Happy Wednesday Scribblers. Today it is my great pleasure to share with you new author Liz Faraim. Liz was recently pickup by NineStar Press (learn more about Ninestar press here) and will have her debut novel coming out latter this year entitled, Canopy. Without further ado, let’s get to know Liz and learn more about her upcoming novel.
Welcome Liz, I’m so glad to have you here on my blog. Your bio is below for folks to read, so why don’t you tell us what’s not in the bio, by way of an introduction.
Thank you so much for having me on your blog, and hello to the Scribblers out there. Hm, something about me that is not in my bio… I was born on Long Island, New York but did most of my growing up in the Sacramento Valley of California. I am an Analyst by trade and am very organized and methodical in that work, but when it comes to writing I am a full blown pantser and I do not plan out my manuscripts at all. I just sit down and start writing, and am just as surprised as the rest of you about what happens in the story.
Tell us about your debute novel and the series to which it has spawned?
Canopy is about a woman who is re-entering civilian life after a stretch in the military. She has a full plate between going to college, starting a new relationship, and working as a bartender. Just when she starts to get into a good groove, she walks up on a vicious crime taking place and her whole life goes sideways.
From the beginning I knew the story would lead to a three-book series because the protagonist, Vivian, had a lot to deal with and many adventures to share with the reader that simply could not fit into one novel.
What can you share with us about the protagonist? The antagonist?
The protagonist, Vivian, feels best when she has routine in her life. She likes to keep things simple, but simple is not in the cards for her.
The story has two antagonists, including Crystal who is a physical threat to Vivian, and also Vivian’s girlfriend, Ang, who is a bit of a rotten apple and presents an emotional threat.
What inspired you to write this story?
Inspiration for the Vivian Chastain series came from a collection of experiences and ideas that I gathered over several years. I knew I wanted to put it all into a story, so the fun part was untangling everything and turning it into something readable.
I was inspired by the early works of Michelle Tea to write the story in a first-person perspective. I have always felt so much more immersed in her stories because of the perspective, and I wanted my readers to experience that same level of immersion.
What have you enjoyed the most about the writing process?
I know this is not so much about the “process”, but my favorite part about writing has been meeting other writers. I discovered a vibrant and generous group of local authors who have been incredibly supportive. They welcomed me in as a fledgling, and I hope to be able to pay it forward someday.
Like many writers, I know you have a day job. How has your day job affected your writing? Or has it?
My day job cuts significantly in to how much and when I can write. There are plenty of days when I wake up inspired to write, but have to head in to the office instead. I do most of my writing on the weekends, or during the night when I have insomnia. On the weekends I wind up having to choose between spending time with friends and family, or writing. It is a hard balance. On the flip side, a previous day job gave me the inspiration for my current work in progress.
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
I like to play games with my son or explore the many nature areas near my home.
What can we see coming from you next?
My current work in progress is a novel titled Pinned, which focuses on main character Miranda “Randy” Cox. I’d categorize it somewhere between mystery, LGBTQ, and contemporary, with a dash of romance.
Thank you so much for stoping by Liz. It’s great to have you here and personally I can’t wait to read your debut novel, it sounds like it should be a good read. Well, my lovely Scribblers that is all I have for you this week. Do you have questions for Liz, leave them below and I’ll make sure she swings back to answer them. Until next time I hope you stay safe and have a great week.
About Canopy:
What do you do if you just want a simple, peaceful life? If you are Army veteran Vivian Chastain, you end up with a stalker, and fall in love with a narcissist. What could possibly go wrong? Canopy follows Vivian on her journey through both physical and emotional turmoil that threaten to break her down completely. But Vivian’s cunningness and ferocity serve her well as she tries to regain some tranquillity and stability.
About Liz Faraim:
