Keepers of the Zodiac Blog Tour: Author Interview with Sharon Wood

I'm hosting the Keepers of the Zodiac Blog Tour (hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours) today! Read on for an author interview with Sharon Wood!
But first, here are a few things about the book:

Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 234

Publisher: Self-published

Publication Date: Oct 19, 2011

Website: Keepers of the Zodiac | Keepers of the Zodiac on Goodreads

Synopsis via Goodreads: 

The stars have shifted and the Earth is rapidly moving into the throes of chaos. 

Four god-like beings known as the Zodiac High Council, send their winged herald, Syrie, out with twelve sealed envelopes. His mission? To bring a chosen group of thirteen future Zodiac Keepers, including a set of mesmerizing twins, to the Isle of Oriba for training. 

Syrie never could have imagined that he would fall in love along the way--ultimately forcing him to choose between betrayal and death. 

Keepers of the Zodiac is an enthralling tale of obligatory fate, temporary hope, and impossible love.

Get this book on Amazon | Barnes and Noble Nook

Now for a few thoughts from Sharon Wood herself...

Why did you first start writing? And why YA fantasy?
I have always wanted to write a book since I was little. I have written many stories, but never really finished any of them. I felt like the stars had aligned, and it was time to get serious. I like to say that KOTZ is reality with a touch of fantasy, rather than being all fantasy. I like Young Adult because it’s not too serious or heavy. Reality with a touch of fantasy is fun, because you can be transported to another world, yet still feel like things aren’t impossible. 

What’s your favorite part of an author’s life, besides writing? What’s your least favorite?
My favorite part about being an author is the entertainment factor. I love it when people say that they were entertained by the story, or were able to identify with some of the characters. My least favorite part is the editing process. I am anxious to get the work out, but I can’t because there are many things that need fixing and fine-tuning. 

What part of KOTZ was your favorite to write?
I loved inventing the characters. I have a special attachment to all of them, because they are each so unique. Their background stories were fun to create. I ended up bringing in certain elements of my own life, and it is fun because the reader has no idea whether or not they’re made up.

What part of KOTZ was the hardest to write? What was the hardest part of writing, in general?
The hardest part to write were the chapters surrounding the Keepers’ training. I did not want the training to be the focus of the book, yet I felt it had to be there. The hardest part of writing in general is keeping your head in what you are writing. I am a mom of two children that deserve my attention. I also have a full-time job, so I try to write mostly after work, after the kids have gone to bed. It is still easy to get distracted though, because you know there are household things that need to get done. 

5. What’s the inspiration behind the names of KOTZ? Do you do research on names and meanings, or do they just come to you at the right moment?
I do not do any research on names. The names come to me as I develop their personalities and stories. For instance, let’s take Cassidy. She is a bratty, rude girl, so I wanted a name that went along with that. Not that I think that all Cassidys are bratty, but when the name came to me, I immediately thought, “Sounds like Sassidy.” If I had named her something like Ann, it would not have fit as well. The only name that was inspired is Priscilla. The character Priscilla is based on my real life cousin. 

Quick fire round!

What's the last book you read? Did you like it?
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith. I did like it!

What are you currently reading?
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Who’s your favorite author? Your favorite book?
Author - Nora Roberts. Book- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Character or plot, which comes first?
Plot

Summarize KOTZ in 1 sentence?
A tantalizing tale of love, isolation, destiny, and worldly chaos. 

KOTZ as a film – who’s your first pick as director?
Catherine Hardwicke

KOTZ as a film – live action or animated?
Live Action

A film about your life – what’s the title?
The Dreamer

What’s your favorite Disney film?
The Little Mermaid

What do you think about Keepers of the Zodiac, now that you've heard from the writer? Please comment!