Interview with Krystin Scott, AKA Morrigan Aoife

Below are questions I've been asked in the past, if there is something you would like to know please send me an email and I'll answer your question as soon as possible.


What date were you born?
I was born on July 14th. My birth sign is Cancer, the crab. Although many people don't put stock in astrology, what is said about my birth sign fits me quite well.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is all about home. Those born under this sign are 'roots' kinds of people, and take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. Cancers are maternal, domestic and love to nurture others. More than likely, their family will be large, too -- the more, the merrier! Cancers will certainly be merry if their home life is serene and harmonious. Traditions are upheld with great zest in a Cancer's household, since these folks prize family history and love communal activities. They also tend to be patriotic, waving the flag whenever possible. A Cancer's good memory is the basis for stories told around the dinner table, and don't be surprised if these folks get emotional about things. Those born under this sign wear their heart on their sleeve, which is just fine by them.

Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, but I moved to Florida before I could walk. Even though I have moved around the state, I've always called The Nature Coast home. As a child, I enjoyed going to the board walk in Atlantic City when visiting my grandparents in New Jersey.

Tell us about something that has just happened or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share.
My first grandchild, Jaxon Matthew was born January 4, 2013. It was a joyous occasion and a very nice start to the New Year. I can hardly believe he is one year old now. He walks, says a few words and is very independent.

When did you start writing?
I started writing religion based essays, articles and reports in middle school. Middle School was probably the most difficult time in my early development. There was a lot of pressure among my peers to
conform to the ways of the majority. It seemed as though the world I lived in didn't make much sense. As a student, my superiors presented information as fact, yet could not explain how they knew. My parents encouraged curiosity and even debate, when conducted respectfully, so I spent a good deal of time learning about the cultures and values of other people and wrote about various subjects. It didn't take long to realize that you need to experience life with an open mind. Even if you don't agree with someone, listening to what they have to say and respecting their opinions while holding firm to your own is the key to acceptance of another person and your own self confidence. In high school, my writing repertoire expanded to include fantasy stories and poetry; later while in college, my writing was influenced by a new fascination: mythology and legends.

What is the name of your most recent work and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?
I recently finished a short story entitled Triquetra. I hope that it reminds my readers that you don't have to agree with someone to accept them for who they are.

What type of books do you mostly write?
I write what I love to read. I prefer Middle Grade and Young Adult fantasy fiction. I also like reading about far away cultures and lands.

If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
(Sorcha) "Insolent fool! Don't sit there on your haunches! Rise and greet your queen!"

What books have influenced your writing?
Some of the current authors that have influenced my writing are Michael Scott (author of The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series), Angie Sage (author of the Septimus Heap Series),
Eoin Colfer (author of the Artemis Fowl Series), J.K. Rowlings (author of the Harry Potter Series) and Keirsten White (author of Paranormalcy, Supernaturally, and Endlessly). Each of these authors have been very successful in connecting with the age group that my works are intended for and their books display the characteristics I desire in my own work. Additionally, I recently read a book called the Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern which I really enjoyed and would recommend to anyone looking for something a little different.
 
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
I love them all. Each have their own great qualities. Ebooks are easy to transport and can be read anywhere, but require a charged device to be read. Paperbacks are less expensive. While not as easy to tote as an ebook, they are fairly light weight. Although they are always the most expensive option hardcovers are durable, they can be passed through generations. My book set of Harry Potter is a desired
commodity among my four children as is The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?
I usually buy books in one of two places, Books a Million (BAM Books) or Amazon. However, I enjoy cruising the shelves of used book stores. If your patient, you may just be able to find a signed copy of a desired book, which is a priceless treasure. I have a nearly pristine signed copy of Dr. Desoto Goes to Africa written by William Steig in 1984 which I purchased at a thrift shop. I also recently purchased a copy of Webster's Dictionary of Quotations for 60 cents at Salvation Army which was quite a bargain.

What book would you like to read again?
I would re-read every book in my library. Most people collect trinkets, jewelry, shoes, and knickknacks, but I collect books, lots and lots of books. After reading a book, if I didn't care for it, I will pass it on; but if I really enjoyed it, I will add it to the library. In fact I have so many books, I sent my husband to Home Depot to purchase multiple 6x4 foot cabinets so that I can hide how many books I actually own behind closed doors. Now, I can keep my collection of picture books, early readers and chapter books separated from middle grade and young adult books.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?
I am reading a hardcover book entitled Freakling By Lana Krumwiede.

