Today we have an interview with Lauren Moody, whose story “Well Enough” appears in Sword & Sorceress XXV.
1.) Tell us about yourself.
I’m a speculative fiction writer who reads and watches as much spec-fic, in as many media, as I can. I graduated from Knox College not too long ago and have just started my first job.
Requisite plug: I can be found online at http://anthimeria.dreamwidth.org.
2.) How did you get started writing?
My family got a computer when I was twelve, and suddenly my hands could keep up with the stories in my brain! I’ve been writing ever since.
3.) Is writing fantasy fiction easier or harder than writing other genres?
Fantasy fiction is definitely harder to write than mainstream/realistic fiction, since there’s so much more to do! However, I find writing mystery fiction much more difficult than any kind of spec-fic. Mystery writers have to think in very twisty ways, and my brain does not work like that.
4.) Tell us about your S&S 25 story?
It’s my first sale! I’m really excited.
As for “Well Enough” itself, my two main characters are fairly antagonistic toward each other until they find themselves in a situation where they have to work together to survive.
The story is set in a place called Jhasa, which I based on the ancient Mali Empire–I’ve wanted to set a story in one of the West African civilizations for years, and these characters fit the place entirely. I’m always interested in fantasy set in non-Western worlds.
5.) Can you share a short excerpt from your story?
Sure!
Two loud thumps made me open my eyes. Niani stood in front of me, leaning on her walking stick and, surprise! Glaring.
“Ready to go?” I asked, smiling. I’d never been able to adopt the blank-faced stoicism of most bodyguards. Besides, my consistently polite manner confused and annoyed Niani, a worthy accomplishment as far as I was concerned. Guardmaster Suliam assigned me to her; it’s not as though I chose to follow her around. I would protect her whether she liked me or not.
6.) Recommend one fantasy book.
One is such a small number! Well, then I have to recommend Rosemary Clement-Moore’s Highway to Hell. It’s the third and latest in her YA urban fantasy series Maggie Quinn: Girl vs Evil, which I love. The books make me laugh and keep me on the edge of my seat, and Highway to Hell is the best yet. I can’t wait for the next one!
7.) Recommend one non-fantasy book.
If we can count non-fantasy speculative fiction, I have to rec Mira Grant’s brand new book Feed–zombies, blogging, conspiracies and snark, wrapped in a fantastically written story.
If we’re sticking with purely non-speculative fiction, I must go with Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. It’s a hard story but a triumphant one.