Today I am interviewing Anna Lane.
ABOUT ANNA:
Anna Lane is a future author in fantasy and Christian contemporary from the middle of nowhere. She enjoys riding horses (when she can), drinking bubble tea, and cooking up tasty treats for her family. When she’s not writing, you can find her re-reading Narnia books, playing a “friendly” game of soccer with her younger brother, or chatting with good friends. You can find her on her blog, annasideablog.wordpress.com .
INTERVIEW
What’s your go-to space for writing?
Hmmm…. I’d have to say the kitchen table. Plenty of room for my computer and any other brainstorming tools I may need. Plus, it’s usually quiet in there, so double-points!
What’s your favorite genre to read?
My go-to genre is usually Christian contemporary, because usually (usually, not always) I don’t have to worry about questionable content. But at the same time, there are some ungodly “Christian” writers out there who write unbiblical stories (I have ran into one or two), so I have to be careful what books I read. My parents always remind me to be careful (both with reading, writing, looking at blog posts, and visiting websites) and compare what I read with the Bible. Questions I’ve been asking myself recently: Is it God-honoring? What thoughts and ideas am I putting in my head? How is this impacting me? I also love fantasy, but, like I said, I have to be careful with what I am putting in my mind.
I ask myself, “Is this something that will fill my mind with witchcraft?” For example, Harry Potter. I do not read Harry Potter, nor do I watch it. That is my preference because I do not approve of witchcraft. Fantasy can be a fun genre to write and read, but it can also be very dangerous. It all depends on what you’re trying to convey through your writing.
Words of wisdom for those who are just starting out on the writing path?
You got this!!! LOL. Okay, getting serious now…
You will experience writer’s block, like ALL authors. If you think you’re the only one, you’re not! Even famous, experienced authors have experienced writers block (as far as I know- if they haven’t, I would be surprised!). But don’t fret! Getting out of writer’s block can be difficult, but it’s possible!
What is your least favorite part of the writing process?
Having it read by my editor… which is my dad 🙂
The reason I say this is because it’s often nerve-wracking. I always fret over things like, “Will he like it?” or “What if there’s something he doesn’t approve of?” But whenever things like that enter my mind, I pray and ask God to calm me down. It’s always nerve-wracking whenever you have someone read your books over 🙂
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Probably over-thinking characters. Especially their middle names. I have a thing for names, especially unique ones. I have to hold myself back from making families with forty children (I may or may not have done that before… just for the pure fun of it!)…
Do you focus on one project at a time or do you have multiple projects going simultaneously?
I could never focus on one project at a time. I have… two? Three? Four projects, maybe?
What project(s) are you currently working on?
Currently, I am editing my (hopefully) debut novel, Firestone. Series title unknown. I’m still trying to decide what I’m going to call it… XD
How do you select the names of your characters?
When I think of characters, I go through names on the internet usually. But I don’t pick random names. I debate through names, and don’t choose a name until it FITS.
Some people don’t choose names like this, but if it doesn’t fit the character, I’m not happy with my story. Names are EVERYTHING.
For example, I once had a character named Kari. But I changed her name because her name was Kari Underwood. Kari Underwood, Carrie Underwood?
So, I changed it to Lucinda.
And it just doesn’t…. fit.
So, I’m going to look for names until I find a name that’s JUST right 🙂
Has there been one particular person who has been a major source of influence for one of your characters?
Well, I based the siblings in my book off of me and MY siblings. One of the brothers, Asher, is very fiery, and my younger brother Aiden (whose name literally means fire) is very fiery. He was a big inspiration for Asher.
Ryan reminds me of my older brother a bit too 🙂
How do you get inspiration to write?
Music mostly, but also movies and books. My series was inspired by Lord of The Rings, Narnia, Pirates of The Caribbean, and a bunch of other things LOL.
Whenever I see a good, inspiring line from a book, movie, or article, I write it down and save it for later!
On average, how long does it take you to write the first draft of a book?
Hmm… well, usually a few months, depending on how long it is, and how much I’ve already brainstormed of the book.
How do you incorporate your faith into your writing?
Great question!
I asked myself a similar question recently, and I thought of a quote by C.S Lewis that I love! To summarize: You don’t necessarily have to write a CHRISTIAN book. What I mean by THAT is you don’t have to make your book blatantly (obvious) Christian. We are called to do everything, eating, drinking, WRITING, reading, everything, for the glory of God.
