Illumination Author Events and Services would like to introduce you to author S. D. Galloway, author of Throne of Jelzicar, book one in the Warrior of Gravenlea.
Author S. D. Galloway is a resident of Phoenix, AZ. A lover of fantasy, a gamer, and a self-proclaimed nerd, the world of warriors and magic users is a place she visits frequently in her mind. She is also a Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for working with military members and their families. Currently she is in Monterey, CA where her husband is stationed with the US Army. They have four children and two Great Danes. She adores readers of all genres of books and writers of all styles. Believing that books are a sacred commodity, she keeps one with her at all times so that a book is always available should the opportunity to read arise. Now she invites you to journey with her to Jelzicar and other far-away lands as the Warriors of Gravenlea take on the demon empire and whatever foes may follow. Gather your weapons, put on your armor, and prepare to walk with her through the world of fantasy that she has created just for you.
What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
I love becoming a part of the world when I write. There is nothing more freeing or exhilarating than immersing myself in the story and finding out where the characters will take me. I explore the story just as the reader does and I love the adventure!
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Writer’s block. I get it every time. I make it through about 75% of a book and then I’m stumped. I have to put it away for a few months and then come back to it before I can finish. This often results in me deleting about 20,000 words and then moving forward from there. That is always the most frustrating part of writing.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I am 100% pantser. The last time I wrote a plot outline was in college and, even then, I only did it because it had to be turned in. My characters and story end up very dry and deliberate if I don’t let them do their own thing along the way.
Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?
I don’t! I think they should choose to read all the authors that spark their attention! Reading is such an amazing experience and each author takes you to a different world. Don’t choose my book over another one, pick up both!
How long have you been a writer?
I have been writing and creating stories ever since I can remember. Even as a small child, when I was bored, I would create stories to entertain myself. It has always been my biggest passion and love.
What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?
I’m a gamer, and that seems to catch people by surprise. Apparently there aren’t a ton of Family Nurse Practitioner (my day job) female gamers out there. How sad! I have several World of Warcraft characters, I enjoy Dragon Age and Divinity, and I paint miniatures in the Warhammer and Warlord worlds. I also love RPGs and have way too many dice because I can’t resist the awesome colors!
What books or authors have most influenced your life?
Stephen King is the most memorable author to me. I started reading his books at a very young age in comparison to most people and I was instantly hooked. I loved how he wrote. His stories were the perfect combination of dialogue, imagery, and storytelling. His writing is almost its own art form to me and I wanted to perform that beautiful prose myself! I also have a great love for Kevin Hearne (if you like urban fantasy and you haven’t heard of him, check him out)! Not only is he an incredible writer with the most compelling characters and a perfect sense of humor, but he’s an incredibly nice guy! I would be thrilled to mold myself after him!
Where are you from?
I was born in Missoula, Montana. I’ve spent the largest portion of my life in Colorado and recently my family decided to move to Phoenix, Arizona. Currently we are stationed in Monterey, California where my husband is an active duty soldier, but we are looking forward to moving to Arizona and the warm desert air!
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Currently, it happens to be Phoenix! Will it stay that way when we move there? Maybe! I’m a fan of stay-cations!
What kind of kid were you in school? Which social path did you take?
I was a geek and a nerd in school. I was a social outcast and an awkward teenager. I was often on the receiving end of teasing. I hated it at the time, but I’m ok with it now. That path ended up meaning I would excel in college and go on to do amazing work as a Registered Nurse, later a Family Nurse Practitioner, and a published author. My family and friends are brilliant and kind and life is amazing. If you’re one of those kids struggling with finding your way, hang in there, it gets better!
Which food could you not live without?
Taco salads! I am a sucker for Mexican food, but taco salads are absolutely my favorite!
Do you have any pets?
I have two Great Danes and a cat. Our house if full barking and fur!
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you travel?
Ireland! I’ve always wanted to see the castles and cliffs!
Do you have siblings? What was it like growing up with them?
I have two younger brothers. Growing up, we were typical siblings, we fought and argued all the time. As adults, they are two of my very favorite people in the whole world and I couldn’t imagine life without them. It’s amazing what growing up does!
Do you have a favorite beverage that you drink when you write?
I love hot tea! I typically have fruit flavored teas available most of the time!
Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.
I am currently working on Book #2 of the Warriors of Gravenlea young adult fantasy series. In fact, I am very close to finishing it! I am at the tail end of the writer’s block phase and so I anticipate it wrapping up in the next few months! Keep an eye out for details! While you’re waiting, be sure to check out the first book of Warriors of Gravenlea: Throne of Jelzicar!
Where can readers find you?
Visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorsdgalloway/
Visit me on Twitter @GallowayBookws https://twitter.com/GallowayBooks
Check out my page with my publisher at http://www.5princebooks.com/sdgalloway.html
I love becoming a part of the world when I write. There is nothing more freeing or exhilarating than immersing myself in the story and finding out where the characters will take me. I explore the story just as the reader does and I love the adventure!
