Thanks for joining me for Sunday Speed Dates. This week Zenobia Neil joins me in the hot seat!
Zenobia Neil was named after an ancient warrior queen who fought against the Romans. A lifelong lover of Greco-Roman mythology, she writes about the ancient world and Greek god erotica. An English teacher by day, Zenobia spends her time imagining interesting people and putting them in terrible situations. She lives with her husband, two children, and dog in an overpriced hipster neighborhood of Los Angeles. Psyche Unbound is her first book. Zenobia would love to hear what your favorite Greek myth is. Visit her at ZenobiaNeil.com
Thanks for joining me Zenobia! I’m just going to jump in here and get started.
First, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure, I’m an LA native and have been writing since I was a child. I grew up in a Victorian house in a dangerous part of LA and have always been drawn to the past and magic.
That sounds scary! The dangerous part, not the house. Or the past & magic. That part sounds cool. ;)
Tell us a little about your latest project.
My first short novel was published by Tule Publishing on August 30th. It’s an erotic retelling of the tale of Cupid and Psyche.
Greek and Roman tales would translate well to the erotic. This one, especially so.
Are you and only child or do you have siblings?
I’m an only child.
What was your favorite job before writing?
Teaching international students English.
That’s interesting. It sounds very rewarding.
Home cooked meal or dinner out?
Home cooked meal when I’m not cooking.
I wholeheartedly agree. It’s such a treat not having to cook.
Let’s talk about your writing life. Do you write every day, 5 days a week or whenever you can?
I write basically whenever I can, wherever I can. I have two children, so I often write after they go to bed or when they’re having screen time on weekend mornings.
It really is like having two jobs or three in your case–mom, teacher, and writer. I salute you managing all three!
If you could pick one author to write a collaborative story with, who would it be and why?
Well, since this is a fantasy, I’ll say Neil Gaiman.
He seems to be the popular choice for the collaboration question. You have lots of fantasy competition!
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That even though I was there every step of the way, in some ways I don’t know how it happened. It was really amazing to see my word document become a book.
It sounds surreal. How exciting to see it all come together!
Your stories are based on Greek Mythology. What drew you to that subject?
I’ve always been interested in Greek mythology. When I was four my parents took to France for a year. They told me we were going for my fourth birthday, but in truth it was a last ditch attempt to save their marriage. While we were there, my mom took me to the Louvre and told me the Greek myths that corresponded to the famous paintings. My parents got divorced, but I’m still under the impression that a trip to France is a fine birthday present.
Yes. A trip to France, or anywhere for a year, is definitely a fine birthday present, indeed! Lol.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
I have too many favorite parts and chapters to list. There’s a chapter where Psyche has an experience with a river and another where Venus has her handmaidens Care and Sorrow whip Psyche with woe and worry. But I think my favorite part of this book was writing about Venus as the antagonist. It’s delightful to make the Goddess of Love and Beauty the villain.
That sounds fun! It’s always exciting when you get to turn a well known character on its head and make readers think of them a new way.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Cupid and Psyche was first recorded in The Golden Ass by Apuleius. It is the only Roman novel that has completely survived. I’m used to the Greek gods, so for me, it was hard to become comfortable with calling Aphrodite Venus, Ares Mars and especially with calling Persephone Proserpina (a name I spelled wrong almost every single time!)
Oh wow, I can imagine that would be confusing. I’m sure spell check was of no help whatsoever.
Now for a little Random Silliness. :) Would you rather sing in the rain or dance in the streets?
Sing in the rain. If it rains in LA, that’s cause for singing.
That it is.
What is the favorite part of your day?
After the kids are in bed and I can start writing.
I bet. I know when Fave Niece and Fave Nephie are around, the quiet after they’re asleep is a call to start writing.
Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours.
This is a tricky question because I don’t know what I do that’s unique or quirky. I had to ask a friend and she said that I wear slips and sometimes take off my dress to eat. Instead of using an apron, I just take off the top layer.
That’s funny! It’s amazing how we don’t even notice what we do, it’s so familiar and habitual.
What did you find most useful in learning to write?
Finding a balance between trusting myself and incorporating feedback.
That’s so important. Learning who to trust–including yourself.
Do you have any more stories planned in the world of Greek mythology?
They sound like they would have an exciting story to tell. What fun characters!
Where can we find out more about you and what you write?
Like many of us, I’m all over the place. You can find me on my website, Facebook, and Twitter. I also have an Amazon author account and one on Goodreads.
You can also email me and sign up for my newsletter.
Wonderful! I can’t wait to see you around online. Thanks again for stopping by!
Thanks for having me!