Interview with Claire Harbor
Published 2015-07-09.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, I do! It was in the 3rd grade and I wrote a story about Halloween misfits. It featured Bob the bat who was too fat to fly, Linda the pumpkin who had no lines, and Sue the witch who couldn't fly on her broomstick. It was complete with illustrations! My mom bound it and it is somewhere protected and safe knowing her.
What is your writing process?
I usually have multiple projects going on at once. My brain is too busy to stick with one at a time. I usually write outside in the backyard under the gazebo, surrounded by my three dogs.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I don't remember the first story I ever read, but I do remember the first story I read that motivated me to write. It was the Blue Sword by Robin McKinley. I absolutely loved that story (still do!) and have re-read it several times. That was also the story that got me interested in reading too. I had dyslexia as a kid and it wasn't until I read that book that I started reading for fun.
How do you approach cover design?
I am still really new to it, so I am pretty sure my approach is still in the trial and error stage! For now I try to find images that work with he content of the story which can be really challenging sometimes. I love sensual images that also hold a little mystery.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Oh gosh... Let's see if I can narrow it down to 5.
In no particular order I would say:
- Blue Sword
- Melanie Rawn's Dragon Scroll and Dragon Prince series (yes, I am cheating!)
- Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
- Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind
- Anything by John Steinbeck
What do you read for pleasure?
Everything! I am currently reading the Fighting for the Future by Ralph Peters and just finished Fear me by B.B. Reid. You couldn't get two more different books.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
ipad. I got it when I was a student thinking I would use it for EVERYTHING. I only use it to read ebooks now.
Describe your desk
Very orderly...probably because I don't use it to write. I generally write outside.
When did you first start writing?
I was always writing something. I was always creating stories in my head and building worlds around these stories.
What's the story behind your latest book?
I wanted to write something very visceral. I also wanted the heroine to choose between two guys since so many stories these days only have one right choice. I like giving my female characters options because it gives them more power over their destiny.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Circumstance. I started off writing fantasy but after my first novel was finished and I sent it off to agents I was rejected more times that I can even recall. So, I went the indie route and started writing paranormal romance stories since romance is typically an easier genre to break into.
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