Note: This interview with Author Sharayah Maurice was originally conducted by Sara as part of A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion book tour bonus content. You can find Sara’s review of the book on her website. Keep reading for an interview with author Sharayah Maurice below.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Since I was little, I have wanted to be a writer. I’ve always loved books and losing myself in the stories and I wanted to bring that same sort of escape to others.
What advice do you have for writers?
Get serious and just do it. I wish I would have gotten serious sooner. Many times I attempted to sit down and write but I let my own doubts and insecurities get in the way. I think I would have published a book a lot sooner if I would have gotten over myself and just did the thing. However, it’s all in God’s good timing, so I’ll modify my advice to say, first, put it in HIS hands, and THEN get serious and do it.
Tell me about your first published book. What was the journey like?
A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion is my first published book and it has been a whirlwind! The story hit me after being inspired by another fellow indie author and I wrote the first draft in one month! If it weren’t for my beta readers who loved the story so much, I don’t think I would have had the courage to publish. The process to self-publish has since been a big learning curve and at times, overwhelming, but I’ve enjoyed the process. I can wholeheartedly agree with Koa, one of the main characters in A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion, who says, “I’m always more proud of work that is hard, knowing it took all my skills to create the final piece.”
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
I’m currently working on a lot! I have plans for a short story about Koa’s *mysterious past. Once you read A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion, you’ll have an idea of what that entails 😉 I plan to release it as a pre-order gift for when the second book in The Chronicles of Tanithor releases for which I am currently in the process of editing. I’ve also begun a new book series that is still in the works so I have no idea when I’m going to be publishing it, but that is something to look forward to in the future.
Who is your favorite author and why?
That’s like asking me which child I love the most. It’s impossible to answer! I will say that the author who played a pivotal role in inspiring, encouraging, and helping me to self-publish is Heather Frost. Royal Decoy from her Fate of Eryinthia series is what started it all for me. She has been so sweet to share all her knowledge on self-publishing with me and without her, I’m not sure I would have gotten to this point.
Favorite quote (doesn’t matter the source)
I have two that go hand in hand. “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. In everything I have done to write, publish and promote my book, it has all been for the glory of God and when times get tough, as it often does, doing all the things that writing and publishing requires (in addition to being a wife, mother, homeschooler, etc;), I rely on Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Favorite book/story you have read as an adult
Again, how can I answer an impossible question?! The most recent book that has stuck with me long after I have finished reading it was A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. Although I am reluctant to endorse it because there is a lot of spice and explicit content, in addition to homosexuality which I do not condone. However, with that being said, (and skimming those parts that, to me, were not necessary to the overall story) the fantasy world she created, together with the intricate plot and the famous enemies to lover’s trope was so epic, I could not put it down.
Favorite book when you were a kid
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. Hands down.
What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Tennessee. It was the first place I lived by myself as an adult and was where I first met Jesus and gave my life to him. For those reasons alone it has deep meaning to me. Furthermore, it’s just a beautiful state, and one day I would love to have a vacation home there. Dreaming big!
I hope you enjoyed this interview with the author Sharayah Maurice! You can find more bonus material for the book here. Purchase your copy of A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion here, or add it to your TBR list on Goodreads, here.