Interview with Catrin Russell, Author of The Power of Conviction

What can you tell us about your new release, The Power of Conviction?

The Power of Conviction is my debut novel, and it centres around the priestess Anaya, a devout believer of the Goddess of Holy Light.

As the Priesthood engages in a sweeping war against demonkind, Anaya unexpectedly comes into contact with a wayward demon, Samael. He places doubt in her mind, and she is soon forced to choose between heart and duty.

Fate, prophecies, and an impossible love will blur the very line between good and evil.

The Power of Conviction is an epic fantasy tale with a dark and gritty feel, but it also has a touch of romance, written in high fantasy-like prose. It is a mix of all the things I love, including everything from action with blood and gore, to hot, yet tasteful steamy scenes!

What or who inspired you to become an author?

There’s no single thing or person who inspired me as such. In fact, I can’t even remember why I started writing when I was young. As a child/pre-teen, I co-authored several books with a friend of mine, and I’ve been writing regularly ever since. I’ve always enjoyed being creative (drawing being another outlet), so writing has just become part of who I am.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold
To Ride Hell’s Chasm by Janny Wurts
Lion of Macedon by David Gemmell
Waylander by David Gemmell

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

If I could choose any author who ever lived, I would definitely be talking to David Gemmell, purely because he was the one to literally ignite my passion for books and reading in general. I’d pick his brain, ask about his own sources of inspiration and his best advice. I would also want to know which of his characters was his favorite and why!

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

My absolute favorite part of writing is creating the world and the characters, then allowing them to show me their story. I’m mainly a pantser, so most of the story won’t be plotted out. It makes for a gratifying writing experience, as I get to watch the story unfold!

What is a typical day like for you?

Ever since I had my third child, I spend most of my days at home with my kids, then write my books as they go to bed. So, my days are a bit like “mom by day, writer by night!”

What scene from The Power of Conviction was your favorite to write?

This is a hard question since I have many favourite scenes, but one of them is a fun and light-hearted fishing sequence (and a break from all the blood and gore). Here, the main character Anaya plays a trick on her new demon acquaintance, Samael, by luring him close enough to a lake to push him into it. The scene is not only entertaining, but it also showcases her fearlessness (anyone who gets to know Samael will understand why), and it’s kind of a turning-point in their… relationship. So, yes! That is definitely a favourite.

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

I will go with the golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. I don’t only use this in my daily life, but also as an author, as I work to support other writers as much as I possibly can.

Catrin Russell is the author of the new book The Power of Conviction.

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