Samaire Wynne has just completed her latest Paranormal Academy series, the Fae Rebel Academy trilogy, on the heels of her popular seven-book Titania Academy series (with an eighth book in the works).

In addition to her work in the Academy subgenre, the author has previously written two other series: the zombie-thriller Mad World trilogy, and the Paladin Princess saga, a magical fantasy series. She is also the author of Romanov, a standalone vampire adventure and romance.

Fae Rebel Academy takes a more mature approach to fantasy than Titania Academy, so readers should be aware that this is not for young readers. There are some pretty steamy scenes!

Samaire agreed answer a few questions about her latest work for The Open Book.

• Website: samairewynne.com

• Twitter handle: @samaireherself     

THE AUTHOR

Name, age and occupation: Samaire Wynne, age 58, occupation: author

Where and with whom do you live? I live in Virginia with my best friend, Tyrion.

 If you could co-write a book with any author, living or dead, whom would you choose? I would love to write a book with Yumoyori Wilson.

Why do you write? Because I am an artist and a dreamer, and writing stories is what I’ve done since I was a kid.

Are you a planner or a “pantser”? (recoils in horror) I outline my stories. This is because I want to finish and not spend hours staring out the window trying to figure out what is going to happen.

What imaginary land would you choose as your home, and why? I would love to live in Hobbiton.

What animal, real or imaginary, would you choose as your constant companion? I I would like a dragon as my companion. Like Buzz the dragon in my story.

What do you collect? Pens are nice.

Famous person you’ve met: Neil Gaiman, several times.

Famous person you’d like to meet:  I would love to spend the day with Stephen King. Something tells me he would have a lot of great stories to tell.

THE BOOK

Title, genre and length? Faerie Lightning, Paranormal Academy, 100K words

When and where does it take place? ?  It takes place in West Virginia, in the faerie realm, present day.

Would you live there and why/why not?  Sure! Because it would mean I am of the fae tribe, and that would be fantastic.

How did you come up with the title? I made it up, out of my head.

What inspired you to write it? I love faeries in adventures, and the cover looked like a faerie that was about to have an adventure, so that inspired me.

Is there a sequel in the works? Sequel (Faerie Fire) is already published. Third in trilogy (Faerie Spirit) was released Jan. 11.

Where, how can you get it? Like all good things, you can get it on Amazon.

Describe your book in one word that most people don’t normally use. Magical

What would you select as your book’s theme song? Who would you choose to write the musical score?  Probably something from Lindsey Stirling

Who would want to ban it? Probably North Korea, because it has amazing fantasy in it, and ESPECIALLY because it has students fighting back against an established oppressor

How long did it take you to write it? A few months

What was your biggest challenge in writing it?  Snacks

THE HERO

Name, age and occupation: Esmé Denn, age 18, student

Where and with whom does he/she live? She lives with her Aunt Carol and Uncle George.

Who would play your protagonist in a movie? Amanda Bynes at age 17

What’s her biggest fear/phobia? Waking up and it was all just a dream

Weapon of choice (gun, knife, intellect, magic, manipulation, etc.): Lightning Swords

At the beginning of the story, this character is …  Bullied and unhappy

Worst habit?  Skipping school (in high school)

Best feature? She has a sunny disposition and a positive attitude.