Interview + Giveaway with Suzanne Tyrpak!!

I'm delighted to share this interview and giveaway with you. Suzanne shares her source of inspiration with us, plans for a sequel and her favourite book. Hop over to the review if you want to take another look at it!!

Heey, why don’t you introduce yourself first?  

 Hi Juliane. Thanks for inviting me. I love to write, and someday soon I hope to write full-time. When I'm not writing, or hanging out at Kindleboards, I work for Frontier airlines and also do freelance marketing for a science museum. I'm originally from New York, but now I live in a beautiful mountain town in Colorado. I like to ski, ride my bike and hike.

Have you always had an interest in Roman culture or was it something completely new for you?

Ancient cultures have also fascinated me, Classical Greece in particular. (My next book, Agathon's Daughter, takes place in ancient Athens.) In college my major was ancient theatre and religion. I wanted to know about people's daily lives and the role of women in society. About ten years ago, I travelled to Rome with a group of writers, and I fell in love with Italy. I was drawn to the story of the Vestal Virgins—the most powerful women in Rome, sworn to chastity on penalty of death.

How much research did you do before starting the book?

 I travelled to Rome twice, read a lot of books, and spent at least two years doing research. I even hired a guide who specialized in the year I write about, A.D. 63, to show me around the Forum Romanun. I tend to do research as I write, and the research often informs the story.

Would you classify this book as being Christian Fiction?

Early Christianity is a theme in the novel. Paul of Tarsus was in Rome at the

time I write about. I'm fascinated by the contrast between new and old religions—Christianity versus the Roman Pantheon. Christians may find the history interesting, but I wouldn't classify this as a Christian book. 

 What plans do you have for writing a sequel on, for example, Flavia?

I'd like to follow up with a story with Flavia as the central character. She's skanky and reckless, and certain to create a wild story. The story will take place several years after Vestal Virgin and depict Nero's persecution of the Christians—including crazy parties where he crucified and burned people. and his ultimate disintegration.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get most of my inspiration, regarding story and setting, from reading and travel. My characters and their emotions are more personal—I'm always taking notes, at least mentally. And, I used to be an actor, so I tend to throw myself into the characters.

What was your favourite book growing up?

Let's see, there were many. I loved A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I love the mystery and the romance of the story, also the Eastern influence. I can't tell you how many times I've read the book.

And now on to the GIVEAWAY!!

We will give away copies of Vestal Virgin to the first 10 people who:

•  email me at Suzanne dot Tyrpak at gmail dot com 
•  follow my blog, “Who’s Imagining All This?”
• Next to that, we want you to promise to enjoy the book to the best of your capability

So, don't forget, this giveaway will last until 10 people have emailed. You probably know how fast these things can go, so hurry up!! In your email to Suzanne don't forget to mention the name with which you're following her blog!