We are going to be doing a virtual tour from my sister's gorgeous multi level 'cabin' in Fish Lake, Utah. It's our favorite place to be, with rich furnishings, gleaming logs and leather furniture. The area is quiet, cool and relaxing. I figure with all the wild rides you've had so far on your tour, you'd appreciate a moment of peace. ;) We'll be sitting on the wrap around porch, lounging on plastic chairs and sipping lemonade as we gaze out over Fish Lake and it's surrounding mountains. Don't worry about the kids...they'll all be inside playing Foosball. We'll have some pasta salad with shrimp if you're hungry.
JSS: This is my dream spot. Really. If you ask me any time where’d I’d like to be, it’s at a cabin on a lake. Great lemonade by the way. Is it fresh squeezed of does the fresh air just make everything taste better?
G: I think fresh air does make everything better, but I make a mean lemonade. Glad you like it. So! It's been wonderful to read your book and get a glimpse into Farworld. What was your inspiration for this story?
JSS: You know, with very few exceptions, I’m not sure I have a specific inspiration. I just try to write a story I would like to read. I wanted a fantasy story where the heroes were real people with real problems. I didn’t want them to be the best at everything they tried.
G: What made you change from writing mysteries to Young Adult?
JSS: I’m still writing mysteries too. I actually didn’t think I would ever write YA or fantasy. But once I started it came so easily I couldn’t stop.
G: Do you have any other story lines in mind after finishing this series?
JSS: TONS!!! I’d really like to be a full-time writer so I could crank out two or three new stories a year.
G: I loved the other books you've written -- I think you handle suspense extremely well. Have you thought of writing a suspense novel for the young adult market?
JSS: It’s funny, before I read all of your questions I had written that I would like to do a YA suspense novel. Then I scrolled down and went, “Oops, better save that answer.” Yes, I would. I’d also like to try something along the lines of goosebumps.
G: How well did your family take the change of genre?
JSS: Well my wife loved it. My older kids (18 and 19) still haven’t read it. But my 8 and 10 year-old boys loved it. I finally wrote something they could get into.
G: What has been your favorite part of your tour so far?
JSS: Getting to know people better and reading their insights into the book. It’s funny how many little things they picked up on. And in some cases, things I didn’t even realize until they pointed it out, and I was like, “Oh, yeah. You’re right. I did do that, huh?”
G: What would you do differently?
JSS: I might have reconsidered the Q&A part. I love it. But I had no idea how much time it would take to answer 160+ sets of questions.
G: What is the strangest question anyone has ever asked you?
JSS: My two least favorite adverbs.
G: Adverbs? That is strange -- most the time I don't even know what an adverb is, let alone have a favorite one. Who do you look up to as a writer?
JSS: I honestly look up to everyone who has the guts to finish writing a novel. That takes a lot of willpower and a lot of courage.
G: What would you recommend to the writer who is just starting?
JSS: Read. Read. Read.
Well...there you have it! Thanks for joining us this afternoon, Jeff -- It's been an honor.
Remember, everyone. You too can have a copy of Farworld in the fall when his books come out. Be sure and grab a couple, everyone is going to want to read it!
