How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I was 11 or 12. I can’t really remember a time when I wasn’t writing something.
What is your favorite genre to write?
Fantasy, definitely. I have another fantasy series coming, and an urban fantasy series due for release next year.
Which genre have you never tried before, but would you like to try out?
I’d have to say horror, but I’m not sure I can pull off scary very well, my humour always injects itself into things.
Please tell us about your book.
Crimson Fire was written in 2005 as a nanowrimo novel. It’s set in a continent loosely based in Africa. The main character grew up poor and is sold into slavery to pay her father’s debts. She can also do magic. Her new mistress wants her educated in the us of magic, and also in history and other topics. But her mistress is a spoilt princess and she has enemies, so things get complicated very quickly.
Which character was your favorite, and why? Which character was your least favorite, and why?
Tabia is my favourite. She’s unsure of herself, but she’s a strong young woman who doesn’t let life beat her down. She fights back. My least favourite is Tarang. He’s a power-hungry, ruthless and all around nasty guy.
What was the hardest part about writing your book?
Juggling young children and writing (they were 3 and 5 then). The hardest part about writing the series as a whole is in keeping all the facts straight, down to the locations and the names of trees and animals.
What is your writing routine? Are there things you absolutely need to start writing?
I usually write between 9am and 11am, then tend to our animals. Then I eat and write more before going for a long walk with the dog. I can’t write on an empty stomach!
How long did it take you to write your book from start to finish?
Well I won nanowrimo that year, then wrote the other 47,000 words after that. So two to three months.
Can you tell us about your editing process?
I just read it chapter by chapter, over and over until I’m happy, then I hunt around for beta readers to rip it all apart. I love it when they do, it makes it better.
Is this book part of a series? If so, how many installments do you have planned?
I’m editing book 2 and writing book 3. If 3 ends the way I think it will, I’ll need book 4.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Read everything you can and seek as much constructive feedback as you can get, but remember you can’t please them all, so use what is useful to you.
Why should everyone read your book?
Because it’s unique in having a dark-skinned lesbian sorcerer as the main character.
If you could meet three authors, dead or alive, which authors would you choose?
Brandon Sanderson, Jennifer Fallon (again, but why not?) and JK Rowling.
What inspired you to write your book?
The lack of fantasy with African inspired settings, dark skinned characters and the fact that most LGBT characters I encountered when I wrote it felt like ad-ons, because the author thought they should.
Are you working on something at the moment? If so, can you tell us more about it?
I am working on book 3 of Isskasala. Book 2 is set 8 years after 1, and book 3 is 1 year after 2, so it follows on more closely. Readers will learn the significance of the Phoenix on the cover when they read book 3.
About the Book
Title: Crimson Fire
Author: Mirren Hogan
Genre: Fantasy
Magic was the last thing on Tabia’s mind — until she discovered she could use it. When her father hands her over to the princess of a neighbouring country to pay his debts, she may have the chance to learn how to control her new abilities.
But her new mistress’ enemies have plans of their own. Caught up in a web of divided loyalties, coercion and betrayal, Tabia can trust no one.
Can Tabia find a way to regain her freedom and return home — or will the struggle cost her the ultimate price?
Author Bio
Mirren Hogan lives in NSW Australia with her husband, two daughters, dog, cat, rabbits and countless birds. She has a Bachelor of Arts (English/ history), a Graduate Diploma of Arts (writing) and a couple of degrees in education. She writes fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal fiction.She has several books due for release with The Dragon’s Rocketship publishing within the next year, including a trilogy co-authored by Erin Yoshikawa. She’s also had several short stories published and has co-edited two charity anthologies; for breast cancer research and Plan Australia.
Twitter: @MirrenHogan
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