A while back I had the privilege of being featured on S. T. Sanchez’s blog in an author interview. It was fun, and I was surprised at the amount of people who shared the post and really enjoyed it. Today, it’s my pleasure to reciprocate and introduce you to author S. T. Sanchez.

Interview questions for author S. T. Sanchez

If I ever get out to Dallas to visit my friend, what’s a place I absolutely have to visit?

That’s a tough one. Dallas has so many amazing things to offer, especially when it comes to restaurants. Probably my favorite place to go is an Italian place in Allen, a suburb just north of Dallas. It has fantastic food, and I might be a little bias since I met my husband there.  If you ever go, you must order the Stuffed Mushrooms and Chicken Murphy. There is nothing better.

How would you describe your writing to a newbie? 

I write in 3^rd POV, but I am toying with the idea of doing a novel in 1^st person. I love to write fantasy although I have an idea for a drama and an action adventure, but as much as I would love to jump into the project I have decided to finish the two series I currently have published first.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Keep writing. Have more than Mom and Dad read your books. Join writing groups and have someone who doesn’t know you read your works. Don’t get discouraged by bad feedback. Look at it and see if it’s valid and then make changes.  Don’t be afraid of rewrites.

What made you decide to start a blog?

Honestly, at first because that’s the advice new authors are given. It’s a way to attract new readers. Now I really enjoy getting to know other authors and finding new stories to read that I might not have found before.

How do you get feedback for your books? Do you have beta readers?

If you don’t have beta readers, I think that you are really putting yourself at a disadvantage. My betas are my salvation. Having several sets of eyes on a draft is crucial. They catch things I don’t see. Help me keep my work consistent and let me know when I am heading in the wrong direction. 

Beta readers can be hard to find. A lot of people have a hard time telling someone what’s wrong. It’s easier to just say everything was great. I only have a small handful of readers who will really dig in and find all my faults.  It can be a little tough to hear at times, some can be a little harsh, but I know my books are better because of them.

What inspired you to write The Portal Keeper?

I have a YA Vampire Trilogy entitled the Sunwalker Trilogy. I have always been fascinated with vampires. However my kids are still on the younger side, and the series is a little bit too intense for them.  My son wanted me to write a story with a dragon in it. I had been toying with the idea of writing a novel with a mystical portal and just jumped in from there.

Why do you think The Portal Keeper was so easy to write?

I think the instant feedback made this novel easier to write. On my other projects no one sees any of it until I have completed the first draft, but with The Portal Keeper my kids were too excited that I was writing something that they would be able to read. They became my instant beta readers, constantly hounding me to finish the next chapter. This book became our bedtime story. Their anticipation and excitement was catching and pushed me to write more.

Tell us about your book

The Portal Keeper is a story of a boy, Ajax, who is tasked with guarding a magical portal. No one who has entered the portal has ever returned. The prince comes to visit and through an accident ends up falling through the portal. Ajax must determine if he should follow after him possibly never coming home again, or risk the wrath of the king. It’s a story about friendship, bravery, and a little bit of magic.

That sounds really good. What plans do you have for the future in terms of writing books?

I am finishing up my young adult vampire series, and I just finished my first draft. I also just finished the first draft to the sequel of the portal keeper. I have a half a dozen other stories that are a few chapters in, and I jump to them from time to time when I need a break. But my current focus is to finish up my last book in the vampire series and complete The Keeper Chronicles before I dive too far into the other projects.

Find S. T. Sanchez’s book

You can find The Portal Keeper on amazon. It sounds really intriguing.

The amazon page says: If you like Brandon Mull, you’ll love The Portal Keeper!

She had me at Brandon Mull! I loved The Beyonders series.

How to learn more about S. T. Sanchez

If you want to know about the author, you can follow her on social media via twitter, facebook, and instagram, or you can join in the conversation over at goodreads. You’ve already seen her blog, but you can follow her blog as well.