Today we’re shining the speculative spotlight on Xina Marie Uhl, author of City of the Dead, an epic fantasy novel entered into this year’s Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off.
Welcome to the Fantasy Inn, Xina! How are you and how have you been?
I’m not dying of Covid-19 and I just met my 5th grandchild, so I can’t complain.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what types of stories you write?
I’m a history nerd who writes in different genres: fantasy, historical romance, and humor about cats. My fantasy tends toward the dark, at least in this contest’s entry, Necropolis, and in my current WIP, Blue Moon Rising. I have a history master’s degree with a focus on the ancient Mediterranean, so that background heavily influenced Necropolis, which makes it unique. I’m also very much a character writer, in that of course plot is important, but more important to me as a writer is that readers identify with the characters and care about their journeys, whether they are noble or despicable.
Pick three books: One that is the most memorable to you as a reader, one that had the greatest influence on your writing career, and one that you just love.
The most memorable to me as a reader is The Disorderly Knights by Dorothy Dunnett, part of a sprawling historical series that is so vivid and compelling that I always finish it emotionally exhausted and in awe. The Disorderly Knights impelled me to visit Malta, where much of the knightly action took place and I can’t wait to go back.
The one that had the greatest influence on my writing career … hard to identify, but I suppose The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny. I love the smart-assed narrator and the sheer inventiveness of his journey.
I love Midshipman’s Hope by David Feintuch and all the books in the series. They have amazing sea battles in space and the emotional depth and tragedies of the characters is utterly compelling. I’ll have to read it over again!
How did you first fall in love with the fantasy genre?
Well, as a young reader, mainly in my teens, I devoured books in different genres: historical romances, westerns, sci fi, and fantasy. A close friend and I read and traded books and gushed about them to one another. She introduced me to the fantasy genre.
What made you want to become a writer?
Insanity? A deep and abiding love of the written word, natural inclination, and a desire to create worlds that others can enjoy. Apart from my fiction, my inclination toward history has led me to educational publishing, in which I’ve written more than 30 nonfiction books for young people.
Do you have any fun hobbies you’d like to share?
Hiking is my favorite. I’m blessed to live somewhere with gorgeous hiking trails. There’s nothing I love more than to get out on a trail with my dogs and explore in the absence of fellow hikers.
How about a fun fact?
I’ve dabbled in creating mosaics, inspired by Roman mosaics of the past.
Are you writing under a pen name?
Nope. With a name like mine I was born to be a writer. I have considered writing under one due to my penchant for writing in different genres, but just figure I’ll proceed like I have been because I don’t know any better.
What does your writing space look like?
Tell us about the book you entered into SPFBO this year!
City of the Dead (formerly Necropolis) takes place in a (Roman-inspired) desert city called Eretria, and centers around a priest from an enemy city who can’t remember how he ended up in a dank prison, and the prison guard who saves him. The two of them, along with a plucky girl and nefarious sorcerer, must evade sorcerers, corrupt politicians and their warlike plans, and ancient demonic gods.
Why this particular story, of all the stories you could have written?
It helped me heal from difficult times, and make sense of them. With ancient history and dark magic as the medium.
What key takeaways do you hope readers walk away from your book with?
The satisfaction of a tale well-told, and an affection for the characters and their journey.
How did you acquire the cover art for your book?
Original Necropolis cover: Yoly from Cormar Covers. https://cormarcovers.wixsite.com/cormarcovers
Why did you enter SPFBO? What are you hoping to get out of the competition?
I entered because for once I didn’t miss the open window. I’d love to get more readers for my book.
Which do you enjoy most: outlining, drafting, or editing?
Outlining and drafting, because of the excitement of creation. Editing is the devil.
What’s your writing process look like?
Plodding relentlessly with occasional bursts of creative energy.
Advice you wish you could give to your earlier self when you were first starting to write?
Get into a regular writing habit much earlier in life.
What has been the best business decision you’ve made for your writing career?
Take the plunge to write and publish because endless submitting to agents and editors is fruitless.
What does a typical writing day look like for you?
Write in a few sessions throughout the day and sometimes evening, interspersed with marketing efforts. Vow to stay off the internet. Pander to my cat and dogs. The usual things.
What are you working on right now?
Blue Moon Rising, a six-story series about a shapeshifting coyote, an evil Navajo witch called a skinwalker, and the struggles of a brother and sister in ranch country.
What other projects can we expect from you in the future?
A series of historical adventures set in the Dark Ages and encompassing pretty much all of the Mediterranean countries.
Thank you for stopping by the Inn, Xina!
About Xina Marie Uhl
Author of fantasy, romance, historical fiction, and humor. My turn ons are sword battles at sunset, sailing triremes powered by captives of war, the sounds of spoken Anglo Saxon, and allowing my cat to sleep on my head.
Website: www.xuwriter.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XinaMarieUhl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xuwriter/
