Interview with Genevieve Crownson, author of 'The Soul of the Sun'

Genevieve Crownson graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelors of Science degree. A love of writing led her to pen her debut novel, The Soul of the Sun. This is book one in her highly anticipated trilogy, The Argos Dynasty. She currently lives in beautiful Charleston, SC with her family and beloved four-legged friends.

For More Information

• Visit Genevieve Crownson’s website.
• Check out Genevieve’s blog.
• Connect with Genevieve on Facebook and Twitter.
• Contact Genevieve Crownson.

Thank you for this interview!  I’d like to know more about you as a person first.  What do you do when you’re not writing?

I am a certified beach worshipper, so I head down to the ocean whenever I can. I’m not too far from Kiawah Island in South Carolina and the beachfront is

gorgeous. I’m a huge animal lover and am devoted to my dogs; they often come along for the beach rides if it’s not too hot. On occasion I take Lailah my little maltipoo for a bike ride which is fun. Although there was a recent incident where she may have become a little too large for her basket, and an integral component snapped and we had to walk all the way home...but that is another story. I hang out with my friends and family whenever I get the chance. I can also be found in my kitchen having a love affair with my Vitamix. I am addicted to coming up with new creations. Smoothies, banana ice cream you name it. I try it.

When did you start writing?

I started writing as soon as I was old enough to hold a pencil. But in first grade we were asked to pen stories and that is when I really started to write.  I discovered a world of my own imagination and everything that was happening to me was put on paper. I have been writing ever since.

As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?

The day I opened the mailbox and found my book inside I stood for a full five minutes, just holding the package. My heart was racing, my palms were sweaty, something that I had dreamed of my entire life was unfolding right before my eyes. Eventually after a few odd winks and nods from the neighbors I was able to jump start myself and I ripped opened the box. I cried like a little girl. It was finally REAL. The neighbors probably thought I was high on catnip but I didn’t care.  

If you could go anywhere in the world to start writing your next book, where would that be and why?

I would go see my Grandmother in New Zealand. She lives on Waiheke Island off the coast of Auckland. It’s beautiful there, not to mention the food is exquisite. The cuisine is so fresh and delicious. You can also find many cozy, quaint out of the way places to write and get lost in your imagination. My Grandma herself is a source of inspiration. She is my favorite person in the world, plus she is brimming full of the most remarkable true life stories. Part of her character is found in Margaret from my book The Soul of the Sun. The red lipstick trait is 100% her. I have woven her essence into Margaret and a number of people tell me she is their favorite character.

If you had 4 hours of extra time today, what would you do?

I would definitely write. I would also take some extra time to feed my soul, which might include reading self-help books. I have learned so much from authors such as Eckhart Tolle, Louise Hay, Dr. Wayne Dyer among others. It’s definitely time well spent. I highly recommend it if you are seeking more peace in your life.

Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?

I would love to set a novel in a time yet to come. In fact I am already thinking about my next series which if all goes according to plan will be set in the future.

Back to your present book, The Soul of the Sun how did you publish it?

Initially I was going to try the traditional route, but then once the manuscript was finished I decided I couldn’t wait. I didn’t want to waste time hoping someone might publish my book, when I knew I could do it immediately. So I self-published, and I’ve had no regrets.

In writing your book, did you travel anywhere for research?

Well a big part of the book takes place in Charleston, SC which is literally right outside my front door! When Emma traveled to Greece it required extensive research. It was in a long ago time and I wanted to describe accurately the sensations of ancient Greece. I wish I could have traveled to Greece that would have been fantastic. Maybe next time! ;)

Why was writing The Soul of the Sun so important to you?

The underlying theme for The Soul of the Sun is anything is possible. Even if you are afraid, take that first leap of faith forward towards your dream. Sometimes it’s the things that scare us the most that are so worthwhile and lead us to our best self. There is magic in all of us we just have to believe in ourselves.

Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?

All my ideas for my novels come from my dreams. They unfold like a movie in my mind when I sleep at night. The main plot is basically all laid out for me and then I go ahead and flesh out the details adding things here and there.

Any final words?

Thank you so much for this interview. I am honored that you spent your precious time with me.