Here is a first time exclusive interview for Devine Destinies Books.
Author Spotlight Interview Questions
1. Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline:
Starseed- The Initiation is fantasy/sci-fi book about Sienna Sinclair’s journey to self-discovery and the challenges of reawakening the powers that lie within her that will change her life and world forever.
Within us lies an immeasurable force waiting to be set free— it is the spirit that leads Sienna Sinclair down a path to face her darkest fears while finding her powerful destiny.
Sienna Sinclair thinks she is just another typical teenage girl who is trying hard to fit in with the high school crowds, which she feels alienated by. But when she is contacted by Sabian— a handsome and mysterious member of an ancient secret society, she is led to an unexpected journey where she encounters vile hybrid creatures and mythical beings and is admitted to Astarte Mystery School where she learns to awaken her inner powers that will prepare her to realize she has a secret and powerful destiny: She is a Starseed.
2. Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?
The book is targeted towards young adults, although it has been loved by all ages! The coolest aspect of the book is that the reader goes through this journey along with the main character and they too self-discovery and find out who they are at the soul level and what powers lie within each one of us that make us magical.
3. How did you come up with the title of your book or series?
I have always been connected to the stars and since the story reflects the rising, like a phoenix from the ashes, paralleling the main premise of the book. We are all Starseeds- stars rising to reach our limitless potential.
Starseed- is the rising of each one of us to discover our inner-powers and strength. The Initiation is the beginning of this long journey that must happen for these changes to take place.
4. Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?
Devine Destinies is the main imprint from eXtasty books and they are in the works of creating the final book cover. I chose the main elements of the cover, especially the symbology, which had to make its presence.
5. Who is your favorite character from your book and why?
Besides the main character Sienna- I truly love Anima who becomes like a guide to Sienna, as well as Orion, from whose straight-arrow character we can all learn a great deal. He lives to make a difference. I have to mention that I also love Lucia “Chia”, she is such a fun and lively character! Her personal development will be seen more in the following books.
6. How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?
Merak– he is the antagonistic evil character, who only cares about himself. He is a psychopath in every sense of the word and he scares me sometimes! But he is a catalyst and truly important in the plot- so we always need a good villain to push our buttons, don’t we?
7. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be? Why?
At this point nothing, since it’s ending will be the beginning of the next installment in the Starseed Series- Blood Moon Prophecy. So mote it be!
8. Give us an interesting fun fact about your book or series:
It is not just based on mere fiction, I weave historical, archeological, scientific, astrophysics elements, history, which are intertwined with quantum physics, spirituality, mind power, dreams, law of attraction, imagination, mantras, sacred geometry, mysticism, metaphysical, magic and power of dreams. I tell you it’s quite a ride- if you like this sort of stuff!
9. What other books are similar to your own? What makes them alike?
My novel has similar elements of Twilight– the powerful love bond between the main character as a twin flame love, and in this case, not a vampire, but he does have supernatural abilities- all I can’t dish out what they are Starseeds but you have to read the book to find out his true nature and powers.
It also has some elements of Harry Potter– in that there is a journey, a learning experience that makes the hero, or heroine, in this case, conquer all fears and overcome the evil forces. Also there is a special place where the students that are initiated must travel to, to get their special instruction- Astarte Mystery School is this magical place.
Finally, it has some elements of Star Wars– in that there are some pretty strange and vile aliens that will pop up, but much more I cannot say.
What differs Starseed- The Initiation from all these above-mentioned books- EVERYTHING else! This is truly a unique story that is aimed for the readers to go into a self-journey within, connecting to your soul, to uncover their own powers and awaken from the dream.
10. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
Other than writing and reading (researching), I love watching my team Real Madrid play a good soccer match! I also love weight lifting, Pilates, dancing (although with 3 kids- it’s been a while since I have gone out!), I love watching the history, science, Sci-Fi and discovery channel. I do love Netflix- so I have my guilty pleasures! I love learning about all subject matters, reading tarot a well as giving mediumship readings. Of course meditating and energy work is a must! I am somewhat of a health nut, I am a keto/carnivore and love to learn about nutrition. I have also started acting again- which is another of my passions- the art of creating and morphing into any role- is a challenge that kindles my soul! Above all, I love spending time with my family and friends. I am also a Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist in the schools – I love helping children communicate and find their own voice in this world <3
11. What inspires you to write? Many things- a Sunset, staring at the night sky, meditating, connecting with like minded individuals, my muses (yes- every writer has muses!) listening to a beautiful piece of Music, especially If it is Nek– my favorite italian singer of all times! Or even a powerful mantra like Gayatri Mantra by Deval Premal is just sublime!
12. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?
You can visit my website at http://www.marielanarvaez.com or my Youtube Channel
13. What can we expect from you in the future?
Expect to see the following installments of Starseeds Book Series. The next book “Blood Moon Prophecy” is in the works.
14. What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?
It will change their perspective of reality and they will uncover their inner powers. They will realize WHO they are, and HOW to draw miracles into their lives. It’s quite a journey!
15. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?
Yes- don’t stop writing or believing in your craft, despite the rejections. Think of them of blessings in disguise, because they were not meant for you and something else is waiting for you. Above all, have faith in yourself and all should fall into place.
16. Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Thank you for reading this interview (if you made it this far) to get to know the creator of the Starseed Book Series.
18. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:
Sure…here is the preface:
Starseed- The Initiation
“As above, so below…as within, so without.”
—The Emerald Tablet, Circa – 5,000 BC.
Preface
The trickling sound of rain falling on a lily pad woke me from my slumber. Where am I? Then I remembered. My life slowly flashed before my eyes.
The grueling pain of stab wounds on my legs and abdomen were beginning to vanish, while numbness had overtaken any sensation in my frail body.
How did I get here, you ask? Well…my story was like so many others, although I assure you mine has somewhat of a twist. Since this may be my last day living, I at least need to share my arduous journey, so I do not die in vain. Everyone needs to know the truth. My story starts a little like this.
In a time long ago, ancient demonic predators roamed the earth, searching for weak souls to draw the energy out of their feeble victims. They took their life force until there was no more light pulsating inside them. All virtue ceased to exist within their once pure hearts.
These stories—with roots going back more than 10,000 years— tales of demons and angels, wizards and sorcerers. The tales of the cosmic fight between good and evil was told repeatedly from generation to generation. Some details were omitted along the ages, others modified, but the very core of the story remained. This fight would never cease.
It’s funny to think of these stories now as I lay at my deathbed, life-energy seeping out from my soul into their hands, their demonic hands pulling with determined intent after years of searching, an ill-fated pursuit to find me.
Maybe if I had believed these tales and known the truth behind them, I would not be here now…maybe.
I could now feel the damp earth beneath my limp body and sensed that she would take me back into her arms and swallow me whole, so I could return once again into her fertile womb.
Those eyes—that have pierced deep within my soul—have been my fear, my curse, since my brethren reunited. They knew how much stronger, knowledgeable, and powerful they would become once they were done with me. They would never stop. If only the Council had destroyed them when they had the chance.
My thoughts went back to him. I wanted to be with him at my life’s end, even if it was just in thought, until I died. His memory embraced me. It gave me comfort and, for once, I felt safe. I knew I would see him again, in some other time, some other place…I would be with him once more. This little I knew.