Interview & Giveaway: M Terry Green

OK, I've been telling you guys about these Shaman books off and on for the past week.  (If you somehow missed my reviews, go back and read them now: Book 1. Book 2.) Today I have author M Terry Green here for a chat about the fantastic stories she has crafted. Please help me welcome her to the blog!

Jen: Tell new readers about the Techno Shaman world.

Terry: The techno-shaman universe brings the very real and ancient practice of shamanism into a fictional modern era and an urban setting. In traditional belief systems the world over, shamans traveled to a spiritual plane of existence in order to help cure the sick. Access to that other plane was gained via mind-altering substances and experiences. Power wielded in that plane could be used for evil or for good. However, in the modern day of my novels, techno-shamans use the latest technology to make that spiritual journey. Though the means are updated, the ends remain the same for techno-shamans: helping to save the lives of patients, sometimes at the risk of their own.

Jen: The main character in the series is Livvie. Life is pretty tough for her as the series starts out.

Terry: Yes it is! Livvy is at the beginning of her shaman career, inexperienced, still building her skills and reputation. You might say she's made a career switch and change is always hard!

Jen: The shamans are pretty much social pariahs. It makes you wonder why anyone would sign up for the job.

Terry: Excellent point! Shamanism is a calling. Shamans are born to their roles, sometimes recognized by older shamans, sometimes thrust into their life as healers by their own near-death experience. They have a talent and ability that others do not and, while some can turn away from the work and the life, others feel that it's their responsibility to help others.

Jen: For me, SK completely steals the show. Let's talk about what he does in Livvie's world--and who he is as man.

Terry: SK is the ultimate power broker of the modern shaman world. He puts clients together with shamans while keeping shaman turfs separate. Apart from his business role, though, he also acts as a protector of his shamans while they make their spiritual journey. Implicit in all those activities is trust--big time. SK is trustworthy to the core and also just a decent guy.

Jen: He plays everything so close to the vest, tell us one thing about him that we don't know.

Terry: Not even SK knows it but he's at the beginning of his own journey, a time of change. He's also an excellent cook.

Jen: There are so many great characters in the Techno-Shaman world. Other than Livvie, who interests you the most and why?

Terry: I think you and I are of the same mind here. SK draws my attention, over and over. I think that's because we sense that he knows something that neither Livvy nor we can possibly guess.

Jen: How many books do you have planned for the series? How far ahead did you have things plotted in your mind when you sat down to write book 1?

Terry: There are six books total planned for the series and it was designed that way from the start. For each of the remaining books I have an overall idea of who, what, and where and some of the details. Livvy has an arc to complete and Book 6 will be the culmination of her odyssey.

Jen: When will we see book 3 and can you tell us anything about it?

Terry: Book 3 will be out in the late summer or early fall of 2012. It's titled Shaman, Sister, Sorceress and, although the location for this third book is within driving distance of Los Angeles, it's a world apart. The first draft is complete.

Jen: These books are self-published. Tell me a little about the decision to go that route and how that has impacted you.

Terry: Just as I finished Shaman, Healer, Heretic, self-publishing was really starting to take off. It immediately appealed to me with its ability to control just about every aspect of just about everything (related to the book, that is). With non-fiction, I had already had an agent and been traditionally published a couple of times, so I knew what that was like. Were I able to choose again with Shaman, Healer, Heretic, I'd do exactly the same thing. I have enjoyed the process of self-publishing entirely. From designing my own covers, to the titles, to the blurbs, I have no one to blame but myself! It's been fabulous.

Jen: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Terry: There is. I want to thank you, Jen, for this opportunity to answer these fantastic questions! You're the kind of reader--and reviewer--of which writers dream.

Jen:  Awww. (*blush*) Thanks so much for chatting with me. I'm looking forward to seeing where Livvie's story goes next!

I urge you to give these books a try... and to make it easy for you, we're giving away a copy of Shaman, Healer, Heretic (the first in the series.) To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
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