Interview: Moonfall by Vanessa Morton

Moonfall
by Vanessa Morton

When 16-year-old Rachav drinks the Moon Temple’s forbidden wine, she hardly expects it to result in the death of a priestess. But when King Nur orders Rachav to serve the Queen of the Night—the kingdom’s powerful goddess—as restitution, Rachav’s identical twin, Zaron, has her own reasons for joining the priesthood and offers to take her twin’s place.

But choices have consequences.

Now Rachav’s family is in danger. As she uncovers the shocking reason why, she finds an ally in Salma, a brooding nomad who wields an ancient force powerful enough to destroy the entire kingdom. While the epic showdown rages above the city, Rachav plays a dangerous game of her own. Can she rescue her sister and right the wrongs of that fateful choice? Or will the king succeed and trap her in the doomed city?

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20453749-moonfall?from_search=true

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1909958166/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1909958166&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

 
Author Vanessa Morton is an archaeology junkie and virtual time traveler.  Her love of ancient history began in middle school when she spent a sweltering summer in the air conditioned public library reading Persian, Greek and Jewish legends. She earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Incarnate Word and studied writing at UCLA. She is living the dream – volunteering at and visiting various archaeological digs.

Morton contributes to the group blog The Scriblerians. In 2012 and 2013, she was a semifinalist in the prestigious Genesis writing contest. “Moonfall: Tales from the Levant” is her debut novel, published by WEbook on May 1, 2014. When she’s not writing stories or exploring ancient ruins, Morton can be found with her husband and two daughters at their vineyard in east Texas.

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Q & A With Author Vanessa Morton

  Q:  Tell us a little bit about your main characters.
A:  Sixteen-year-old Rachav is a headstrong girl who creates friction in her family and community. After an impulsive act ruins her family’s fortune and nearly takes her life, she finds the courage to examine her most intimate motivations and finally see herself for who she really is, not who everyone expects her to be.

Salma was trained to be a scribe, but is now a warrior. His insecurity about his mother’s bloodline keeps him on the fringe of his community. After Rachav is adopted by his tribe, Salma defends her against prejudice and suspicion. Through their growing relationship, he finds courage to take his place in the tribe and risk being vulnerable.

  Q:  In your opinion, what makes a good, strong female lead? 
A:  A strong female lead speaks to us in ways that defy categorization, but we recognize her when she gives us a glimpse of ourselves—our frailties and strengths—the women we are and the women we long to be.

  Q:  What do you see as influences on your writing style?
A:  When I was a kid, my family drew heavily on the public library for entertainment, and the most exciting books to me, were the beautifully drawn Persian, Greek and Jewish legends. In college, I devoured the classics while quietly satisfying my weekend cravings for Stephen King and Robert Ludlum. Today, I write for the teen I used to be, combining history with beautiful settings, adventure, and fantasy.

Q:  Who designs the covers for your books and what is that process like for you as an author? 
A:  My publisher designed Moonfall's fabulous cover. I sent my coordinator clip art and photos of my characters and their world, then the creative team worked with me until we reached consensus on a concept that was both marketable and representative of the book.

Q:  What is the best advice you have been given? 
A:  Before you can be yourself, you have to first see yourself, at your very core, not the person everyone else sees you as.

Q:  If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why? 
A:  Being a big Doctor Who fan, I would love to be a Time Lord and travel the universe!

Q:  Which do you prefer, hard/paperbacks or ebooks? 
A:  I LOVE hardback books—the feel of the spine in my hands and the rustle of turning pages, even the smell and texture of the paper between my fingers. But alas, my house is practically exploding with bookshelves so I broke down a couple of years ago and switched to ebooks.

Q:  What book are you reading now? 
A:  The War of Art. It's an amazing book about breaking through your own inner resistance to the creative force.