Book & Author Spotlight To Eris - Human by Ann Snizek

Title: To Eris-Human
Author: Ann Snizek
Series: Payton Chronicles (#1)
Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi
Publisher: Snow Flower Publishing
Release Date: Mar 13 2013




Eris Payton believes she's going insane when she meets Nelson -- a lucent -- a being that has always been invisible and silent to humans -- until Eris.  When his brother falls ill, Nelson brings Eris news of her estranged dad, the acclaimed geneticist Dr. Payton.  Nelson not only introduces Eris to a world she didn’t know existed by taking her to Downside, but to people who accept her for who she is.  It isn't as easy as that though.
Lucents have innate abilities to manipulate living energy.  Another ability, although difficult, dangerous, and rarely preformed, is to merge their DNA with a human to save that person's life.  The two literally become one, known as a hybrid.  Nelson became a hybrid only a few months ago and still has his own demons to fight.  Dr. Payton also became a hybrid -- years ago when he mysteriously disappeared -- and has disappeared again after he established a quarantine.  But what does this have to do with Eris?
The lucents' unique DNA leaves them vulnerable to viruses that humans don't even know about, and it is one such virus that has spread through the lucent communities.  However, according to detailed notes left behind by Dr. Payton, the specially engineered DNA that makes Eris able to see and hear the lucents while remaining human also holds the key to curing the epidemic that has devastated the lucent population.  Will she be able to cope with the largest upheaval her life has ever seen?

Where did the inspiration for this story come from?  What is the story behind the story so to speak? 

There have been many struggles in my life - some old, some new.  At times I wish I could have disappeared, at times I felt I had.  While Eris goes through some major experiences that I have not, I felt the need to represent the mixture of feelings that comes from loss and discovery, despair and hope.  I didn't write it with any specific message intended, but if there is any message it is that everyone has their own hardships to face and can overcome them if they take steps to change.  Change doesn't come to those that sit and wait, it comes when we make the conscious effort to make things different.  Not all changes are easy, or even in the right direction, but you won't know if you don't take that step.

Tell us about the book cover.

I have a representation of Eris entering a cave.  Her reflection is on the water she's standing in as she looks both standoff-ish and eager.

How does it represent your book?  How did you choose the artwork? 

It shows the emerging confidence in a young woman as she enters a new world previously hidden from her.  Uncertain of her past and her future, she is able to glimpse what could be if she has the courage to accept the unknown - both in herself and those around her.

Where do the ideas for your books come from?

They come from the depths of my imagination, sparked by random events and observances of life.  Most happen when I'm not really trying.  Others happen due to inspiration from some action, word, or sound that I observe in others or myself.

Have you ever co-written book/books? If so was it difficult? If not would you ever consider co-writing with another author?

I'm working on co-writing two different short stories for an anthology, In Vein, that is going to be fund raising for St. Jude's Hospital. {www.vampiricallyrical.blogspot.com}

Where do you get your character names from?

I scour baby name books and sites.  Sometimes I will even use translating dictionaries from different languages.

What type of research goes into your writing?

It depends on what I'm writing.  Some stories come straight from my mind, others I need to look into different professions for specific details that will bring my stories a realistic feel.  Like with To Eris - Human I consulted with a college student that I know who was taking classes in genetics and physics.  I also researched various sites and textbooks that I have to make sure I got the basics correct and used proper terminology.  For the Tunuftol series I studied geography and animal behavior and took inspiration from the many books and movies and songs that run through my mind as well as personal knowledge of animals and emotions and various situations.

Are your family and friends supportive of your writing?

I have a lot of support from my family and friends.  I am also making new friends in the "writing world" that have been amazingly helpful and I would be lost without them.  We homeschool and my writing has been a kind of cross-inspirational support team.  Our girls are all working on their own writing collections with hopes of becoming published like me.  We keep each other going and bounce ideas around a lot.

Do you remember when your interest in writing came about?

I have been writing since I was little.  I learned to read early and loved books.  I have a friend from elementary school that remembers me sitting during recess and writing stories!  I guess if I made an impression for her to remember that then I must have been very actively creating.

Other then writing what are your interest?

I love all of the arts.  I enjoy graphic design, photography, crocheting, animal husbandry, theatre, arts & crafts, and I love getting to spend time with my grandchildren whenever possible.  I'm not able to be as physically active as I once was, but I love watching nature and learning about a variety of topics.  I love to learn and I love to share my passions.  Writing is a big part of that, especially since I started tutoring English and a Creative Writing Club.

Did you learn anything from writing your books, if so what was it?

Wow!  Well, I try to learn from everything in life.  I am constantly trying to improve my writing skills.  Being more visual and less wordy are sometimes a challenge, but it's usually because I am in such a rush to get my thoughts down that I focus on some elements too much and forget to write all of the thoughts in my head onto the "paper."

What are your current WIP? Can you share with us?

Right now I have several projects in the works.  As I mentioned I have 2 collaborations I'm working on, but I also have Tunuftol book 3 in editing phase, Tunuftol book 4 in writing phase, and Payton Chronicles book 2 in writing phase.  I also have several other story ideas that pop into my head that I just HAVE to write down.  Often, I find myself unable to sleep until the story is in writing.

Faves

Food : I love several kinds, but over all if it is Italian, I love it.

Color : Purple

Quote : There are so many wonderful and inspirational quotes.  I will have to go with this one for today though:  "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.  Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking.  Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.  And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.  They somehow already know what you truly want to become.  Everything else is secondary."  --  Steve Jobs, founder of Apple 

Followed closely by this:  "I'm thankful to all those who said 'NO' because of them, I did it myself."  --  Albert Einstein

Movie : This is a tough one.  I like all kinds.  Musicals, dramas, action/adventure, comedy, romance, historical, children's, some horror/thrillers, mysteries, Sci-Fi is major.  I love JJ Abrams work.  My dream would be to have one of my books made into a movie and get to work with him.

Music : VERY eclectic, but I have to admit that I am a bit of a metal head and still love the music of the 80's.  I like songs, not necessarily genres.  When I hear it, I know.

This or That

Day or Night : Day

Rain or Snow : Ugh.... ummm... warm rain.  :-/

Facebook or Twitter: Facebook (although I am on both)

Mac or PC: PC

Coffee or Tea: Tea (Celestial Season's or Lipton's)

Places to find Ann

Amazon Author Page
Blog
Creative Writing Club
Facebook Author Page
Goodreads Author Page
Goodreads Blog
Smashwords Author Page
Snow Flower Publishing
Twitter