My #Authorinterview with Sonador Snow @Sonador_snow

Today I’m pleased to have Sonador Snow on my blog.  He is another Creativia author.  Welcome, Sonador!

So, what book will we be talking about today?

QUEST FOR BABYLON’S SOUL is a gripping high-paced thriller.

What is the story about?

The adventure expands over three continents and three different time frames. American archaeologist Diane Ryan discovers a mass grave in the hot sands of Syria. She calls English historian Geoff Symons for assistance with the dig and, when they find an ancient clay plate the nightmare begins. Over two thousand years earlier, a greedy Persian general and his seneschal marched through the dunes, leaving rivers of blood behind them while they are trying to find a hiding place for the massive twenty-four ton gold statue of God Marduk, looted from Babylon.

Who is the main character?

Geoff Symons and Diane Ryan.

What inspired this tale?

I remember years ago reading a historical piece from Herodotus about the twenty-four gold statue of the supreme god of Babylon, Marduk, and how it mysteriously disappeared after the Persians suffocated a city rebellion. As the destiny of this massive piece of gold remains shrouded in mystery even today I thought it can provide an opportunity for an interesting plot.

How did the story come to you?

It was easy, I was looking to read something in the genre of Indiana Jones, an adventure novel, and I struggled to find anything particularly interesting. As this piece from Herodotus was fresh in my mind, by the end of a single weekend I had the first four chapters on paper and from then on it was easy.

Did you have to research for this novel and if so, why?

Yes, I had to research the historical facts surrounding the statue and its disappearance. Also, I made extensive research about the Persian Empire during Xerxes times and the narration of that period is pretty accurate. The historical events surrounding the rebellion and its suffocation are as they were recorded and also Thracian goldsmiths are renowned for centuries as the best ones.

The events described in the third time frame during the NATO presence in Iraq is also based on pieces from investigative journalists and the cases against soldiers abusing their powers are well documented and needed researching.

If you did research, what do you think surprised you most to learn and why?

My greatest surprise was the lack of information about the way this particular rebellion in Babylon was suffocated. I found detailed descriptions about other sieges of the city before and after that one, but for some reason it seemed that for this particular one, during which the statue actually vanished into thin air, there is not much historical evidence. This gave me the idea about the way the Persian general in my story got rid of the historians that were definitely travelling with him towards Babylon, just their narration abruptly stops there.

Do you relate to your character?

To some extent.

Is your protagonist anything like you personally?

I’d like to say yes, although it is definitely not built primarily on my persona.

If yes, then how?

Historical and archeological curiosity had always been part of who I am and both Geoff Symons and Diane Ryan have that in abundance. Plus in the past, I’ve been known to put myself in trouble while trying to unravel a story that won’t be popular with a government or a military institution, and just like my characters, I’m not afraid to speak even when I’m threatened by those with too much power.

What made you write this character; what made them important to you or made you want to tell their story?

I don’t think there was a reason in particular, or if there was one years ago when I created this character I can’t think of it now.

Is there anything specific you want readers to know about this piece of work?

I hope that readers that like adventure novels and pieces like Indiana Jones, Dan Brown, or James Rollins will find the book enjoyable and interesting. I tried to keep the suspense level as high as possible throughout and in general I like fast-pace developments.

Also, this might be a good place to mention that book 2 of this adventure is well on its way and by early summer 2017 it should be released!

When will the novel be available for purchase?

It is already on the market!

Just click on the cover to read a preview, or buy your copy today!

Okay, let’s learn more about you, as a writer Who is Sonador Snow?

An ‘extra’ordinary person that loves life, his family, friends and nature. I spend as much time as I can outside. I also like to experiment in the kitchen, sometimes this is not very popular with my partner, but I must say that no fires or great disasters have been recorded so far J

I’m also a sports fan, I can say I’m a junky for anything winter sport related and also like to spend a few hours in the evenings watching NBA – “Go Bulls!”

What inspired you to start writing?

Ever since a young age I have had a vivid imagination and in my early teenage years I was very popular around young kids as I kept inventing stories on the go. I can’t remember much, but definitely there was a forest, a rabbit, a bear and at least one naughty fox. Anyhow, the kids kept quiet and listened to me for hours, so I must have been doing something right.

Later in life a series of difficult personal experiences had me in bed for months and this was when I first started writing seriously, at some point I got tired of just reading. I really enjoy it and even today when I feel a bit blue all I need to do is take the pen and paper (I still use old-fashioned methods for my first drafts), close myself off from the outside world and a few hours later I’m much better.

What is your favorite book you have written and why?

I hope that I’m yet to write my favorite book. I really believe that I have more stories to tell the world.

When you are not writing, what do you do to recharge?

As I said above I like the outdoors, like to keep busy in my garden and also love the walks with my dog. Reading also takes up a serious part of my time, plus the other mentioned above activity of watching sport.

Are you an Indie Author or are you part of a publishing house?

50/50.

Do you read books within the genres you write?

Yes.

Besides being an author, do you have a second job?

I work as a journalist for a news agency.

What do you enjoy most about being an author?

Everything. Just love it!!!

Sonador, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions.  Later, I will be interviewing one of your characters.  I can’t wait.  In the meantime, how can your readers connect with you?