It’s only March 2017 but I’ve managed to read seven books this year. Although this volume seems little compared to frequent book readers, I would like to keep the momentum going by reading other genres as well.

One of the books that I’ve read recently that is quite far from the usual style I dig is ‘The Gaia Effect’ by Claire Buss. This is her first novel and the journey to getting her work published is an interesting one!

But first, let me share the blurb of The Gaia Effect:

In City 42 Corporation look after you from cradle to grave. They protect you from the radiation outside the wall. They control the food, the water, the technology and most important of all, the continuation of the human race. Kira and Jed Jenkins were lucky enough to win Collection but when their friends start falling pregnant naturally, everything changes. How long has Corporation been lying to them? Is it really toxic outside the wall? As the group comes to terms with the changes in their lives they discover there is a much more powerful and ancient force at work, trying to bridge the gap between man and nature.

 

Or you may just watch the book trailer here:

Interesting, right? For some reason, I was imagining two Hollywood stars playing the role of Kira and Jed. I also have a Filipino version in my head but I wouldn’t reveal who I had in mind (unless you force me..).

Now, let’s focus on the author behind this fantastic debut! Get to know Claire Buss and discover why her own journey to the publishing world is worth the read!

1. How did you get started in writing?

I used to write a lot when I was in my teens but life sort of got in the way. I entered a local writing competition in 2015 and wrote The Gaia Effect as a result. Since then I’ve written another book currently in editing mode and have lots of new projects lined up which is very exciting.

 

2. Who is your favorite character?

My favorite character in my book, The Gaia Effect, is probably Kira Jenkins.  She is a new mum and trying to deal with all of that as well as look after all her friends and family. She is the glue that holds the group together, fiercely loyal and not afraid to speak her mind.

My favorite ever literary character would be….probably Granny Weatherwax in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series.

 

3. Who is your favorite author?

My favorite author is probably Terry Pratchett although there are many fine writers in the sci-fi/fantasy umbrella. I love Robin Hobb, Ben Aaronovitch, Joe Abercrombie, Sara Douglas, Greg Bear, Piers Antony, Terry Brooks, John Scalzi, Brent Weeks, Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson to name a few.

 

4. When do you usually write?

I am not very good at writing at a set time but I try to make sure I have time everyday to write – if that makes sense? Sometimes I write in the hour I have first thing when I get up before anyone else, sometimes I write in the hour after my little boy has gone to bed. It depends how inspired I am feeling. Very occasionally I get to escape to the local coffee shop where I can work for a solid few hours. Having limited time has helped me be more focused and forcing myself to write everyday exercises that muscle brilliantly.

5. Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

Yes, I like to listen to classical music or movie soundtracks when I’m writing or editing. I am especially fond of LOTR, The Hobbit and Twilight soundtracks at the moment.

 

6. What books have most influenced your life?

I read a lot, I always have. I devoured many of the classic childrens books such as Secret Seven, Famous Five, Swallows & Amazons and moved on to things like Shakespeare, Dickens and Thackery before I started secondary school – these were the books I had access to at home. As well as the odd Jilly Cooper and books like The Thorn Birds. Basically I read everything. When I was old enough to explore the library by myself I found the sci-fi & fantasy section and my love of that genre was born. I read Greg Bear, Terry Brooks, Katherine Kerr, Michael Morcock, Tad Williams, Piers Antony, Terry Pratchett and countless other large series. Books that have stayed with me are things like the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, I love the fact that I can get stuck into the story and it takes me away from the every day. I try to read as widely as I can but I always come back to fantasy and sci-fi, it’s where my heart is.

 

7. What are you passionate about these days?

These days I am passionate about my writing, my little boy and my husband, cake and I do have another hobby which I barely have any time for – crosstitch. But not nice simple designs, these are huge, confetti laden fantasy designs which take years to complete. Something to do while watching all that epic sci-fi & fantasy TV!

Hey, there’s a giveaway!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

BUY THE BOOK ON AMAZON! https://www.amazon.com/Gaia-Effect-Claire-Buss-ebook/dp/B01N7KT80X

Author Bio:

Claire Buss is a science fiction/fantasy writer currently based in Barking, Essex. She wanted to be Lois Lane when she grew up but work experience at her local paper was eye-opening. Instead Claire went on to work in a variety of admin roles for over a decade but never felt quite at home. An avid reader, baker and pinterest addict Claire won second place in the Barking and Dagenham Pen to Print writing competition in 2015 with The Gaia Effect and set her writing career in motion.

Visit her at:

Website: http://cbvisions.weebly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/busswriter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/grasshopper2407
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Claire-Buss/e/B01MSZY649

This is part of the Ultimate Fantasy Books Tour featuring The Gaia Effect by Claire Buss. It’s my first time to join such fun activity, which encourages authors and avid readers to support one another! I will publish my review of The Gaia Effect soon!