Interview: SJ Hermman

Discussing: Book One of the  Morium Trilogy

#Paranormal

 

Artemis: Who is reading your book right now?

S J Hermann:I write for readers who enjoy YA novels. I also try to write to touch an emotional cord to teenagers who may have gone, or are going through, some of the things that I write about.

Artemis: What instructions do you give to your editor?

S J Hermann: I have a tendency to overuse words. It's a naughty habit that I instruct my editor to keep a close eye on.

Artemis: The YA genre has so many sub-genres. Which is your favorite?

S J Hermann: Paranormal. Science Fiction, but I am always open to reading new genres.

Artemis: Can you tell us a little bit about the plot of your book?

S J Hermann: There are two main characters in Morium, Alexandria and Nathan  . They are close High School friends who stick together as they both endure endless bullying. It's not just the bullying these teenagers face, but also home problems as well. Alexandria watches her father struggle to keep a roof over their heads, while  Nathan deals with parents who are always at work and hardly home.

When they both gain supernatural abilities they both take different directions as to what to do with these newfound powers. Knowing their emotional states, Alexandria is aware of the dangers and wants nothing to do with these abilities while Nathan becomes obsessed to the point like it is a drug. These two eighteen year old teenagers have powers to change ones life, for the better or for the worse.

I like the differences between the two characters

Artemis: Is your protagonist going to morph during the story?

SJ Hermann: Yes. They both go through major changes internally. 

Artemis: What is the most compelling part of the story arc for your character?

S J Hermann:  Mentally, it is a challenge for both of them to control their abilities. As Uncle Ben said, "With great powers come great responsibilities." I wanted this series to really put that comment to the test. Throughout the series it will be a constant challenge for Alexandria and Nathan to live with what they have inherited.
Without giving to much away, the next book in the series, MORIUM : DARK HORIZONS, Alexandria and Nathan attempt to repair their once strong friendship. Nathan has a hard time dealing with what he has done, while Alexandria hides her closely guarded secret from someone new in her life.

Artemis: Please give us a brief description of your writing process.

SJ Hermann: I begin with index cards in which I write down chapter ideas. Once I believe I have everything I want to write down, I arrange them to get a good flow to the story. As I am writing, things will come to my mind that I think would be a good fit, so everything on those cards might get tossed, or rearranged.
The most important thing for me before I write are the characters. I want to have a solid foundation from which I can develop and grow these individuals. By the time I am finished with a book, I want to feel like they are part of  the family.