Author interview: Sasha Summers

A little while back I reviewed Medusa, A Love Story by Sasha Summers. Today I bring you Sasha Summers once again, but now via an author interview. You guys have no idea how giddy I was about doing this interview, really. So sit back, relax and read more about her books and how she has to make some tough decisions.

What brought you on the idea to start writing books about the Greek mythology?
A dream – I know, that’s very Stephanie Meyers of me, but it’s true. I woke up, sweating and shaking and on the verge of tears. I just had to know why this man was running across a field, standing over a hole in the earth – full of fire – to catch this woman who was falling from the sky. I knew who she was. I knew who he was. I knew their story. I just had to write it. Medusa, A Love Story took me less than 6 months to write, I was completely obsessed! :) 

Can you relate to a certain Greek mythology or a person from the stories?
Gosh, that’s a great question. Honestly, I try to find at least one thing about every character that I can relate to, understand, or empathize with. Does that make sense? I think Medusa and Ariston’s unwavering loyalty made me love them. Persephone’s naivety and Hades discipline... And by writing these stories, others emerge. The more clearly defined a character becomes, the stronger the urge to give them their own story.

Which story from the Greek mythology would you really love to take on for a story?
I’m working on Apollo’s story right now. I don’t want to give too much away but like Hades, I’m bringing in more than one myth and putting it on its head. I will caution readers – Apollo’s story is far more reminiscent of Medusa’s fate that Hades and Persephone. But I hope the love story is worth the suffering.

Apart from your books about the Greek mythology, you’ve written a contemporary romance series as well. What made you decide to write a series in such a different setting?
I’d actually written Hollywood Ever After, the first in the contemporary romance series, before I wrote Medusa. I was going through a rough patch in my personal life and writing Claire’s story really helped me deal with my own ‘stuff’... Guess I should clarify – I was not abused like Claire! I just used her journey to process mine.

From what you have written so far, do you (secretly) have a favourite character?
While I’m writing a project, those characters are front and center for me. But Medusa and Claire – my first two books – heroine’s hold very special spots in my heart and I think they always will.

Are there any more projects coming up (I’m hoping for a yes here of course!)?
YES! I have Apollo, the third book in the Loves of Olympus series, the 3rd Hollywood book and my first Young Adult book called The New Girl. I’m also toying with a series to follow-up my SciFi novella as well... Lots of characters demanding attention in my head.

THIS OR THAT
Medusa or Peresphone?
Medusa

Athena or Poseidon?
Athena

Red Carpet Series or Loves of Olympus Series?
Oh... that’s tough. It depends on my mood, really. They’re so different – but they’re both all about the love story... :)

Writing or Reading?
Oooohhhhh!!! Now you’re being mean! I cannot pick one of the other. If I’m not writing, I’m definitely reading. Hmm... I can’t pick! Sorry! :(

Thank you so much for doing the interview Sasha! And as for all who read this, make sure to check out her official site in order to find out more about Sasha and her books.