Interview with Author T. Anderson

Hello everyone!

I've got a nice surprise for you today. I recently reviewed Monad 12.21.12 : The Awakening of Stella Steinar and today T. Anderson stops by to answer some of my questions. So please join me in welcoming her. :)

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your book?

I’m a new author. The Awakening of Stella Steinar is my first published book. Although, when I was younger, I dreamed of being a writer, I dismissed those dreams as being unrealistic and out of reach. Instead, I became an optician. I love this job, but it’s a very technical profession and I’m a creative soul. So I channel my creative energy into writing and art. I am a maniacal multi-tasker and function best when very busy. I also love yoga, and spending time with my ultra-supportive husband and our doggy-child, Chico.

My book evolved from a need to satisfy my own curiosity. I challenged myself to create a story that was unique, exploring a metaphysical slant for the YA reader. It’s a blend of genres including mystery, romance, psychological and paranormal thriller. It’s categorized as Metaphysical Fiction. Surprisingly, the book is attracting both male and female fans, from all different age groups, which is amazing!

Have you learned anything from writing and researching for your book?

Absolutely! I had a basic background in Norse mythology and world religions like Buddhism, but ended up studying extensively while researching. I learned everything from ancient Chinese medicine to theories of December 21, 2012, to history of the Scandinavian island of Haven. I know it sounds erratic and unorganized, but when you read the story, it will all make sense. I promise!

What song best matches your book?
I like all kinds of music and I always listen to it when I write. While writing MONAD I drew so much inspiration from my music. I created a playlist for the book, in fact! These are just a few of the songs:
When Water Comes to Life—Cloud Cult


Symmetry—Little Boots


Dark Come Soon—Tegan and Sara


Empty Room—Arcade Fire


Lotus Flower—Radiohead


The Passenger—Stars


This Time—The Verve


Even This Shall Pass Away—Robert Plant


Waiting for the End—Linkin Park


If you liked my book, listen to these songs and tell me what you think!


Why should readers pick up your book?
My story is modern, unique, fresh and different. No one has been able to compare it (yet)* to anything out there. It’s a change of pace from current trends, but will not disappoint lovers of paranormal, suspense, and romance. Plus, there are a few surprise twists that compel you to keep flipping the pages, so it’s easy to finish quickly. And it’s the first in a series, so the story continues!


*If anyone has comparables, please contact me! I’m hunting!


 If there was one book that you could hold up and say: "This is why I write" – what would it be?

Oh, that’s a tough question. I can only pick one? There are so many! I think I’d need to go back to my childhood to say, “This is why I write.” So I must give credit to the first real novel I read, The Thornbirds. Some may laugh about that, but where credit is due, credit must be given. I was gifted the book in a shopping bag full of paperbacks from a yard sale or book swap when I was eleven or twelve years old. I absolutely loved that book! I was devastated when my dog chewed it up, but have since replaced it with another copy.

Favorite books and authors?


I love Anne Rice, particularly The Tale of the Body Thief. Lately I’m on a Dean Koontz kick, my favourite being Lightening. I adore his surprise endings. I’m also a YA fan, just getting to The Hunger Games series. Unfortunately, now that I’m writing, I don’t have enough time to read as much as I’d like. You can check out some of my other favourite books on Goodreads if you’re curious.



What would be one question you’d want people to ask you but they never do and what would be your answer to that question?

Who is Tycho Brahe? On the first page of my book, “A Note from the Author,” I mention this name. I’ve been waiting for someone to send me a note without having to point it out, and so far, no one has. While doing some research for my book, I fell upon this 16th century Danish astronomer and alchemist. He was a very colourful and interesting character and I discovered so many uncanny and unbelievable coincidental details between his life and certain parts of my story that I felt I owed him great thanks. I don’t want to give any spoilers here, but once you’ve read the story, take a few minutes and check this guy out. Not many people have heard of him, but will only recognize his assistant, Johannes Kepler.

If you could co-write a book with anyone living or dead, who would it be and why?


Great question. Maybe Isaac Asimov. He was so beyond his time. His ideas were original and though-provoking. I love when a fictional story ignites a spark of inner and social analysis. It’s one of my aspirations and as a master of this, he would have been an excellent teacher.


Where can readers find you for more information?


I can be found:


My blog http://www.authortanderson.blogspot.com/


My website http://www.authortanderson.com/


Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/5199313.T_Anderson


Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/MONAD-122112-The-Awakening-of-Stella-Steinar/128463370557407


Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/tabookgirl


e-mail: info@monad2012.com



Thanks! Hope the questions were not too hard. I tried to come up with “fun” ones. :)

Haha! Your questions were great! They were a little hard…but very fun as well. Thank you so much, Melanie. I appreciate your time and kind assistance.

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It's the author's turn to ask the questions!

Do you believe in the possibility of past lives, reincarnation, life after death? Do you believe we are fated to meet certain people, like a soul mate?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.