Interview & Giveaway (International) with Christina Garner

Today I have Christina Garner the author of Gateway stopping by for an interview. I just recently read Gateway and really enjoyed it.  You can read my review here.      

Christina Garner began writing stories at the age of six. At eighteen, her aspirations as an actor had her loading up her Buick and setting off for Hollywood. Since then she has written and directed 10 short films, including Rewind and Reminder, both of which received acclaim on the festival circuit. In 2007 she was hired to write her first feature film. Her YA Urban Fantasy novel, Gateway, is now available. 

1.  What inspired you to write Gateway?

A fear years ago I watched a TV show on the Houska Castle in the Czech Republic which is rumored to be one of the "Gates of Hell." I have always been interested in the supernatural, and though I didn't want to write specifically about hell, I did like the idea of gateways to alternate dimensions, and who might guard them. When NanoWriMo rolled around a month or two later, I decided to explore the idea. 

2. Describe both Ember and Taren in 5 words or less.

Ember is a survivor, first and foremost. She's also mysterious and wounded. 

Taren is loyal, protective and has a strong sense of duty. 

3. What was the most challenging and also the most enjoyable part of writing Gateway?

They are one and the same: Creating a supernatural world, even one that overlays modern-day Los Angeles, is both challenging and freeing. Freeing because I get to research mythology and ancient civilizations (which I love) in order to pull together the elements that give the story context, and challenging because I need to keep track of every nuance that I've created so that I don't invalidate the world I've put forth. 

4.  There was quite a few unexpected surprises in Gateway.  When you started this story did you have a clear picture of what was going to happen or did it change in the writing process?

I'd say it was a combination of both. I knew how I wanted the story to begin and how I wanted it to end, but in my rewriting process I realized I needed to strengthen the characters' motivation. I did that by deepening their backstories and relationships with each other, which in turn created more tension and plot twists. 

5.  I loved the characters in Gateway.  If you could hang out with any fictional character for 24 hours who would it be and why? 

Wow, tough question! I could ruminate for hours, but I'll go with my first thought, which is Min, from the Robert Jordan series, Wheel of Time. I'd like to hang out in that world (Oh how I'd like to be an Aes Sedai!) and I think Min and I would get along--she's my kind of chick. 

6.  Are there going to be more books in the Gateway series? Can you tell us anything about the next book?

Yes, I'm working on Book 2 right now! The main story of Ember, Taren, and the fate of the Gateway will be told in three volumes, which I already have sketched out. Expect book 2 later this year. After that, I may explore the world through the eyes of some of the other characters as they deal with the aftermath. All I can tell you about Book 2 is that all hell (alternate dimensionally speaking) will break loose ;)


Thank you Christina for stopping by.  I am excited to hear that Gateway will be a 3 book series.


You can find out more Gateway at Christina Garner's website or buy a copy at amazon.


GIVEAWAY:   
Thanks to Christina I have one copy of Gateway in ebook format for giveaway.  
- Open internationally.  
- All you have to do to enter is fill out this FORM.
- You can gain extra entries by tweeting.
- Giveaway ends at midnight 22nd July, 2011.
- Winner will be chosen by random.org in accordance with my giveaway policy.


Good luck to everyone!