I was lucky to get an interview with Melissa Stone, the author of Stars of Destiny: Light, one of this year’s #SPFBO8 entries.

Please, tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m Canadian. When I’m not writing, I enjoy playing video games. I also volunteer as a foster parent for the local animal shelter.

Why did you decide to take part in the SPFBO?
I participated in SPFBO 7. I had a book that qualified for this year’s so I figured why not? I had fun last year.

I found out about it through a video on Youtube after searching for contests a self-published author could enter.

Why should we buy your SPFBO8 book?
It’s a quick, action packed book featuring a cast of girls who are longtime friends.

What got you into writing? And how long have you been doing it?
I’ve been creating stories for as long as I can remember. I created my first ‘book’ in the 3rd grade. The other kids in my class kept taking all the gym equipment passes but the library passes were left alone. So I took advantage of that and spent most of my recesses in the library. I don’t remember much about the books I made, but they were about unicorns. After discovering the Dragonriders of Pern books in junior high, I started writing stories with my best friend. I haven’t looked back since.

Why did you choose to write fantasy? And why pick this particular fantasy subgenre?
Fantasy is what I enjoy reading. It interests me more than other genres. I feel like I can tell more interesting stories.

As far as my entry’s genre, I’m a fan of the magical girl genre. Most of the works in that genre are from Japan, so I wanted to see if I could create something similar.

What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Generating interest in my works. So often I feel like I’m shouting into the void.

What’s the hardest thing about being a writer?
Generating interest in my works. So often I feel like I’m shouting into the void.

Do you have a tip, app, tool, or resource you recommend to authors?
I’ve had some luck with getting beta readers on Betareader.io

If you need a cover but have a small budget (like me, lol), I’ve had luck with Getcovers.com

What new projects are you working on?
I’m bouncing in between a couple projects. Path of the Warrior is in its (hopefully) final round of beta readers. Of Sun and Shadow is my other project, a retooling of one of my earliest novels.

Best of luck in the competition, Melissa, and with sales.
Thanks for doing the interview.