For the Wednesday Writing Worktable, I have author Georgeann Swiger stopping by on her Blog Tour for the latest installment of the Trinity of Souls Series. She's sharing with us about the importance of symbols and creating a deeper meaning plus an interview with the author, an excerpt, and details on her awesome giveaway below.
Deep Meaning
I like adding bits of symbolism within my stories. In The Trinity of Souls Series, I used flowers to convey hidden meaning. The most interesting symbolic flower I used was forsythia. It is a running theme throughout the series, signifying the love between Micah and Anya. In flower terminology, forsythia stands for expectation and anticipation. It represents my star-crossed angels’ quest for love.
Two other flowers I used in Cloven are the names of two key characters. Dahlia is a misbegotten angel who wants to keep Micah in Hell with her. In the world of flowers, Dahlia stands for elegance and dignity. Dahlia also means forever thine. While Dahlia’s elegance and dignity remain in question, the sentiment of forever thine is a perfect description of what she wants from Micah.
The final flower name that shows up in the book is given to a black horse that saves Anya on more than one occasion. Lily means purity of heart, majesty and honor. This horse represents all those things. I think readers are really going to like her.
Symbolism can play a huge role in books. Knowing where to look for it can sometimes be tricky, but when you find it, you discover another layer to a story.
Many symbols exist within The Trinity of Souls Series. As I’ve said, finding the symbols can be tricky, but if you like a challenge look for them and let me know what you think is some of the deeper meaning I place within the series.
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About the Author:Georgeann Swiger earned her degree in journalism from West Virginia University, and then spent five years as an anchor/reporter at WBOY-TV in Clarksburg, WV. After having children, she left television news to be a stay at home mom. During that time, she discovered creative writing was more fun than writing about real life tragedy. Imagining interesting character and having them come to life on the page is now her passion. When she’s not writing, she works as a substitute teacher. She lives in Reedsville, West Virginia with her husband, two kids, a beagle dog and a temperamental cat who tries to rule the house.
This is something
probably everyone asks, but every author has a different response. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I realized I wanted to
be a writer when I was in high school. That’s when I was editor of the yearbook
and found that I enjoyed writing.
Every writer seems to
have at least one thing that we must have/do to be able to write. What would
you say is your writing quirk?
I always keep a pack of
chewing gum in my desk drawer. I prefer Trident original flavor or Orbit mint
flavor. As I write this, I’m living on the edge and chewing Dubble Bubble fruit
flavors. Sometimes you got to shake things up. ;)
My stories always become very vivid and alive to
me. I often take some cues off of people I know or observe. While you were
writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters or base it on
someone you’ve known?
I’m sure there are some
aspects of every character that I’ve based on someone I know or someone I’ve
observed. For me, when I write, the characters slowly take on a life of their
own. The deeper I get into a character the easier it is for me to hear them and
see responding to a scene. I know when I’ve reached that point because the
dialogue comes quickly. I can bang out a scene fast once the character comes
alive in my head.
I think readers don’t
truly grasp how much research and time we spend on books to get them just so.
In the process, we learn so many things. What was one of the most surprising
things you learned in creating your books?
Before writing the first
book in my series, I did a lot of research about angels. Truthfully, that
research changed my way of thinking about these divine beings. Prior to writing
The Trinity of Souls Series, I pictured angels as the souls of deceased loved
ones who watched over us from Heaven. However, I learned angels are a “species”
of their own. A human doesn’t die and become an angel. An angel is a being of
light, created by God to serve in a number of capacities. They have their own
hierarchy in Heaven that defines them and their purpose. It’s really
interesting stuff.
This also varies from
author to author. And, I think it helps connect with the right readers if they
like certain stories. What do you think makes a good story?
I think a good story has
to capture a reader’s imagination from the start. It needs to surprise readers
and make them see things in a different way. I personally love stories that
change my way of thinking and open my mind to something new and different.
As a child, what did you
want to do when you grew up?
When I was little, I
liked to play school. I wanted to be a teacher or a nurse. As time went on, I
discovered a love of writing and ended up majoring in journalism. I worked as a
news anchor/reporter for five years. Today, I substitute teach at a local
elementary school. So I’m a teacher after all.
I find it funny when
people are surprised that I have other interests and hobbies outside of
writing. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love to shop for
antiques. I’m always on the lookout for something different to decorate my
house. Antiques are perfect. Plus, they fit my hundred year old home.
A hundred year old house? So cool. The stories that house can tell. Speaking of, I have to know. What book are you reading now?
I’m currently beta reading a book for a friend. When I’m done, I
have my eye on Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard. I’m interested in
seeing how she handles YA historical paranormal. *Hint* I have an idea for a
book that would fall into this category.
Ooo, we like hints. Can you share a little of your current work with
us? Pretty please.
I’m in
the process of drafting the final book in The Trinity of Souls Series. I feel
the book is pretty rough and I’m leery about sharing an excerpt, but I will
share with you the title. You’re the first person to hear it. *Drum Roll* The
final book is called Trivium. A trivium is where three roads meet. It’s the
perfect title for the third book in so many ways.
Yay. I am honored. What a great name for a book. I love it. Is there a message in Cloven? Do you have
anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
In Cloven, the message is you need to be fearless.
When I started writing the book, I certainly didn’t see that message coming,
but it’s what I ended up with. I think it’s a good message. It’s a message that
I’m working hard to live by.
Georgeann, thanks so much for including me in your blog tour and for all the info and special reveal. It was great to get a glimpse inside your world. :)
Be sure to check out Georgeann Swiger's latest book with its stunning cover. Now available:
Cloven excerpt
Be sure to check out Georgeann Swiger's latest book with its stunning cover. Now available:
Cloven excerpt
“What are
you two doing?” The deep voice coming from the hallway sends a happy tremor
through my body. I jump to my feet to run to Micah, but I’m stopped by the piercing
pain of glass going through my foot. I look down to see blood trickling on the
floor.
When I sit on the couch to pull out the shard, Kieran and Emory hover around me.
“Why are
you in my room?” Micah asks, angrily.
Kieran
and Emory move to the side to give Micah a direct line to me. I look up and his
gaze grabs mine. We stare at one another, caught in a wordless hello. Small
expressions run over his face, telling me he’s relieved, happy, confused.
“Leave
us,” he says quietly without looking away from me.
Kieran
and Emory hurry out of the room, shutting the door behind them. Micah closes
his eyes. He takes a deep breath, bows his head and mutters something under his
breath. When he looks up, he stares at me in disbelief. He doesn’t seem to
notice the glass crunching under his feet as he steps toward me. His lips
quiver, trying to form words that won’t come.
Giveaway
There’s a tour-wide giveaway during the tour too.
Participants
can win:
Digital
Copy of Adorned
Digital
Copy of Cloven
$10
Amazon Gift Card
Enter by clicking below:
Don't forget to leave me a comment on your most memorable symbols from literature and/or the symbolism in Georgeann's books. :)
Lots of <3,
Thanks for having me on your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to do it. :)
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