Interview with A.A. Smith, Author of Iseris: House of Power

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Iseris: House of Power?

I’ve always made up stories in my head. I wrote my first “book” when I was six. It was about the adventures of me and my imaginary friend, based on the Magic Tree House series. Some ideas stuck around more than others, and with Iseris it was so recurring in my mind I just had to write it down. I’ve always been interested in things such as Star Wars and Pokemon, and later I got into the Avatar animated series, and Fire Emblem as well. I was fascinated by these stories, characters, and worlds. I began to wonder if I were to do things myself, how would I do them differently? That’s how the formation of Iseris began, but it soon became something much bigger. I would jot down random notes and create miscellaneous documents on my computer just expanding the world and characters. Much of my brain space would be overtaken with daydreaming new scenes. It came to a point where it simply could not live solely in my head anymore, so on and off for a few years I wittled away until I was able to present this book I have today.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Iseris: House of Power, what would they be?

Hmm, for my main character I would use the song “Fade” by Alan Walker. There are no lyrics, but I believe the somewhat somber yet hopeful tone of the song resonates with her. There is a sense of longing to it, and throughout the book she does face some periods of deep longing. There is also a feeling of more, that there is more on the horizon, and Mora is character who both wishes for a new day and believes there to be one.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I tend to like fairly grounded stories. I like realistic fiction and historical fiction, but I do enjoy fantasy stories at times too. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite genre to write. Ideas for stories pop up in my head, and they’re not specific to any genre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Little Fire Everywhere by Celeste Ng, The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, Bear Town by Frederik Backman, we are all completely beside ourselves by Karen Joy Flower, Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I tend to enjoy writing more somber, contemplative scenes. I enjoy scenes with a lot of subtlety and internal conflict. One scene that stands out to me is in the fifth chapter where Mora and another character are sitting outside of the room they’re staying in. The city is awake around them and they’re talking to each other, but also around each other. Mora takes a simplistic approach, but the unspoken dialogue underneath indicates that there’s more going on.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I do enjoy writing near windows. I like scenic landscapes and looking outside helps me when I write. I also have pictures of various settings on my phone I use as motivation.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Sometimes all you can do is take the next step forward.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Change is okay, and often the lines that define us are written in sand.

A.A. Smith is the author of the new book Iseris: House of Power

Connect with A.A. Smith

Buy The Book