There were so many different activities and projects that people took on during quarantine. The lockdown gave people the time for long term projects, such as writing a book. One author who utilized the time to craft an entire novel was Dominika Pindor. Below is my interview with Pindor about her fantasy novel, Wings and Shadows.
About the Author and Book
Book Title: Wings and Shadows
Genre: Fantasy
Wings and Shadows book summary
Lucianne has the power to inflict pain on anyone she wishes—an ability that renders a girl unconscious on the day she discovers it and gets her tangled in an interdimensional war. On one side are the Qroes: members of a sadistic association situated on Earth, who wants nothing more than to steal the powers of individuals like Lucianne for their own benefit. On the other are Soratians, griffin-human hybrids desperate to keep their land safe. As more and more teens her age disappear into the Qroes’ clutches, Lucianne must make a decision: go after the enemy and risk death, or run away and hide, leaving thousands of lives to perish.
Wings and Shadows Book excerpt
“For a moment, I stood still, my eyes glued to the weapon.
Then I lunged towards an opening near the side of the truck, my heart hammering in my throat, hoping it would be quick enough to catch him off-guard.
My feeble attempt at self-preservation came too late.
In one swift move, the man thrust his arm in my direction, snatching a bundle of my hair. A loud yelp flew out of my mouth as he pulled me up against him. Grunting, he pressed a foul-smelling handkerchief to my mouth, not letting go of my hair.
My mind made the connection instantly. Knock-out drug. I held my breath, kicking and punching anything my limbs could touch. One of my arms collided with something solid, and I heard him hiss in pain. I was about to do it again when a sharp pain suddenly tore through my muscle. He was twisting my arm—the one I had hit him with.
A bit too late, I realized I wouldn’t be able to escape a man who had a couple hundred pounds to his advantage. My mind frantically searched for a solution, but the gas on the handkerchief was clouding my thoughts. Something was there, at the back of my mind, but the only thing I could feel was myself slowly losing consciousness.”
Review excerpts
“I was anxious for the next page and read it really fast. I definitely recommend it for anyone interested in fantasy, drama, and action.” — Amazon review
Talking Shop
Name a fact or detail about your story that readers will never know is there.
In chapter thirty-three, when Lucianne recalls an incident with her manipulative childhood “friend” Victoria, Victoria says one line that suggests her father is to blame for her behavior. It was mentioned briefly, so I don’t think any of my readers caught it.
What’s the best review/compliment that you’ve received about your book?
One of my readers sent me an email stating my book was the best one they’ve ever read. That truly moved me.
How long did it take to write your book from the day you got the idea to write it to the day you published it?
The whole process took me nearly eight months. I began writing it the moment I got the idea, which was roughly around mid-August of 2020, and published on March 26th, 2021.
Are any of your characters inspired by real life people?
Yes! Two of my antagonists (Vladimir and Casper) were inspired by people from my life (ones that I wasn’t particularly fond of).
How well do you handle criticism, either while writing, editing, or reviews? Do you ever use that criticism to change your story?
I’d say I handle it pretty well. I especially enjoy reading criticism from my beta readers during the editing stage of my novel because I’m glad I can get it fixed before the reviewers point it out and lower my book’s rating.
“What If” Scenarios
If you could have one person that you admire, living or dead, read your book, who would it be?
I would have Agatha Christie read my book as I am a huge fan of her writing. I would love to hear her feedback on my story.
A wealthy reader buys 100 copies of your book and tells you to hand them out to anyone you wish. Who do you give them to?
I would distribute them to schools and libraries for children and teenagers to enjoy.
Your favorite character that you’ve written comes to life for one day. What do you do together for 24 hours?
To be honest, my main character would absolutely loathe me. I put her through so many unpleasant things it would be strange if she didn’t.
You’re given $10,000 to spend on marketing for your book. How do you spend it?
I would go on a tour around the United States. That has always been one of my dreams.
Your book becomes a best seller. What do you do next?
I continue writing books. Wings and Shadows is an ongoing series, so if it ever did become a bestseller, I would keep writing the sequel.
Just for Fun
One year of your life you’d like to relive or do over.
Sixth grade. I acted like a spoiled brat and wish I could erase some of those events from my memory.
An item from your past that you’d like to have back.
I once found a green crystal in my yard and carried it with me wherever I went. One day it got lost (I’m not sure when, since I was pretty young at the time) and I haven’t seen it since.
A movie or a piece of music that changed your life.
I can’t get the movie Inception out of my head. The ending gave me chills.
A book that you recommend everyone reads.
The Hunger Games. It was my favorite when I was ten, and it’s still my favorite now.
The activity you’re doing when you’re not writing.
I’m a competitive swimmer, so swimming takes up most of my schedule.
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