Interview with author Ira White

Q1 What is your favorite part from your book ‘The Children of Raven’s Reach’?

My favorite part is the love between Chase and Pearl. Love is the most wonderful feeling in the world and my description of the love between these two goes beyond physical and into the realm of metaphysical.

Q2 What would you say is your strength as an author?

My descriptive skills are the strongest arrow in my quill. Some of the comments I have received back this up.

Q3 How do you typically celebrate once you’ve completed a book?

I will go out for a special dinner and then sleep in as when I am working on a book or other large project, I get up at 4 a.m. because early morning is the time I work best.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

I try to understand it and why my book prompted what was said about it. I want to be a better writer, and understanding the criticism you get is an important way to understand your creation.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

I haven’t done an audiobook yet, but I plan to. What I don’t like is some of the readers have such flat tones with little inflection. I am trained in speaking and in oral interpretation, so if I do get an audio book out, it will be much more stimulating than some of the ones I have listened to.

Q6 How has the experience of writing and publishing a book influenced your perception of yourself?

Writing has given me more confidence in myself. I know I have the ability to write as my readers tell me that through their comments on my work.

Q7 What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Good writing is composed of knowing your subject, having a good vocabulary and a sense of what words to use in different situations, a creative mind, and a sense of the audience you are writing for.

Q8 What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I get up at 4 a.m., pet my dogs for a few minutes, make coffee, then dive into writing. I will continue until about 8 a.m. when it’s time to feed the dogs and chickens and make something for me to eat. I will write again after breakfast until about 11 a.m. when it’s time for a walk with the dogs. Late in the afternoon, I will meditate and visualize what I will write next.

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘The Children of Raven’s Reach’?

“It’s all about the children.” Raven’s Reach is the name of the property where the children are held. In the story, Raven’s Reach becomes transformed into a very different place.

Q10 What did you want to be when you grew up?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer.

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