We Love… Gina Shafer

Next in line for my delicious interviews is a very young and talented author named Gina Shafer. Please don’t forget that name, you will hear it a lot in the years to come. I discovered her by reading her debut novel called “Of Smoke and Fire” and I was completely fascinated by the plot and amazing characters she crafted with such talent. Hope this interview will make you want to read her books and get to know her better 🙂 Enjoy!!!!

Ramona: To begin with, please share something about yourself so that the readers can get to know you better.

Gina: My name is Gina Shafer. I’m a mother of two, and a military wife for the past eight years. Oh, and I’m the author of the “Burned By Magic Series”!

Ramona: What do you enjoy doing besides reading and writing?

Gina: I have a passion for photography, cooking, and graphic design. Pretty much anything that lets me explore my creativity makes me happy!

Ramona: What books can we find on your Kindle?

Gina: Hundreds. Probably thousands. But, if I had to pick my top three favourite books of all time, I would have to go with “The Crossfire Series” by Sylvia Day (a whole series.. I know I’m cheating), “The Bird And The Sword” by Amy Harmon, and “All Of The Ugly And Wonderful Things” by Bryn Greenwood. These books are composed of easily some of the best writing that I’ve had the pleasure of reading.

Ramona: What do you think are your distinct features in writing?

Gina: I think my writing is much darker than I ever thought it could be. Anyone who knows me personally probably wouldn’t think that I’m capable of writing gruesome war scenes, heartbreaking death scenes, and basically just bringing the ugliness in the world to life. I’m usually a bright, happy, person who thrives off humor. But, I think that’s what draws me to dark writing… it’s a way for me to tap into that part of myself that would otherwise stay hidden.

Ramona: Tell us something about Burned by Magic Series.

Gina: Well, the idea of it sprouted from a dream. I dreamed about a man leaving behind his wife and child to complete an impossibly dark task. I always attributed that to my life with my husband in the military and wanted to expand upon that.

Ramona: What is your favorite quote from your books?

Gina: The one I put on the cover! “We are born from it, made of it…”of light and fire.” It reminds me that there is fire in all of us.

Ramona: What was your inspiration for this series?

Gina: In a way, this brings me back to question 4. I think, whether I knew it or not, I was searching for a way to reach a darker part of me. And after writing just the first book in this series, I feel more fulfilled than ever.

Ramona: “Of Light and Fire” brought us a very strong father-son connection. Could you relate with this topic? Are you close to your father/family?

Gina: This is actually a really interesting. I struggled so much while writing this father/son relationship. Partly because I wanted them both to think/act/talk like men who’ve been through war with demons. I can’t say that I’ve had experience with that! Elijah and Soren (the main characters) would be rough around the edges, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t also be sensitive. I wanted to make them real in their emotions, and at times that proved to be extremely difficult to tap into. I had to step back from thinking like a woman and a mother who hasn’t known war, and force myself into some uncomfortable shoes.

Ramona: Would you try writing other genres beside Paranormal? Which one?

Gina: Yes! I’m currently working on a contemporary romance and a psychological thriller. Yes, three books at once! But, I like working that way. I write off my emotions, and whatever I’m feeling denotes which book I’m working on at the time.

Ramona: Give a piece of advice to inspiring writers. What should they do/not do in the early stages of their career 🙂 

Gina: Honestly, the only things I think an inspiring writer should do is to keep writing and don’t give up! There were so many times while writing Of Light And Fire that I thought I was crazy to actually write a book and get it published! Although, now that I’ve done it, the idea doesn’t seem so crazy anymore. Hone your skills, feed your imagination, and pursue your dreams!

Ramona: How important is social media when promoting a book? Are you active on Facebook/Goodreads/Twitter and keep track of reviews or posts related to your activity?

Gina: I think social media is a huge part of getting your book out there and into the hands of a reader, but I’ve also known books/authors to take off that haven’t had a big role on social media. I think it all depends on being in the right place at the right time, and having something of quality. I try and stay as active as possible while still trying to share things that have some worth. I love hearing from readers and seeing edits from the book!

Ramona: What would be your dream collaboration?

Gina: If I collaborated with someone, I hope it would be epic, so let’s say J.K. Rowling for good measure!

Ramona: Please send a message to your readers 🙂

Gina: Thank you, thank you, thank you for anyone and everyone who has read “Of Light And Fire”! It has been a dream come true to read all of the positive reviews and feedback. I’m working hard on book two, “In Smoke And Ruins” that will go live on the 17th of December 2017 for all you guys to read it! Head over to my social media pages to stay updated!

Giveaway!! Gina is giving away an e-book copy of “Of light and fire”! Like and comment the post for a chance to win❤️😍

 

For more info on Gina, please access the links below:

Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15727688.Gina_Shafer

Facebook: Facebook.com/authorginashafer

Instagram: Instagram.com/authorginashafer