Today, I’m bringing you an interview with the fabulous K.M. Messina, author of the new fantasy novel Gemja! This interview and the questions were put together by the Author Marketing Experts, and I’m posting today as part of a blog tour. You can follow along on all of the future stops for more great Gemja related content, and enter a giveaway to win the book!
You can find Gemja on Amazon and on Goodreads.
Q: You teach about mineral crystals in your Earth Science classes. Many metaphysical practitioners believe that crystals also have mystical powers. What do you think about that?
A: A crystal is a tool to help our minds focus on what we want to attract in our lives. But its greatest power comes from you. With perseverance and belief, you can manifest your desires. Crystals help unlock a doorway to our own innate powers.
Q: Do you have a favorite crystal?
A: Raw, unheated Citrine points. So, there’s no surprise that one landed on Gemja’s cover! Citrine is associated with joy, wealth, success, happiness, abundance, and manifestations. They seem to be working.
Q: In Gemja, you write about a sugary world called Glucosa. Does this mean you have a sweet tooth?
A: Actually, no. I’m more the salty chip type. But I wouldn’t say no to a big piece of peanut butter ice cream cake with chocolaty-fudge ganache icing.
Q: Astral travel and dream realms are prominent themes in Gemja. What is the most significant dream you have had?
A: I had a visitation from my mother who had passed away a year prior. She was standing on my back deck, and I excitedly called out, “MA!” Suddenly, she vanished, and I was holding my black German shepherd, Luna, who had also passed. It was a magical sensory experience. I felt my dog’s fur. I heard her happy cries. My mother had brought my fur baby for a heavenly visit. It was 100% authentic. So real, and so needed.
Q: Why did you make your lead character a witch?
A: I’ve always been drawn to witches and Halloween and the idea that we can do or be anything we want. It’s empowering to know that our words and actions can drive the outcomes we desire in our lives.
Q: If you could go back in time, where would you go?
A: To the origin of the universe…that is, if it had a beginning.
Q: If your book were made into a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack?
A: I wrote two of my husband’s original songs into the book. “Surrender” and “Kite” by Blow Up Hollywood.
Q: What is your next project?
A: I’m currently working on two projects: the sequel to Gemja, which is nearing completion, and a new picture book to help ease the pain of those grieving the loss of a beloved pet.
Q: What advice would you give budding authors?
A: It starts with one line. Don’t worry about it being perfect. You’ll be amazed at how the story unfolds once you allow a single thought to materialize.
Q: What are your hobbies or quirky things to do?
A: If I’m not going broke buying seeds and nuts for the endless train of deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds that visit my property, I’m creating something. My current crafty obsession is making clay magnets. I have a large parliament of owls and mystical crystal moons awaiting their debut at a fall fair next month.
Q: Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
A: Everyday life plants the seeds, but the rain necessary for blooming is divine. I don’t plan stories. They come as unexpected flashes. It’s quite mystical.
Q: Your book is set in Maine. Have you ever been there?
A: Acadia holds a special place in my heart, having been home to two magical experiences. 1) My husband and I eloped on a beach in Bar Harbor. 2) A richly colored rainbow arched overhead while watching the rising sun atop the peak of Cadillac Mountain. The bow was a full semicircle that disappeared down opposite sides of the mountain. It was one of the most beautiful sights we have ever seen.
Enter the Gemja Giveaway!
