Meet a Mighty Pen: Hillary Raymer!
Another of our super lucky and super awesome raffle winners was Hillary Raymer. Seriously, she’s just the sweetest. Read on for her amazing interview, and learn more about her on twitter, instagram, check out her website, or give her a high-five on Nano.
First, please tell us a bit about yourself!
Three random facts about me? I currently live in Japan with my Marine and our two little girls. I first started writing back in 2008 when my husband deployed as a means to pass the time, soon after I realized this was what I wanted to do with my life. My favorite thing to write with is my Ravenclaw lap desk from Pottery Barn, it’s comfy and pretty amazing!
What is the name of your NaNoWriMo17 project?
My project title for NaNoWriMo is Crown of Tears.
Give us a elevator pitch of the project.
Born with a blood curse, Maeve Magorian would never be fit to rule Lethe. Prince Jarek of Prava is bent on revenge to kill the fae who destroyed his empire. Together they venture into Faeven on the hunt for four ancient treasures to stop the rise of dark fae. But they soon realize the items they seek may not save the world after all, they might be the key to destroying it.
Include your favorite snippet from NaNoWriMo so far.
One by one my fingers coiled and tightened around the base of my sword. The gilded hilt was cold in my hands, but despite the uncertainty, despite the depravity of the situation, the blade didn’t waver and my grip held steady. I dug the heels of my boots into the hard earth, kept my stance loose. And ready. My heart pounded like a jackhammer against the constricted wall of my chest, yet every shallow breath was slow and measured. Though I was fairly certain the leather corset I was laced into would kill me before Casimir’s blade.
What do you find harder to write, the first line or the last line?
I find the first line to be the hardest to write. Usually I can see how I want my story to end, then I just have to figure out how to get there.
What is your favorite part about writing?
My favorite part about writing is plotting. I love coming up with new ideas, crazy plot twists and interesting characters. I have notebooks where I keep all the details and write in long hand to keep the creativity flowing.
Do you have a commonly used phrase when you write that you love (or hate, lol)?
It sounds so lame but I love it when at least one of my characters can say “Touché.”
What is your favorite genre to read and why?
My favorite genre to read is fantasy, YA or adult, it doesn’t matter. I don’t think there’s anything better than getting lost in the worlds others create.
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read was A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas, but right now I’m currently reading Windwitch by The Might Pens’ Susan Dennard.
What inspired you to start writing, and what inspires you to keep writing?
I was first inspired to write by wanting to see the characters and worlds in my imagination come to life on paper. They were books I wished someone would write, until I finally realized I could be the one to do it. It’s so satisfying to see something you’ve only ever dreamed about take form. Today, I try and find inspiration all around me. Usually in nature, anywhere outdoors, but there’s always something or someone that will give me a spark to write. And usually that’s all I need.
Touché Hillary! 😉 But seriously, it was truly wonderful to read about your project and what inspires you. Thank you so so much for being part of the Mighty Pens, and I hope we see you next year.