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Writer’s block. I get it every time. I make it through about 75% of a book and then I’m stumped. I have to put it away for a few months and then come back to it before I can finish. This often results in me deleting about 20,000 words and then moving forward from there. That is always the most frustrating part of writing.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I am 100% pantser. The last time I wrote a plot outline was in college and, even then, I only did it because it had to be turned in. My characters and story end up very dry and deliberate if I don’t let them do their own thing along the way.
Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?
I don’t! I think they should choose to read all the authors that spark their attention! Reading is such an amazing experience and each author takes you to a different world. Don’t choose my book over another one, pick up both!
How long have you been a writer?
I have been writing and creating stories ever since I can remember. Even as a small child, when I was bored, I would create stories to entertain myself. It has always been my biggest passion and love.
What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?
I’m a gamer, and that seems to catch people by surprise. Apparently there aren’t a ton of Family Nurse Practitioner (my day job) female gamers out there. How sad! I have several World of Warcraft characters, I enjoy Dragon Age and Divinity, and I paint miniatures in the Warhammer and Warlord worlds. I also love RPGs and have way too many dice because I can’t resist the awesome colors!
What books or authors have most influenced your life?
Stephen King is the most memorable author to me. I started reading his books at a very young age in comparison to most people and I was instantly hooked. I loved how he wrote. His stories were the perfect combination of dialogue, imagery, and storytelling. His writing is almost its own art form to me and I wanted to perform that beautiful prose myself! I also have a great love for Kevin Hearne (if you like urban fantasy and you haven’t heard of him, check him out)! Not only is he an incredible writer with the most compelling characters and a perfect sense of humor, but he’s an incredibly nice guy! I would be thrilled to mold myself after him!
Where are you from?
I was born in Missoula, Montana. I’ve spent the largest portion of my life in Colorado and recently my family decided to move to Phoenix, Arizona. Currently we are stationed in Monterey, California where my husband is an active duty soldier, but we are looking forward to moving to Arizona and the warm desert air!
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Currently, it happens to be Phoenix! Will it stay that way when we move there? Maybe! I’m a fan of stay-cations!
What kind of kid were you in school? Which social path did you take?
I was a geek and a nerd in school. I was a social outcast and an awkward teenager. I was often on the receiving end of teasing. I hated it at the time, but I’m ok with it now. That path ended up meaning I would excel in college and go on to do amazing work as a Registered Nurse, later a Family Nurse Practitioner, and a published author. My family and friends are brilliant and kind and life is amazing. If you’re one of those kids struggling with finding your way, hang in there, it gets better!
Which food could you not live without?
Taco salads! I am a sucker for Mexican food, but taco salads are absolutely my favorite!
Do you have any pets?
I have two Great Danes and a cat. Our house if full barking and fur!
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you travel?
Ireland! I’ve always wanted to see the castles and cliffs!
Do you have siblings? What was it like growing up with them?
I have two younger brothers. Growing up, we were typical siblings, we fought and argued all the time. As adults, they are two of my very favorite people in the whole world and I couldn’t imagine life without them. It’s amazing what growing up does!
Do you have a favorite beverage that you drink when you write?
I love hot tea! I typically have fruit flavored teas available most of the time!
Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.
I am currently working on Book #2 of the Warriors of Gravenlea young adult fantasy series. In fact, I am very close to finishing it! I am at the tail end of the writer’s block phase and so I anticipate it wrapping up in the next few months! Keep an eye out for details! While you’re waiting, be sure to check out the first book of Warriors of Gravenlea: Throne of Jelzicar!
Where can readers find you?
Visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorsdgalloway/
Visit me on Twitter @GallowayBookws https://twitter.com/GallowayBooks
Check out my page with my publisher at http://www.5princebooks.com/sdgalloway.html
The fate of their world will depend upon the courage of these few.
Years ago, a young warlock released Emph, the Lord of Demons, from the depths of hell. Emph laid waste to the land as he consumed kingdoms, including Jelzicar. Now, as his own village is threatened, Drahvyn has been contacted by a Priestess to fulfill a prophecy. Together with his dagger wielding sister, an elven archer, a dwarven warrior, and a creature made of both good and evil, they will travel with a mysterious woman, believed to be the key to Emph’s undoing, to battle the demon lord once and for all. There will be many obstacles. Survival is not promised to them. The fate of their world will depend upon the courage of these few.
$3.99
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes
Smashwords
Omni Lit
Kobo
Years ago, a young warlock released Emph, the Lord of Demons, from the depths of hell. Emph laid waste to the land as he consumed kingdoms, including Jelzicar. Now, as his own village is threatened, Drahvyn has been contacted by a Priestess to fulfill a prophecy. Together with his dagger wielding sister, an elven archer, a dwarven warrior, and a creature made of both good and evil, they will travel with a mysterious woman, believed to be the key to Emph’s undoing, to battle the demon lord once and for all. There will be many obstacles. Survival is not promised to them. The fate of their world will depend upon the courage of these few.
$3.99
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes
Smashwords
Omni Lit
Kobo
