saga” and “The Chronicles of Eledon.” Her latest series, “The Admiralty Archives, is a three-book series that begins with the “Curse of the Sea.” The second book is called “Edge of Death” and the third will be finished next year. In addition to her novels, Joni enjoys writing short stories and has contributed two stories to the anthology, “Beyond Tucson: Adventures in the Multiverse” with her writing group. Joni retired from the U.S. Navy and the Department of Homeland Security and currently resides in Tucson, Arizona with her sister.