Gina Rae Mitchell

 

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My thoughts on Rise: Birth of a Revolution

I began reading this book expecting a typical fantasy storyline. However, that’s not what I got. Starting on page one, I was held captive by the characters in ”Rise”. I nearly burnt dinner reading while cooking, and read way too late into the night. You have been warned, this story will captivate you.

The world-building is superb. The story is character-driven, so expect numerous names, subplots, etc to be involved, but the author makes it very easy to keep them straight.

The book is fast-paced with non-stop action. I became invested in the storyline and characters instantly, as it’s full of people to love and hate. I enjoyed the strong female leads in the book, a General, Healer, Scout, and the requisite evil Queen. There are so many moral dilemmas for you to ponder upon.

I recommend this book not just to lovers of the fantasy genre, but to all readers. It has action, adventure, military planning, romance, and all the intrigue you need. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

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Author Interview:

How long have you been writing?

I’ve only been writing what I want to write for the last four years or so. Before that, I was swimming around in academic writing for about five years.

What inspired you to write in this genre?

A few different events. I always thought I’d write fantasy if I ever did write. You know, dragons, magic, elves. Fun stuff like that! But I had just spent the last 2+ years digging deep into history for the end of my undergraduate degree and the entirety of my master’s and it just kind of melded together. I went with a low-fantasy approach and really found it enjoyable once I opened up the world a little bit. I focused on the common narrative strings between history and fiction.

Which genre would your story belong in if your life was fictionalized?

Is it too cheesy to say romance? Ah, I’ll say romance anyway! Maybe one of those drama-filled ones with a happy ending. I found the love of my life just about twelve years ago and everything just keeps getting better. She changed me for the better when she met me and every day since.

Do you have a set writing schedule?

I try to write every day for a minimum of an hour. Normally that happens during my lunch at work.

Do you need silence to write or can you work in any environment?

The opposite of silence. I need music. I try to find music with lyrics I relate to, or instrumental that just really gets me inspired.

If you could set up your perfect writing scenario, what would it involve?

Noise-canceling headphones, the perfect chair and desktop computer, a gorgeous view outside of some mountains and a forest with a temperature below 50!

What is your most unusual writing quirk?

I don’t know if it’s all that unusual but many other writers I have spoken with find it odd that I can write while listening to lyrical music. For many people, it seems to take them out of it.

Were you an avid reader growing up?

Yes! It started with The Hobbit in 2nd grade and it never stopped. Recently I’ve taken to audiobooks because I spend a lot of time walking or driving and neither of those are advisable while reading but I still want to lose myself in a wonderful world.

If you could form the ultimate writers’ group, which authors past or present would you invite to join you?

I think I would pick R.A. Salvatore, Rick Riordan, James Clavell, and Conn Iggulden.

Do you snack while writing and if so, what is your favorite snack?

I’m not much of a snacker while writing oddly enough. Perhaps I should write more! It’ll keep me in better shape.

Who has influenced your writing the most?

Oof, that’s tough. I’d have to say, R.A. Salvatore or James Clavell. Their focus on character-driven plots has really influenced how I want to write. There needs to be some honorable mention for Conn Iggulden, though. Mr. Iggulden weaves an amazing narrative that puts the character at the forefront of big stories.

Is there anything you would like my readers to know about you and your book?

I write for myself, my family, my friends, and for you. I started to write because I wanted to read something different, a new story. I wrote Rise because I wanted to share a story with everyone and share in their enjoyment. I want you to forget about the world for a little bit while you read my book. I want you to fall into it and feel for each and every character. If I can accomplish that I have succeeded in my ultimate goal.

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Rise: Birth of a Revolution...Shop on Amazon     Rise: Birth of a Revolution...Shop on Amazon

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