We can make a birthday card for the glory of God.
We can bake cookies for the glory of God.
We can wash dishes for the glory of God.
We can write a story about rabbits to the glory of God.
I incorporate biblical truths into my writing, such as courage. Gentleness. Faithfulness. Fighting for what’s right. Protecting those you love.
Now, I’m not saying you CAN’T write a blatantly Christian book. That may be what God is calling you to do! But you can write a book about… let’s see… superheroes, all for the glory of God. Or… rabbits! Or… washing dishes! XD
What first inspired or gave you the “spark” to write? What books and/or authors have influenced your writing?
C.S Lewis really inspired my writing, in the fantasy aspect. Narnia was my childhood, unlike Lord of The Rings (which I didn’t watch until I was a teenager), and it inspired me to write my OWN fantasy story. I never really read his books, but I watched Narnia frequently. I loved the Aslan’s Christ-like figure, and wanted to make something like that with MY writing.
Every writer has a message they want to impart to their readers. What is yours?
Well, each book I write has its own message, but the main message is this: The Kingdom is worth fighting for. The Kingdom, in our world, would obviously be Heaven, but in their world, it’s the Eternal Kingdom where the Eternal King resides. I want my readers to understand that you can’t rely on the world for advice or comfort. In my book, you’ll see some characters (especially villains) being convinced by the”bad guys” that what THEY want is worth betraying the Kingdom for. Like our sin, it tempts them to turn from the King and follow THEIR own desires.
What is your favorite, underappreciated novel/series?
Hmm… well, I don’t know if this is underappreciated or not.. probably isn’t, but since Netflix is going to make a redo of this series (and I’m 99.99% sure it’s not going to go well), The Chronicles of Narnia. It’s underappreciated in the fact that I feel that not very many people appreciate the Christian values in Narnia. If you appreciate them, bravo!
What book of the Bible is your favorite? What makes this particular book your favorite?
Either Proverbs or Revelation. Proverbs is chock full of GREAT wisdom, but Revelation is talking all about the future. It also inspires MY books frequently.
Who is your favorite Biblical character?
Jesus. This is probably a common answer, but he is my favorite Biblical character. Reason why? He died to save sinners! If he didn’t, I don’t know WHAT I would do!
If you could meet one historical figure, who would that be?
Oh, man, that’s HARD!
But if I could meet ONE… I almost said Phileas Fogg, but he was a fictional character. NOOOOOOO!
Well, I’d definitely want to meet George Washington, but I’d definitely want to meet someone from World War II. Why? Well, number one, it would help with my Caleb Runner novel that I want to write. Two, this was a VERY hard time in history that I want to learn more about.
Especially underappreciated people.
If you could tell your younger writing self one thing, what would it be?
Probably the message I told those starting on the writing path. Don’t give up.
How did you come to be a writer? Was this something that you always knew you were destined to be or did you arrive at this point via another pat?
This may surprise you, but being an author never entered my mind until a few years ago. I had written stories when I was younger, but this was not a dream of mine. I wanted to be an actress. I wanted to make movies. I had SO many ideas, including a movie called The Water Fairy and Greensleeves. I had even made SONGS for Greensleeves!
But God had different ideas.
When I was 12, I wanted to make a movie. Like, a serious movie. My older brother suggested a write a book FIRST, so it had a better chance of becoming a movie.
Me: Okay, sure.
Me a few years later: Maybe I’m not meant to be an actress.
I still have dreams, but I’m convinced that being an author is what God had in mind for me. Since I was 12, I have written four first drafts of my WIP series, and I have five HUGE fans. Four out of five are my siblings, but they are my biggest fans!
Number five is my friend, Sara, who was the first biggest fan (and will probably remain the biggest fan. Sorry, siblings! XD).
I never would’ve thought that I would be writing stories four years ago.
Yet, here I am, on the way to publication, a little more than four years ago since I first wanted to make a serious movie.
So, if you’re on your way to becoming a writer, don’t give up! I didn’t, and I’m on my way to publication! You can publish a book too, if you don’t give up. But don’t forget: whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Thank you for those lovely answers, Anna! And I totally concur on The Chronicles of Narnia. Nothing that comes from Netflix is good; superficial at best and downright despicable at worst.
What about you, reader? What was your dream? Has it deviated or is it the same? Which book (yours or another author’s), would you like to see made into a movie?
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