Shari Sakurai is a British author of paranormal, horror, science fiction and fantasy novels that almost always feature a LGBT protagonist and/or antagonist.
Aside from writing, Shari enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music, going to rock concerts and learning more about other societies and cultures. Japanese culture is of particular interest to her and she often incorporates Japanese themes and influences into her work.
Why storytelling? What made you yearn to tell a good story, and how long was this story within you before it came out?
Ever since I was a child I’ve loved to write. I love creating characters and new worlds. Demon’s Blood is a story that I’d been working on for several years. It started life as my 2012 novel for NaNoWriMo and after revisions and edits it was finally published in 2014.
What is it about your genre that speaks to you?
I’ve always enjoyed books and movies with a paranormal theme. It’s a genre that I feel quite close to since I grew up enjoying it and it felt natural that I would end up writing in that genre.
Without giving any spoilers, what is your favorite thing about this book?
My favorite thing is the background story explaining the origins of vampires, and incorporating Japanese culture and mythology into this.
What character from your book fills you with hope?
Thane. He’s very unlike the other vampires in my novel in that he’s more compassionate and human than others of his kind.
What is the most fascinating thing about your main character?
Taku was originally an antagonist for another story, however as I continued to write him and develop his character and backstory, I felt he would be the perfect protagonist/antagonist for Demon’s Blood due to his many different layers and personality traits.
You have unlimited money to buy a gift for your main character. What would you buy?
Probably a sports car like a Ferrari California T as Taku loved his old California so much!
How do you police your production? Do you have a word quota, or a page goal, maybe you work for a set amount of time? Do you place demands on yourself when you’re working? How do you meet those demands?
I try to write even just a paragraph every night. I find it counter-productive to place too much pressure on myself, and I write as much or as little as the muses permit.
How did you find the time to write this book with your busy life? What ideas do you have on how others can make time in their lives?
I made sure that I set aside some time in the evening after work to write even just a little. My advice to others who struggle to fit in writing would be to try to set aside even just half an hour a night to do some writing.
Everyone has at least one specific challenge that holds them back. What is that challenge in your work and how do you overcome it?
It is probably finding the time to write. I work full-time and have quite a busy life outside of the office too. I overcome it by making sure I plan for time to write during my evening or weekend.
Let’s talk about tools. Do you have a word processor that you would tell us to use? Is there a certain computer that has become your favorite? What do you look for in a keyboard? What would you absolutely have to have if you were to sit down and write your next book?
I always use my laptop for writing and the software I use is Word. When I sit down to write I always have to have my music on the background. For some reason I can’t write when it’s completely silent.
Describe your workplace.
My workplace is currently the dining room table. Our living room and dining room are open-plan which I like as it means I’m not shut away in a room somewhere when I’m writing.
Describe your muse.
Me and a friend used to say that Taku is my muse. I’ve written his character for so long that just thinking about him inspires me to write.
If you could live anywhere other than where you are, where would it be?
Tokyo. I went there for a holiday two years ago and it was amazing. I loved every minute of it and would live there if I could.
For more about Shari Sakurai and her work:
Website: www.sharisakurai.com
WordPress: sharisakurai.wordpress.com
Twitter: twitter.com/ShariSakurai
Facebook: facebook.com/sharisakurai
Jesse Teller 