Author Interview – Angela Armstrong – The Unflinching Ash

Tell me a bit about who you are.

Prior to writing books, I concentrated on English and Film, showed full-time in schools, owned a gallery, and edited books for publishers. I live with my husband Haki in Northland, New Zealand, where I dedicate my non-writing hours to home-school three talkative little girls who have acquired a furious love of words from their mom.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

One of my earliest memories involves quarto-folding paper and manipulating a long-armed stapler to join the sheets. I have no memory of when I didn’t plan to create books.

When did you take a step to start writing?

As an adult, I started sharing my writing as a blogger. In time, I was drawn closer by Walker, Hachette, and others to survey books, then interview writers. It was after an especially sincere meeting with Laini Taylor that I pursued a choice I expected to make dynamic strides towards composing my most memorable composition.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

2 years.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

4 years.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Unflinching Ash?

In the wake of going to a global sorcery show with my three little girls, their heads were turning as they wondered about all that this male entertainer had done.  Mine hurt with all the lady had done that they had not seen.

I realized I needed to be essential for making another story.

I was unable to accept male strength in wizardry was so articulated, still. I started considering what a world like our own would seem to be, in the event that things had started to change sooner.  I started pondering what it would have been similar to assuming a gutsy female illusionist had prevailed with regards to advancing quite a while in the past… and afterward my contemplations caught on how that story would be told assuming such desire was brought into the world during a period of widespread panic.

Such countless tales about witches end with ladies tormented, tested or straight-way executed in light of the fact that they accomplished something actually sensible albeit maybe thought unique; they gave contraception to other people, had particular talent with creatures, or consumed spices somebody thought improper, met up unusually, or most impartially, encountered a seizure.  These accounts were not dependably of ladies, however for the most part so.

I maintained that the battle should be won there, at the forefront.

Despite the fact that Houdini was to ascend to noticeable quality later, wizardry and deceptions had been flourishing all over the planet for quite a long time – with differed gathering.

It became abundantly clear to me that there have never been any female magicians of any era who have achieved the same level of fame as the numerous well-known male magicians.  I’m certain you’ve known about Harry Houdini, Penn and Teller, David Copperfield, David Blaine, and Siegfried and Roy.  Might you at any point name one female entertainer?  On the off chance that I gave names to you, could they reverberate with matching commonality?  Shouldn’t something be said about Dorothy Dietrich, Foggy Lee, Kristen Johnson, Ning Cai, Debbie Leifer, Eusapia Palladino, Frances Willard, Ariann Dark, Mariko Itakura, Faye Voila, or Lisa Menna?

Therefore, in Mórlough, I imagined a different world and history in which a war was won for women, as well as for anyone who is different or poorly understood, just like the wars we are still fighting today; a war that might have resulted in a different world than ours, one where talented, wild, and mysterious women are respected and remembered equally.

What were your biggest challenges with writing The Unflinching Ash?

When she was let go as part of a restructure, I was working with an editor from one of the houses mentioned earlier. Then, at that point, I was working with a chief specialist when the Bologna Book Fair she was scheduled to go to was dropped. At last, I was preparing myself for a house move and new schedules, prepared to clean the original copy, when New Zealand’s lockdown brought about our family becoming dislodged, then wanderers. In the beyond year and a half, we have moved multiple times, from house-sit to house-sit, since our most memorable home stayed busy with its proprietors secured, and afterward when we chose to work all things considered, our undertaking was held up because of expertise and supply deficiencies. We’re actually moving from one spot to another. Composing while continually moving is difficult.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

Ash is proudly aggressive and visited me entire, it be composed to request she.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

There’s more than one individual contrary to Ash and her mission to proceed as a lady legitimately. A few parts are told according to the point of view of a specific extremist, Odell.  Odell genuinely accepts Ash is in need saving. I experienced childhood in a moderate local area however have since rethought my convictions.  Odell is brought into the world from the pieces of confidence that fiber, for me.

What is the inciting incident of The Unflinching Ash?

At the point when Ash thinks she has a decent handle on her opposition, a peregrine illusionist joins the Spiritualist circuit.

What is the main conflict of The Unflinching Ash?

Church versus Progress.

Did you plot The Unflinching Ash in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

I prepared an outline but after feedback from my editor, I did a restructure. I’m definitely a plotter though.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Unflinching Ash need?

I worked with a trade publishing editor then independent editors. The book went through 15 rounds of revisions with four editors in each round.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

Start writing is the most important thing.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

House-sitting will play a part in the next book.

And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

I’m satisfied that Ash and this story are being shared.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Author LinkTree:

https://linktr.ee/angelaarmstrong

Author website: http://www.angelaarmstrongbooks.com/

Author goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/angelaarmstrong

Author Twitter:

Author Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.nz/angelaarmstrongauthor/

Author Central:

https://www.amazon.com/Angela-Armstrong/e/B078438HQT

Book on Book Depository:

https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Unflinching-Ash-Angela-Armstrong/9780473578350