Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Samantha Grande-Dearing was born in 1986 in Albuquerque, NM. She had a passion for storytelling in multiple formats since a young age. She was even published at age 8 in the Anthology of Young Poets. Her storytelling medium later evolved to include Theater and Acting as she studied character development, Theater History, and effective world building. She received a degree in Fine Arts/Theater with an emphasis in Acting from UNM in 2009.
Samantha is married and has two sons whom she absolutely adores. The multiple struggles of her past (from difficulties of a divorced family, mental and physical abuse, and loss of a loved one to suicide) and early childhood coping mechanisms made her interested in taking studies of trauma responses and placing them in captivating and fascinating fantasy worlds.
Her writing language is influenced heavily by Shakespeare and Robert Frost mixing poetry within the novel language. Though never able to be a painter in the conventional sense, she often strives to paint vivid pictures through her words.
I have written one book “The Healer in the Mist” with another novel in production hopefully releasing in January 2021.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Healer in the Mist” was born from a writing contest prompt of a world with zombies. I’m not really a fan of the conventional idea of zombies, but the more I thought about having an element of walking undead, the more I thought about how it could be an element in the book, add a constant strain to a protagonist, and yet not overpower or dominate a storyline.
I am a huge proponent of showcasing a strong, female lead. The character of Althea came very organically from inspirations of other survivors of emotional abuse as well as my own experiences within it. I am an actress who received a degree in Theater, so my stories are always quite character driven. I wanted a very realistic, human element to a story within a fantasy setting.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a heavily descriptive writer. I tend to set up the experience of a setting and immerse the reader with sensation of feel, smell, touch, and sound as much as possible.
I also tend to describe reactions with a duality component. I believe that no natural reaction is completely and wholly one thing or another. People, real people, are far more complex that that. A person can be confident while showcasing empathetic gentleness. A situation can make someone feel elated and at the same time terrified.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I feel like I have a poet’s touch to my storytelling. Shakespeare for certain is a huge inspiration to me. Not only do I tend to put my chapters into Shakespearean quotes, I also have the same musical flow that his iambic pentameter sometimes elicited.
I also feel I was inspired by the descriptive brilliance of Robert Frost. I love his wordplay and choices; it fills me deeper than I think any other poet.
The darker elements of my writing was heavily influenced by Anne Rice. Her strong, female characters have been a model for most of my ideas of a literary powerhouse (especially the women of the Mayfair series). Her darker men have always exhilarated me, and I wanted to give my book that same kind of element with Durai.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a novel called “The Seer and the Dreamers.” It is another epic fantasy with a strong female lead named Nara. She is what her world calls a Dream Dancer – one blessed with the ability to walk into dreams. When an invading King takes over the kingdom, she catches his attention and is taken to the palace. But this new King is not what he appears, and her every movement is watched by more than just the enamored ruler.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m having a some spotty results, but I would have to say that paid Facebook/Instagram boosts have given me most exposure.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would advise to work on social networking and building an online presence before release. It’s hard to launch a book with a bang while you’re still trying to figure out how to make a website, that social media platform you hadn’t thought to sign onto yet, or the ins and outs of self marketing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
While still relatively new and avidly seeking advice, the best advice I received was to just put myself out there. Forget pride, forget waiting – just email reviewers, submit to podcasts, and be proactive about getting yourself known.
What are you reading now?
I am currently not reading anything at the moment. My writing and promoting has taken all of my spare time. I have a full time job in healthcare that has required a lot more attention during the pandemic, and I’m also a mom of two incredibly energetic toddlers.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to get my second book written and launched with the new advice for before-publishing promotions. I have a Book Cover Reveal Party scheduled for YouTube on October 31st at 1:30 PM Mountain Time (check it out at youtu.be/MfJCztWrszs).
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Lasher by Anne Rice
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Author Websites and Profiles
Samantha Dearing Website
Samantha Dearing Amazon Profile
Samantha Dearing’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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