BooksChatter: ℚ The Eighth Day: The Eden Saga [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Sally Mitchell to talk about The Eighth Day (12 April 2016, Matador, 275 pages), a Dystopian Fantasy, book one of The Eden Saga series.

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A very warm welcome to Sally Mitchell; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Eden: The Eighth Day?

"Astrology was the main inspiration behind ‘The Eden Saga’. I had read a number of articles that suggested as a new author it would be helpful to write about what you know.
I love astrology so initially I thought I should write something about that. That was the starting point but the story soon took on a life of its own and I realized that a strong astrological theme didn’t quite fit. It helped me to create the backbone of the story but it soon joined with a religious theme, which worked much better."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I don’t think it’s possible to write without expressing aspects of your personality through the characters. We each have a different experience of social interactions so it makes sense that we have our characters interact in ways that are familiar to us.

I have a history in psychology too and I feel like that is reflected through some of the characters reactions to certain experiences."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for The Eighth Day - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I’m actually pretty proud of my cover as I designed it myself using Photoshop. I had an idea in mind right from the outset and felt it had to be exactly as I pictured it or I wouldn’t be happy with it. I really enjoyed designing it and I think I’d consider doing the covers for the rest of the series, although we’ll see.

I chose the image of the apple as it’s something everyone is familiar with and the main point of the story of creation."

The garden of Eden with the fall of man (c.1615) by Jan Brueghel and Rubens

Why should we read The Eighth Day and The Eden Saga? What sets it apart from the rest?

"I have tried to develop a story that is unique as possible. Over the course of the series, ‘The Eden Saga’ will re-tell the story of creation. I’m an avid reader myself and I attempted to combine my favorite themes and genres.

It is quite a complex story but the themes I chose tie in well together. It is set in an ancient Roman dystopia, in a world set alight by the gods. It features elements of horror, magic, romance, religion and astrology."

The Course of Empire: Destruction by Thomas Cole

Can you tell us something quirky about The Eighth Day, its story and characters?

"What a great question. Yes, actually. Most of the characters in the book are named after planets, constellations or gods/religious figures. I have linked religion with astrology so the two are sort of one and the same within the story which I believe is another factor that makes it unique."

Who would you recommend The Eighth Day to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"It has scenes of a sexual nature and violence so for that reason it is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

I would recommend this series to anyone who loves a good fantasy like ‘Game of Thrones’ and anyone who loves a bit of magic."

If you could / wished to turn The Eighth Day and the Eden series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I have no idea who I would want to play the characters. I guess Vita (the heroine) would have to be played by someone with a mysterious and quiet disposition, while Kayin would be played by somebody strong and handsome."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I love writing in the fantasy genre because the possibilities are endless. I wouldn’t like to have to reign in my imagination to write something more realistic. For me, whether reading or writing, I want to escape to a world as far away from reality as possible."

What is your writing process?

"Messy! I am in no way organized like some other authors.

When I have an idea come into my head I have to write it down immediately or I worry that I would forget. Because of this I don’t write from beginning to end like some, I’m constantly jumping back and forth. I do feel like this can be good for inspiration though and often if I get stuck with a chapter I’ll start on another and somewhere along the way I get a light bulb moment for finishing another. It wouldn’t work for everyone, but it does for me."

What is in store next?

"I am currently working on the next book in the series which will follow on from ‘The Eighth Day’. In this one you can expect some more mysteries and uncovering some secrets of the first book."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"This is a picture of me and my main man. It’s a couple of years old now but my little boy is my life and my reason for doing what I do. I want to be able to be there for every sports day and school play and for him to know that mummy is always on hand if he needs me."