Author Interview – Taylor Sage 1. For readers discovering you for the first time, can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey into becoming an author?
- Hi! I’m Taylor Sage. I am an indie author livingin Michigan, USA with my fiance, our three cats, and our golden retriever. I have been writingshort stories since I was a little kid. My mom told me I had notebooks filled with stories andillustrations. One day back in 2022, I started writing my first book, The Fated Mates of Boulder,and I published it in July 2023. Though I have a few books published, I am not well known, but Iam trying.
2. You’ve been writing since childhood, from short stories to illustrated stories. What originally sparked your love for storytelling?
- I’m not really sure. I started writing stories when I was around the age of seven and just kept doing so on and off for my entire life. I really love books, so I think that may have a bit to do with it.
3. Your book Poisoned Apple (Songs of the Damned, Book 1) sounds intriguing. What is the story about?
- Everyone knows the classic fairy tales, but nobody knows the villains’ sides. Poisoned Apple is a Snow White retelling. The Evil Queen, Serephina, is imprisoned with the other villains; Ursula, Maleficent, Queen of Hearts, Captain Hook, etc. and she’s telling her story. None of them were actually the villain, their actions were for the love of their people and safety for those they loved.
4. What inspired the idea behind Poisoned Apple?
- I always wanted to get the villains’ point ofviews of each fairy tale. Poisoned Apple was just the start of the series I’m writing.
5. The title itself is very striking. Does it connect to any particular theme or symbolism in the story?
- The theme is classic fairy tales with a supernatural twist but the villains are actually the heroes.
6. Your work spans fantasy, romance, and sci-fi. What draws you to these genres?
- When I read these genres, I can escape from the stresses of the real world and into a fantasy world. I wanted to give other people the same feeling I get.
7. Some of your books are young adult while others are 18+. How do you approach writing for different audiences?
- The majority of my books are Young Adult, centered around heroes and such. The Adult Only ones have a bit of spice to them, not meant for young readers.
8. What was the most exciting part of creating the world for Songs of the Damned?
-The most exciting part was being able to put my spin on the fairy tales and give a new outlook on them.
9. Do you have a favorite character from Poisoned Apple?
- Honestly, The Evil Queen herself. Writing from her point of view gave her a relatable story.
10. What was the most challenging part of writing the book?
- The most challenging part was writing and re-writing. I can’t tell you how many times I scrapped my work and started over. I couldn’t get into the headspace I needed to be in to write a new view point while maintaining the original storyline.
11. When you start a new story, do you begin with the characters, the world, or the central idea?
- I usually start with the central idea. I create the story before I create the characters and world.
12. Are you more of a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between?
- I am definitely more of a plotter. I have to get the plot just right or I’m not happy.
13. What does your writing routine typically look like?
- Ah. Well, when I’m not at my full time job, I typically get comfy at my desk with a coffee and music. Then I’ll open my work and all of its parts. Sometimes I’ll write for hours at a time and sometimes I’ll stare at the screen like I forgot what I was doing.
14. You’re a self-published author. What has that journey been like for you?
- My journey has been interesting to say the least. I’m a new author and not well known, so I don’t have an automatic fanbase. I also struggle with marketing.
15. What is something you wish you had known before publishing your first book?
- I wish I’d known how complicated the process could really be. I thought I’d write my books, have friends read them and give feedback, make my edits, and BAM, have a successful career. I had no idea how difficult it would be once the book itself was finished.
16. You also mentioned The Sigil Saga, which is currently unpublished. Can you share anything about that project?
- Actually, as of March 10th, The Sigil Saga is complete and published on Amazon, along with books 2 and 3 of the Songs of the Damned series. Anyway, The Sigil Saga came from a very vivid dream I had in 2023. I shared that dream with my kid sister and she pushed me to create the story. It involves the Salem Witches, a blood oath, and one woman responsible for it all.
17. Do you enjoy building large fantasy worlds and series?
- I do! Creating these worlds makes me feel more freedom than I’ve had. It’s my ideas and only my ideas.
18. What themes tend to appear most often in your writing?
- I have found I typically write from a female point of view. Maybe because the books I need are through that point of view.
19. What do you hope readers feel or experience when they read your books?
- I hope they feel like they can step out of reality and see my world through the eyes of my characters.
20. If Poisoned Apple were adapted for a movie or TV series, what scene would you be most excited to see on screen?
- Oh man! I haven’t really given this much thought. I have to say the creation of the Heart Box and the Dagger. They are both magical objects designed by the Queen and her father. I can’t give too much away.
21. What authors or books have influenced your writing the most?
- Where to begin… P.C. Cast, Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, Elizabeth Briggs (rest in peace), and Deborah Harkness; to name a few.
22. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to self-publish fantasy or sci-fi?
Take your time. Nobody works at the same pace or has the same process. If you feel like your story isn’t ready, don’t stress yourself out about deadlines. If you feel it is ready, put it out there. Don’t let fear keep you from it.
23. What has been the most rewarding moment of your author journey so far?
- Completing my stories. If anything, that’s the most rewarding. As much as I would love to see my books on the New York Times Best Seller list, just finishing my stories gives me great joy.
24. What are you most excited about for the future of your writing career?
- Writing stories my audience will love.
25. Where can readers connect with you and keep up with your books and projects? -
They can connect with me on Instagram (@taytortot310, @taylorsageauthor) and TikTok (@taylorsageauthor).
Rapid Fire Fun �� 26. Coffee or tea while writing? - Coffee 27. Morning writer or night writer? - Night 28. Favorite fantasy creature? - Dragon 29. Paperback, ebook, or audiobook? - Paperback or ebook. I don’t really care for audiobooks. 30. Favorite world you’ve created so far? - My favorite world so far has to be my Shifter Universe. 31. One word to describe Poisoned Apple? - Misunderstanding 32. Favorite writing snack? - That varies. I’m particular to Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Jolly Ranchers. But if I’m making something at home; my cream cheese/dill dip with crackers. 33. Music while writing or silence? - I always have background noise. Sometimes it’s music and other times I’ve got something streaming on Netflix or Prime Video. 34. Favorite comfort book or series? - The Shifters series by Rachel Vincent. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read that. 35. One thing readers might be surprised to learn about you? - I am probably one of few people who will respond to most, if not all, messages and comments on my socials.
