Character Interview with Eviana Dumahl

Eviana, what has it been like being the new clan leader?

Rough. I’ve never felt more unprepared in my life. But Kain’s been helping me and together we’ve been able to get by.

And how are you coping after your parents deaths?

I’m coping. Some days are harder than others and every time I see their bedroom, I have to walk away. My sister’s having a really hard time, so it helps me focus on her needs more than mine.

It must be difficult being such a young clan leader. How are you going to demand respect from your clan?

The million dollar question. I’m trying to learn to keep the snark under control and think through every word that comes out of my mouth. If I can perfect my powers, then maybe that will earn me some respect as well. I have a feeling this is going to be an ongoing battle.

You seem to have many guys in your life lately. Kain, Brendan, and Graham are all amazing. Do you have any idea who you will choose?

Tell me about it. Choose? I don’t even know if I have a choice. I love Brendan. Always have, always will. So it’s hard to be objective right now. Kain is…great and would be the perfect choice for our families. But I’m pretty sure I messed that up a while ago. And Graham…he just gets me. My heart is torn…

Now that Brendan has felt the call, do you think you two will ever reunite?

I don’t know. For the first time ever…I don’t know what the future holds for us. Do selkies ever break free from that? If not, then how can we be together?

And what of Graham’s betrayal? Will you ever find it in yourself to forgive him?

(Sigh). Graham’s just confused. He fell under Lucian’s spell and made some bad choices. And who am I to judge someone on their questionable decisions? He’s been though a lot and I think others forget that. I might be able to forgive him someday…but I need some time.

What can we expect from you later on? Can we expect big things?

Well first I have to get out of this mess and find my way home! Oh, and then I probably need to convince Lucian not to start a war. You know…just the usual. At some point I’d like to take a breath.

Before you go, Eviana, tell us your true feelings for Graham. Is it just a crush, or did your feelings amount to more than that?

I felt…connected with Graham. Of course he’s easy to look at but it was more than that. He understands what it’s like to be in my position and to constantly fight to prove we’re worthy of respect. There’s something about him that fills an empty space inside. Whether that’s a temporary fix or not, I don’t know.

Amber Garr is the author of The Syrenka series, which includes Promises, Betrayal and Arise. You can find more information about Amber on her website.

 

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Summer or Winter? Winter!! Although I never get to see them anymore.

Favorite Color? Blue

The Vampire Diaries or Merlin?The Vampire Diaries

Best movie you’ve seen lately?Argo

Weirdest Habit? I can’t eat the end piece or last bite of sandwiches/pizza/anything with an end!

Biggest Pet Peeve?People who don’t even try

 

Can you tell us about your book, Betrayal?

Betrayal picks up a few weeks after Eviana returns to the home she ran away from. She’s a clan leader now and is struggling to come to grips with what that means as well as deal with her fractured relationship with Kain. Her boyfriend is “taking some time off” and she’s receiving threats from Lucian Sutherland. In short…her life has been flipped upside down. And it’s not about to get any better. She’ll discover new things about herself and learn what it means to put what’s best for others in front of her own needs.

How long does it usually take you to write a first draft?

An average of two months. But it depends a lot on my work schedule and how much time I can squeeze in for promoting and marketing all of the already published books. It’s getting more challenging with each release!

What is the hardest part about killing off a character?

Some are definitely easier than others. It has to fit the story – especially when it’s a major character (spoiler alert!). It’s tough. I did it in Arise and it made me cry each time I read and re-read the scene.

The main character, Eviana, seems to have a few good looking guys to choose from. What is her end decision going to come down to?

I’ve known for a while who she’d end up with, and I don’t want to give anything away! But it will come down to listening to her heart (cheesy, but you’ll understand what I mean).

The ending of Betrayal has a major shocker! What can readers expect from the third book?

More shockers, lots of action, and a funeral.  The series comes to a close in a way that will hopefully answer everyone’s questions and leave them satisfied.

About how long did it take you to write Betrayal?

This was my fastest book – it took me a month to write. The story literally flew out of me and onto the keyboard. I spent about two days outlining and wrote every day after that. It was great!

Did you ever find yourself experiencing writers block? How do you cope with it?

Sometimes, although I don’t think it’s so much writers block as it is letting life getting in the way. It’s hard finding the time to write and if I take too long of a break, I feel like I have to go back over the whole book to remember where I am. I also get inspired when I read other books…even if it’s a different genre. I think it helps bring my brain back to the right mindset.

What’s a secret about Eviana that readers may not realize while reading the books?

I think Eviana is undeniably strong. She may not be there quite yet, but with all she had to deal with in a short amount of time…she’s been handling it pretty well.

Graham. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous Graham. Obviously I’m in love. What was it like creating his character?

One of my favorites for sure! I’d go back over his scenes and smile every time. Who doesn’t like a bad boy? He’s one of those guys that you know you shouldn’t be into but it’s just too tempting. Graham wasn’t supposed to make an entry until this book…and I’m glad because he plays a very important role in Eviana’s life.

And what of Graham’s betrayal? Will Eviana ever forgive him?

Graham and Eviana are very similar in their struggles and I think that will be something she takes into consideration. With so many bad things going on, she’s going to need a friend. Even a misguided one.

Do you see yourself writing novella’s about the syrenka series in the future or is it officially over after the third book?

Short stories? Yes. A novella? I don’t know…maybe! As of right now, the series is complete at three books but I’m still in love with the characters so there will be more in one way or another!

What is currently in your To-Be-Read pile?

I just finished The Indigo Spell and am reading Kim Harrison’s Ever After (super awesome BTW). I also have several lined up including Tempest Rising, Beautiful Creatures, Coexist, and Anew.