Author interview with Grace Blair

Author of Einstein's Compass and Poseidon's Atlantis Adventure

What inspired you to embark on a writing career, and how did your journey as an author begin?

Watching "Murder She Wrote" featuring Jessica Fletcher as a writer who traveled. I said I want to do be writer like Jessica and travel.

Can you describe your writing process? Do you follow a structured outline, or is your approach more organic?

My approach to writing is more organic and intuitive.

Which authors or books have significantly influenced your writing style and thematic choices?

Jodi Taylor "The Chronicle of St. Mary" how Jodi finds fun ways to keep Max and her compatriots in trouble. Also, Ken Follett "Pillars of the Earth". Ken has a method of twist and turns which keep me engaged.

How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life, and what strategies do you employ to maintain this equilibrium?

I have a creative cup when filled with ideas I sit and pour them onto the page. When the cup is empty, I get up and go about my day. To bring ideas to me I meditate on the story and ask who in the story wants to talk to me. I feel them inside me as friends who are anxious to tell me who they are and what they want.

What challenges have you encountered in your writing career, and how have you overcome them?

Finding accurate history to wrap my story around. I love how Jodi uses history to tell a story. It took me four years to write, "Einstein's Compass a YA Time Traveler Adventure". I used Walter Issacson's biography as a guide to young Albert's life and wrapped a science fiction, fantasy around his years from age six to twenty-six. There is a lot about the budding scientist however, I wanted to make sure what I used was his real life. My editor wanted to know about the Atlantis in Einstein's Compass. Again, to find the historical record of the Greek god Poseidon and how he created Atlantis was a challenge. There were bits and pieces everywhere. I began the story with The War of The Titans and went from there.

Could you share insights into your current or upcoming projects that you're particularly excited about?

The second book of the Poseidon adventure series opens with Poseidon's trident is stolen. The whole world goes into chaos.

How do you handle periods of writer's block or creative stagnation?

I do not believe there is writer's block. When my creative cup is empty, I get up and do something else. Sometimes the story needs to be left alone to continue to develop inside my mind. I often talk to the characters at the time when there is a break in the story. Patience is my method to allow the story to come to me. If I try to mentally make it happen the words feel empty with meaning.

What advice would you offer to aspiring authors navigating the path to publication?

Make sure you have passion for the story you are writing. With passion you will not be able to commit to the ups and downs of how the story wants to be birthed. Once you find trust in your creativity then story comes easier. Find author friends who you can bounce off ideas. Attend writing workshops. Connect with people who write on social media. Read books to keep your mind into story

How important are book reviews to you?

Book reviews are important to bring new readers into my work. As an indie author, it has been difficult to get readers to write reviews. I have reached out for editorial reviews and book awards to raise awareness of my work.

Click here for Grace Blair’s social media links

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