Zara Quentin, author of AIRWOMAN!

AIRWOMAN

Author: Zara Quentin
Series: Airwoman #1
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: October 25, 2016

Summary:
Jade Gariq is the daughter of a respected Taraqan leader, and the heiress to Gariq Industries—a large, cross-Portal trading company. Her future appears to be set. 

Except for one thing: It’s a life that she doesn’t want. 

Jade has always dreamed of joining the Traveller Force—the elite Taraqans who traverse the Betwixt, filled with terrifying beasts, and who protect and patrol the Dragonverse. Despite having been Travellers themselves once, Jade’s parents remain vehemently against risking their only daughter’s life. When Jade’s father dies suddenly, she inherits Gariq Industries, its assets, trade deals and social responsibilities.

It seems as though her fate has once again been decided.

Meanwhile, Axel—her close friend and secret crush—disappears without a trace. Then Jade discovers the circumstances surrounding her father's death are not what they seem— her uncle Zorman suspects foul play. To find the truth and avenge her father's death, Jade travels to an uncharted world, where she will learn more about her family, herself, loyalty, and betrayal than she ever imagined. 

What is your writing routine?

Zara Quentin: I have two hours dedicated to writing once my kids are in bed. Usually I write from about 8-10pm. Aside from that, I write whenever I can. When my kids were still taking naps, I would write during their nap time. Otherwise, if I have a spare 15 mins or so, I will use it to check in on my social media, do some brainstorming or sketch out a scene. 

Often, if I’m in drafting mode, I’ll be thinking about the next scene during the day so that when I sit down to write, I already have an idea of the way I want it to play out Then it’s just a matter of transcribing the movie in my head onto the page.

As far as routine’s go, though, I try to be as flexible as possible. I have to be able to write when I get the chance, so I try not to get too worried that I’m not in the right place or don’t have the right mood music or anything like that. As long as I have my laptop or a pen and paper, I’m good to go.

Do you find yourself reading the same genre as you write or do you diversify your reading?

Zara Quentin: I read lots of YA fantasy, for sure, but I also diversify. It’s hard—there are so many great books to read in the YA fantasy genre that I feel like I’m always playing catch up. However, I also like historical novels, sci-fi, adult fantasy, thriller and good contemporary books. I tend to read for pleasure so whatever grabs me at the time is what I’ll read next, no matter what genre it is.

Describe AIRWOMAN in 10 words or less.

Zara Quentin: A murder, a cross-portal journey, a mystery, and a betrayal.

What was the inspiration behind the story?

Zara Quentin: The initial idea came to me in the middle of a dark and stormy night. The wind had blown open the windows of my bedroom with a crash and as the curtains streamed into the room, I had a vision of her—Jade Gariq (though back then she didn’t have a name). She was perched on my windowsill—wings folded at her back and dripping wet—seeking shelter from the storm. She had come from somewhere else and was fleeing something—though I didn’t know what. It was that moment that sparked the idea that became Airwoman.

More generally, my world-building is heavily influenced by the places I’ve been—I have always loved travelling to foreign countries and experiencing new people and places. Over the years, there are many places I’ve been that have found their way into the fabric of my stories. 

Also, I’ve always wanted to fly—not “becoming-a-pilot” flying but “actually-having-wings” flying! So, it was fun for me to write from the point-of-view of a character with wings.