Dream Weaver Novels by Su Williams: AUTHOR KIRSTIN STEIN PULIOFF

In my previous post, I gave you a list of author interviews for the ASMG Author Interview Blog Hop. Well, today is my turn to present another great indie author, and her name is Kirstin Stein Pullioff. (Mine posts Monday March 24 on Christoph Fischer's blog.) It has been my honor and pleasure to meet and get to know Kirstin a little bit. So I am very pleased to introduce her to you!

Tell us about yourself. Where are you from?...all that good kinda stuff.

Hi Su! Thanks for having me on today. I am so happy to connect with you and your readers today. Oh where to begin… I guess the best way to describe myself is that I dream big, wish on stars, search for rainbows, find treasures in everyday blessings, and live life to its fullest.

My family recently moved to the foothills of Colorado, and I love it. It combines the sunshine of CA that I grew up with, and the trees and outdoors that I loved about living in Oregon.

Happily married for almost 12 years, and a stay at home mom of two kids, I spend my days either having an adventure or writing one.

Oooh! You said two of my favorite words: DREAM BIG! I love your perspective on life!

I haven’t seen too much about your new book. Can you tell readers what it’s all about?

Absolutely, The Ivory Tower is a short story revolving around a fifteen year old girl, and her experiences in a post-apocalyptic community. Kept isolated within a protective camp, Simone struggles to follow the rules and guidelines set out to protect them. When she breaks the rules and finds the Ivory Tower, she must decide how far she will go to find out the truth.

Is there a theme or message you convey your story beyond the story itself?

I always write with a message involved, the story is simply its catalyst. For this story, I wrote with the intention of making a statement about protection and governments and how time can erode even the best of intentions.

Interesting. Tell us about your other books.

I am happy to share! The Princess Madeline trilogy is a middle grade fantasy adventure series that centers around Princess Madeline and her adventures as she struggles to balance her duty as princess with her own dreams. This series takes a contemporary stance on the traditional fairytale.

The Escape of Princess Madeline

The Battle for Princess Madeline

Princess Madeline and the Dragon

Who are your writing inspirations?

The authors who inspire me are Dr. Suess, with the whimsical way that he charmed and entertained, and J.K. Rowling, who doesn’t love her success story.

My main inspiration comes from my children. They are a reminder to me to follow my dreams and not place limits on what I can accomplish. I want them to go after their dreams, and to do that, I must be an example.

That is so great to hear. I discovered when I started writing how important it is to follow your dreams. Any up & coming indie authors that have captured your attention? And why?

Of course! I will share my top three favorites. Michelle Brown, Trish Marie Dawson, and Ally Shields.

Michelle Browne is an evil scientist with her writing. She creates forward thinking stories filled with haunting messages and ideas.

Trish Marie Dawson writes with an easy elegance that transports you directly into the story. Under the spell of her writing, you become the character, struggling and growing.

Ally Shields created a wonderful vampire series (The Guardian Witch) that drew me in from book 1. Now on book 5, I am still her #1 fan.

What 2 things would you tell/advise aspiring writings?

My first piece of advice would always be to follow your heart, passion and characters. Writing is a personal and creative process. Be true to yourself, your vision, and your voice.

The second piece of advice is to get a group of beta readers to critique your work. It is easy to read your own work, or have family and friends read, but having objective eyes go over your work first is invaluable. Their honesty can turn a mediocre book into a great one.

I couldn’t agree more. I’ve found beta readers find holes I missed because I’m too close to see them. Any specific websites you’ve found helpful as an author?

I am a big fan of Grammar Girl. I will happily admit to using her frequently with my writing. I also check out Brainy Quote daily. I always like to keep inspiration and positivity at my fingertips.

I don’t believe in long interviews. So I’d like to close with a couple of questions for fun.

Me neither! Short, sweet, and able to read with a single cup of coffee. :)

While writing, music or silence? If music, tell us your playlist.

Music. I used to write in silence, but found that music helps keep my mind from wandering. It distracts part of my mind, letting me write longer, and more creatively. As for playlists, I listen to a fun combination of Disney show tunes, Christian rock, and hauntingly beautiful love ballads.

And, if I gave you a parchment letter, a mirror and a necklace, what kind of story would you write? Give it a title too if you want.

A Whisper in Time

It is the story of a little girl who is playing dress up in her grandmother’s attic. The grandmother finds the little girl dressed up, looking in the old antique mirror, holding the letter that she found in the dress’s pocket. The grandmother flashes back in time, reliving the moment she received that letter, and the devastating words that it held.

It is a story about family, love, and the unexpected turns in life.

Oh man! Now you’re going to have to write that story…even if it’s a short one!

I LOVE to connect with readers and fans, and invite everyone to connect with me at any of my links:

Website/Blog: www.kirstinpulioff.com
Facebook: KirstinPulioffAuthor
Twitter: @KirstinPulioff
Amazon: Author & Book Page
Goodreads: Kirstin Pulioff

Finally, are there any special upcoming events for you? Anything special you’d like people to know about you or your books?

I wish I could say yes, but having just moved, I don’t have any local signings or events set up yet. I am currently working on my next project, a YA Fantasy, Dreamscape: Saving Alex, and I anticipate a Fall 2014 release.

I look forward to hearing more about this one! Thank you so much Kirstin for visiting today. And thank you to my visitors for taking the time to stop by and meet Kirstin.

Remember to check the previous post for other indie author interviews.

And as always…

Dare to Dream!