Welcome to Author Scavenger Hunt Stop #16, and an exclusive interview with R. J. Larson. R. J. is the author of numerous devotionals and is suspected of eating chocolate and potato chips for lunch while writing. She and her husband live in Colorado. The Books of the Infinite series marks her debut in the fantasy genre.

"Larson makes the fantasy genre thrilling even for readers who wouldn't normally venture into mystical realms. Though the battles waged resemble tales from the Old Testament, there is no preaching here, merely a compelling story of good versus evil in which good is sure to triumph." –Booklist

Be sure to write down the clue given toward the end of the post, and continue to the next stop on the hunt. Enjoy the interview!

Q: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

I never dreamed of being a writer when I grew up. Ever. I wanted to be a nurse, a teacher, or an artist—all “normal” professions. Judging by everything I’d seen and read, I believed that writers were strange, reclusive people who always wore turtleneck sweaters and glasses, and I didn’t find the idea appealing. Until my “normal” sister-in-law became an editor. I glimpsed a manuscript she was working on, and I was hooked. Within a few weeks, I emailed samples of my writing to her and she retaliated by sending me guidelines for a collection of devotionals scheduled for publication the following year. I submitted several works, which were accepted for publication, and I’ve been writing ever since.

Have I become strange and reclusive? Perhaps. But only on writing days. Glasses, yes—for fine print. Turtleneck sweaters? Um, nope. I tried them. Nevermore. 

Q: Tell me a little about your books.

My current series is best described as Biblical fantasy—inspired by stories from the Old Testament, but with twists thrown in. My characters live in a different world and each book in the series adds to their world’s own Scriptures, much like ours on Earth, but with some unexpected twists!

Q: What’s your view on e-books and the new publishing revolution? Any e-book plans in your future?

I believe e-books will become the main focus of publishers’ contracts in the future, and paperbacks and hardbacks will be relegated to secondary rights clauses—if they’re to be offered at all, depending upon the author’s expected sales. All of my books are currently in e-book format and print, but I’m convinced that some of my future works will appear only in e-form.

Q: Describe your feelings when you opened the box and saw the first published copies of your very first book?

Unreal. As if the books belonged to someone else. Seeing foreign translations—which often arrive on the doorstep without warning—adds to the surreal sensation, particularly if I don’t recognize my own name on the cover. It’s happened!

Q: What were some of the challenges for you writing your book?

Fight scenes and battles. They HAVE to be perfect, and they must be included in every storyline!

Otherwise, it’s all mere politics and lethal scheming by dastardly villains—with a dash of romance.

Q: In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing?

My faith is a natural part of my writing, and my characters’ stories unfold with faith naturally interwoven amid all the ordinary details of their lives.  

Q: Coke or Pepsi?

Mocha. Wait…sorry. That wasn’t on the list, was it?

Q: Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos?

Both! Tacos are a perfect food, and I’ll never choose one above the other—I’ll eat them both instead.

Q: Favorite place to vacation?

Ocean. Any ocean that’s a comfortable swimming or wading temperature.

Q: Do you listen to music while you write? If so what are some examples?

I listen to Audiomachine, Evanescence, Futureworld, Nightwish, and various collections of traditional hymns, most presented by the London Symphony, or folk groups. Oh, and I love LOTR-inspired music! 

Q: Does anyone else in your family have musical/writing/artistic skills?

Yes. I mentioned that my sister-in-law is an editor. She’s also a writer. My husband, Jerry, also edits and writes, and our daughter-in-law is an amazing artist.

Q: What have you learned about yourself through your writing?

That the impossible isn’t necessarily impossible—it just takes more work. Therefore, everyone, persevere! 

Thanks R.J.! I hope you’ve enjoyed the interview and will take a moment to check out R. J.’s great books. Before you go though, you’ll want to write down this part of the clue:  and support.

Now head on over to R. J.’s website for stop #17 HERE.