MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ARIELE SIELING
What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?
My name is Ariele Sieling and I primarily write science fiction. I also have a kids book series, and a few urban fantasy short stories and essays published in several different anthologies and magazines.
Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?
My most recent book, being released on March 28th, is called Tentacles and Teeth. It is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi filled with monsters. I’ve always been intrigued by apocalyptic stories—specifically the idea of an empty world mixed with the desperate need for survival—and I’ve always wanted to write one. But I felt that a lot of post-apocalyptic stories have already been told and told again—zombies, flood, nuclear war, environmental collapse, aliens. I wanted to write something a little different. So after mulling it over in the back of my mind for quite a while, I realized I hadn’t ever read or watched something with monsters. And that’s where I started.
How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?
I’ve always been interested in sci-fi to a certain extent. I wrote my first sci-fi story in third grade called Three Inches Tall. I only got a B on it, haha. Throughout my childhood and adolescence I explored a lot of genres though, and particularly loved mystery, historical fiction, and fantasy; in fact, when I started writing seriously, I began with fantasy, but found it just didn’t fit in my brain right. I struggled to make believable magic systems. So I tried sci-fi and haven’t turned back.
What kind of research did you do for this book?
Not a ton. It’s great in that I get to make most of it up. Most of my research revolved around how to start a fire when it’s raining, or the way that things (plastics, textiles, buildings) age. I also did some research on treating wounds, what types of wild food would be available during which seasons, and other survival-based concepts.
Can you tell me about your Series?
Tentacles and Teeth is the first book in the Land of Szornyek series. It revolves around Askari, who was born about 40 years post apocalypse, and now lives in a world filled with monsters. She was raised to be a warrior by the Baratok community, but as a young adult, is headstrong and independent with a tendency to break rules. The series is structured around the monsters, so as you read through it, you will encounter a new monster each chapter (at least for the first couple of books). I am releasing the early versions of each chapter on Patreon and will be starting Book 2 (City of Dod) once Book 1 is out.
Was it always meant to become a series?
Yes. Right now I think it will end up around 7 or 8 books, but we will see where the story takes me. I know how it will end, but I don’t know how I am going to get there.
What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?
I am a full time writer. I split my time 50/50 between doing freelance writing (mostly web copy, copy editing, and independent publishing consulting) and writing and marketing my own work. On an average day, I get up and work out or go for a walk, then sit down and do three or four hours for my clients, have lunch, and then switch over to my own stuff and spend another three or four hours writing or marketing.
Do you have a new book in the making and if so, what’s the name of your upcoming book?
I will start releasing Book 2 of the series on Patreon in May. It is called City of Dod.
Is there a genre that you’ve been wanting to experiment with?
I love to read fantasy, and although I was originally unsuccessful at writing in the genre, I really want to write some kind of epic fantasy series. For now I am focused on science fiction, though I have delved into urban fantasy a little bit with some short stories.
What’s the best thing about being an author?
I love telling stories. I’ve always indulged in stories, reading, making them up, imaginary friends—and now I love the fact that I get to tell them all day every day.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
With more books published! Lots more! At least ten more, if not twelve or fifteen. 😊
What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Take all writing advice with a grain of salt, and tell the best story you can.
Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?
I used to, but after a few bad ones I decided it wasn’t good for my psychological well-being. Now, my husband reads them and then summarizes them, so I can take any helpful critique, and not let the positive ones get in the way of writing a good story.
Where did your love of books come from?
I’ve always read. We have a photograph of me sitting next to my older brother when I was probably 2 or younger. There is a book open on our laps and he is reading to me. I learned to read young, and then read voraciously all through school and college, and I still read a lot, though I spend more time writing now than reading.
Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?
Tons. I would say that some of my favorites include Tamora Pierce, Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Neil Gaiman, Trudy Canavan, Diana Wynne Jones—and I could list easily dozens more. I love stories.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
I find it energizing, but it is also a stress reliever for me. If I go too long without spending a little time writing, I get really stressed and cranky.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Migraines. Can’t write with a migraine.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I don’t worry about it. I write the stories I want to write, and if they fit what a reader is looking for that’s great, and if they’re uber original, that’s great.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Zoe Cannon (dystopian writer) is one of my good friends. We were part of a writers group together for may years. I also am part of several other online groups, and know quite a large number of writers—current ones I would mention are Matt Phillion (scifi), Gwen Van Velsor (memoir), and Cija Jefferson (memoir).
What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?
Tell me about your Patreon! The last year I’ve been trying a new thing (for lack of a better word) where I release chapters on Patreon. Patreon is a place for people who are lovers of the arts, music, writing, etc. to support the people that are making it financially, for as little as $1/month. I’ve been doing illustrations of all the monsters and releasing those as well, and it’s been a really great, education, enlightening, and uplifting experiment. You can learn more about it here: https://www.patreon.com/arielesieling
Where can your fans find you and follow??
I’m on all the platforms pretty much:
Thank you for taking your time to do this interview ❤️
You’re welcome! Thanks for asking me!
My Books-My World 