Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hi, my name is Lainey Miles. Welcome to The Lost Forest Trilogy: Legacy of the Golden Bird. This is my first book in the series and this is the first children’s book I have ever written. I grew up in Littleton, Colorado and currently reside in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Legacy of the Golden Bird”?
A2. The challenge in writing this book is making sure the storyline flows from one chapter to the next with all the different twists and turns and situations I put my characters in.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. My favorite series was Nancy Drew. I read all of her books. I also loved everything Disney growing up. Walt Disney was a true inspiration with all the wonderful characters and worlds he created so long ago and obviously still beloved today. The Lord of the Rings series is a big favorite of mine as well. I guess all the mystery and fantasy I loved growing up has influenced me in writing this trilogy.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. My favorite spot is Aspen, Colorado where I was born. I don’t get back there too often, but when I do, just being surrounded by the mountains and the smell of the mountain air, there is nothing like it. Also, in the fall when the leaves of the Aspen trees turn to gold, it is a sight to behold.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Legacy of the Golden Bird’?
A5. What inspired me to write this book was my sister’s hamster, believe it or not. She was always telling me funny stories about the silly things Chuck, her hamster did and I thought it would be fun to write about it, and here we are today, where Chuck is now a fierce warrior. I know it sounds crazy, but that is my imagination gone wild.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Legacy of the Golden Bird’?
A6. It has taken me quite a while to write this book as I would write and then not look at it for months and then pick it up again and write. Maybe eight years. The book has evolved over that period of time.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. Readers can find me on my website at http://www.laineymiles.com and order from there or they can go to Amazon or Barnes and Noble. I am currently putting it out on Apple as well.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Legacy of the Golden Bird’?
A8. I wanted the book cover to be dramatic and capture the essence of the forest and waterfalls which is where Berra heralds from. If your book cover isn’t captivating, no one will want to even pick up your book. I have been told this a lot, so it had to be interesting. So I worked with a graphics person and went from there. As I kept writing, I realized I had to have a cut off point, so I decided it needed to be a trilogy. So I decided Berra had to be a legacy and since she was a golden bird, the title seemed appropriate at that point.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I like putting my characters in situations that they have to figure out how to get out of so I think that keeps my interest as well as my readers.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. Don’t try to rush the story, make your characters come to life so your reader feels like they are a part of the adventure.
Buy book on Amazon
Sassy Reviews 