Interview With Author Starr Z. Davies
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Wisconsin and have been writing for as long as I can remember. My first book was a short story I wrote in 4th Grade titled “Mariah and the Haunted House.” I cannot seem to find a copy of it. I suspect my mother of hording it! In high school I carried around a different notebook for a different story, and pulled one out to write during class based on my mood. None of those were worthwhile, but I did see a movie that was strikingly similar to one of them a few years ago.
I got serious about writing in 2007, but didn’t really think about publishing until I started writing Ordinary in 2015. I published it five years later.
Once the final Fractured Empire Saga book is out, I will have seven books and one novella, as well as two prequels to my two series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last release is “Mother of the Blue Wolf,” inspired by the non-fiction book by Jack Weatherford, “The Secret History of the Mongol Queens.” Mandukhai’s true story was so cinematic I knew I would have to write it as fiction one day. The last book in her series, “Empress of the Jade Realm” comes out in July and draws her sweeping tale to an epic conclusion.
Mandukhai the Wise was an amazing woman who lived in 15th century Mongolia, but schools do not teach us her history. I wanted to shed some light on her story. She was an inspiration and a credit to her sex in a time of patriarchal rule.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I’m a creature of habit. I wait until my house is empty, go to my office with a cup of coffee, turn on my Pandora writing mix, and just write. Sometimes I raise my desk so I can stand instead of sitting all day. It has one of those vertical lifts.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series was a HUGE influence on me. When my husband introduced me to the series in 2002, I started reading it. I learned a lot from him about world-building, character arcs, strife … and how to control my details so they don’t get too out of hand. I will admit, as much as I loved his series, the length he would go to just to describe one thing could be daunting for the best of us.
Some of Brandon Sanderson’s early work had an effect on me as well. Particularly the end of the Mistborn series. He showed me what epic truly looked like.
What are you working on now?
I am in the planning stages for my next series, Powers Legacy. I don’t want to share too many details just yet, but it will take place roughly 20 years after the Powers Series. Meanwhile, I am putting the finishing touches on the Fractured Empire Saga. It’s a four-book epic historical fiction featuring over 80% real-life people who fought to reunite the broken Mongol Empire. I put a lot of work into my research to make the series realistic, but also a bit fantastic as well. The characters are some of the best I have ever written. I wish I could take credit for that, but when they are based on real people, I think they deserve the credit as well.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have to admit I’m still sorting this out. I use BookFunnel to share my prequels, new releases, and feature the first books in each series. Most of my marketing goes into Amazon Ads. They work really well for me so far. I might branch out to try a few new things in the future.
In all honesty, word of mouth is the best! Whether it’s my books or someone else’s, sharing a book you love with others goes a long way to helping authors.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Finish your novel. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. We all suffer from Imposter Syndrome to some degree. Just know you are not alone. There are a lot of great support groups out there that will help with everything from beta reading to marketing – and everything between. Reach out to others.
But finish the book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Life-changing advice for me was to take the indie plunge. Most publishers still require authors to do their own marketing, and going the indie route gives me more royalties and creative control. Again, the support from other indies is outstanding.
What are you reading now?
I have just finished the Guardian Program series by Herman Streuenagel, and I am getting ready to start reading The Wall series by Alison Ingleby.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Onward! More books, of course. As I finished the Fractured Empire Saga, I am preparing to move into a sci-fi/post-apocalyptic/fantasy crossover series.
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?
Ebooks don’t count, I suppose. Surviving on a Desert Island. I don’t know if it exists, but it seems like a smart choice. Then, probably the Mistborn series (since Wheel of Time is 14 books long).
Author Websites and Profiles
Starr Z. Davies Amazon Profile
Starr Z. Davies’s Social Media Links