Interview with fantasy author C. Penticoff

Fantasy author C. Penticoff is here today and we’re chatting about her new adult novel, Weathering the Wicked.

Welcome, C. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello! I go by C. Penticoff in the book world. I’m a fantasy author and I’m also the owner of A Novel Connection. I started creating books the moment I could pick up a pen and write with it. My first book, Weathering the Wicked, is one I started writing at the age of 12. After 14 years of throwing crumbled up pieces of paper in the trash and going back to the writing board, I finally had the masterpiece I had dreamed of publishing since middle school.

When I’m not writing, I am homeschooling my two young boys and day dreaming of worlds beyond our own.

Please tell us about your current release.

Weathering the Wicked, which is book 1 in the Chronicles of Folklaria, is different than most fantasy stories you will read. Sure, there is spell casting, wizardry, and fairies; but, what sets this fantasy story apart from most is its clear spiritual message. When I say, “spiritual,” I do not mean that it’s religious; rather, it focuses on a more universal and progressive approach to spirituality that most of the younger generations will be able to relate to.

During June’s time in Folklaria, you can expect to see June’s fear and anxiety get in the way of her destiny. June learns that she is prophesied to save an entire magical land from wicked magic, but is scared to death. She can hardy keep a job, let alone rescue an enchanted land from its impending doom.

What inspired you to write this book?

The plot was inspired by my grandmother when I originally started writing this story at 12 years old (believe it or not). The world that it takes place in was inspired from my favorite book, The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield.

You will also notice that June, our main character, struggles with anxiety and seems to live her life in fear. This was inspired by my own battle with depression and anxiety. I wanted to make a character that was relatable to people, so I felt that giving her a character trait, in which many people can understand personally, would help people connect to June.

What exciting story are you working on next?

My current works in progress is book 2 of the Chronicles of Folklaria.

This is a 3-book series. I have BIG plans for this series! There are lots of twists and turns throughout the entire series, as there are in Weathering the Wicked.

In books 2 & 3, you will see the ups and downs of June and Ryder’s romance; you will also see it really take off and blossom.

You will find out what happened in Folklaria to bring on the wicked magic that is taking it over.

You will figure out Tristara’s past, along with finding out who she is. I don’t want to give too much away, so I will leave it at that!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve been since before I can remember, but I officially considered myself a writer when I started writing my first book, Weathering the Wicked.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I do not write full time, but I do write most days of the week.

I run a business called A Novel Connection full time, which takes some of my writing time way. Either way, I find time to slip my writing in. Not only do I need to continue releasing books at a reasonable pace, but writing is therapeutic for me; so it’s important that I make time for this on a daily basis.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if you call this a writing quirk, but I love listening to native American music while I write. I usually put my headphones in, turn on my native music, and can write for hours!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Growing up, I wanted to be an author and an actress! My dreams were anything but small. I’m very proud to be able to say that I have fulfilled one of my childhood dreams.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I want readers to know that the best way to keep up with my work is by subscribing to my mailing list. You can do so by heading to my website, and clicking “Subscribe” on the main page.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Thanks for being here today, C.