Do you buy a book by the cover?
You should never judge anything just by it's cover. Sure what's on the outside might peek my interest and will get me to pay attention to it, but it's what is on the inside that matters most. I need to see more than just eye candy. I will read the overview of what the book is about, see who has reviewed the book and determine if I usually agree with the ratings by that reviewer.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?
I adore them. What a great way to get reluctant readers interested in reading. There is a need for websites on which authors can place book trailers. Quite often schools and parents shy away from using You Tube due to the potential for viewing adult content.

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews?
Book reviews are a valuable tool. I hope if someone takes the time to read my work and comment on it that they take a few more seconds to email the link where it is posted to me. Not only will I read the
review, but I will, at the very least, thank them for purchasing the work and writing the review. Criticism in small doses with helpful comments helps us grow as writers and as people.

Your thoughts on fan fiction?
Fan Fiction is awesome. I think it's probably the highest form of flattery. However, I believe writers of fan fiction also have a responsibility. In their writing, they must be true to the personality and style of the characters and the parameters of the world the original author created. Again, I'd like fans to send links to their fan fiction material, pictures of them holding or reading my work or even pictures they drew and colored themselves. I value my readers and fans. Bring It On, I say!
  
Laptop or desktop for writing?
Both, desktops are fantastic if you would like to do heavy graphics for websites and cover art, but they chain you to one area. In this busy world, a writer must often work on the fly and that's when a lap top comes in really handy.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
I write in my pajamas all the time! I write when it is quiet. Sometimes, that is when my children are at school; other times, that is at three o'clock in the morning after coming up with a solution to the conflict in a story I'm writing.

Do you write under a pen name?
I do use a pen name. My legal name is Krystin Scott. However, that is a pretty popular name and I prefer to stand out a bit. Morrigan and Aoife are both traditional Celtic names chosen for their meaning
and mythological namesakes.

Do you have a nickname?
In high school, a number of people called me Unique. So many in fact, that the moniker was tinted on to the windshield of my car and airbrushed on a variety of t- shirts. Today, I don't hear the name often; but when I do, I know I am going to turn around and see someone I haven't seen for 20 years or more.
 
Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?
I want to visit either of the Celtic Lands. Scotland and Ireland have a rich history and are full of castles and ghosts. What would interest a fantasy writer more than that?

What are your pet peeves?
Cleanliness is a big issue for me. I have a place for every item I own and I like things organized and categorized that way I can find what I'm looking for quickly and efficiently. I can not write if I am focused on other tasks. Bills must be paid, the laundry and dishes must be started and the house must be picked up before I begin working. That way if I get on a roll with my ideas I don't have to stop and do some domestic chore that I never wanted to do in the first place. I also don't care much for the telephone. Call, say what you need to say and get off. If a call goes on too long, I get bored and the "voices in my head" start talking.

So do you like to cook?  Do you have a favorite food?
Er. No, I hate to cook. In fact, this Christmas I received roughly 20 spatulas from different members of my family, because I didn't own one and they came to my house intending to make and frost a cake.
As for a favorite food, I am a foody. I love all types of food, but nothing beats a fresh cannoli with chocolate sprinkles.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?
Vanilla, Always vanilla! I do not know who ice cream makers think they are fooling, but chocolate ice cream does not really taste like chocolate.

White wine or red?
I am not really much of a drinker, but I do not enjoy either of them by themselves. Occasionally, I might have a red wine spritzer, but that is only in casual company. Mud Slides are my drink of choice.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?
Supernatural is a great show. You never know what kind of trouble Sam and Dean are going to get themselves into, but you can be sure whichever demon they find, it's going to be bad.

Any pets that you would like to tell us about?
My family and I live on three acres. We used to have a small farm but now that the older children are off at university and beginning lives of their own it became too much to handle and we decided to sell it. I have a little doxie-cross named Chloe and my children have an Irish Terrier, Lucy, who we call Loofy Doofy because she has got to be the stupidest animal on four legs. Seriously, the dog frequently walks into walls. Sigh. Also inside the house are menagerie of small reptiles - geckos, chameleons, frogs, etc.