I recently got the honour interview the young authors of The Pendant Trilogy, Sasha and Sarena Nanua!
This is how the interview went,
What inspired you guys to start writing The Pendant Trilogy?
I (Sarena) was reading a book called The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong when I came up with the idea for our books. The cover of this book has a ruby on it–and I remember looking at the ruby and getting a strange image in my mind. The image was roughly something like three gemstones connected together to make the shape of a heart. When I’d come up with this, I thought it was something random–I didn’t think anything of it. This was in July 2010. In August that year, Sasha and I were coming up with ideas for a new book we wanted to write. I brought up that strange image, and at first Sasha thought I’d stolen the idea from someone else (which I did not!). After that, we started fleshing out a story, and came up with our first published YA novel The Gemstone, a tale of fantasy and magic!
What are some tips you would give to others wanting to write their own book someday?
I suggest that you read as much as possible. You’ll find that a lot of authors (if not all) say the same, because it’s true! We really learned how to write by reading lots and lots of books. You start to shape your writing and understand how to write well by reading a variety of books! After that, try writing a first draft, and don’t be discouraged if you find it difficult. First drafts are not easy for ANY author, no matter how experienced they are.
What other hobbies do you guys have other than writing?
Reading (obviously), and watching TV. We love shows like Once Upon A Time, Arrow, The Flash, Survivor, etc.
Were any of the characters inspired by people you know?
None of the characters are based off people we know; however, we did put a lot of our own family relationships into the books. For example, there are twins who have an older brother (just like us!). And Arica’s cousins come from England because we also have a lot of family who live there!
If you had to pick the actress that got to play Arica in a movie who would you cast?
That’s a tough question! I could never imagine anyone playing Arica. But in August, someone did suggest they thought Chloe Grace Moretz would be the perfect Arica! 😀
How long did it take you roughly to write your book?
The first draft took about six months for The Gemstone (August to February 2011). The book was published May 2012!
Do you have a special place that you like to sit and write at?
We like to vary up where we write (sometimes writing in different places provides more inspiration, rather than the usual!). Most of the time we write in our rooms or our dining room.
Who are your role models?
Good question! I’d say a major role model for us is J.K. Rowling. She’s gone through so much in her life, and to write Harry Potter is pretty amazing. Her work is inspiring to us, and in that way, she’s an inspirational figure for us as avid writers and readers.
Favorite Book?
Sasha: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Sarena: Harry Potter
Favorite Movie
Monster House! (And during Christmas, Elf!)
Favorite Singer/Band?
Arctic Monkeys/Imagine Dragons/Bastille/Destiny’s Child (and many, many more)
Dream place to visit?
Paris!
Favorite Food?
Pizza or Chinese
Celeb Crush?
Colin O’Donoghue? Haha
I want to thank the authors for giving up their time to do this interview, I recommend you check out their books!!
molliethereader.wordpress.com 