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Today I’m welcoming Tessa Stockton, author of Wind’s Aria, a poetic romantic fantasy.
Thank you for stopping by, Tessa!
All about Tessa…
A former choreographer, dancer, and musician, Tessa Stockton now writes romance and intrigue novels in a variety of genres.
1. How did your life as a writer begin?
I’m not sure that it began. I think it always was. First off, I came from a family of musical arts professionals. I, too, entered that realm. Several relatives happened to be literary professors, as well, and there are a slew of poets down the line. I think I am very much a product of my lineage. Seems I have always had my hand in writing something, even at a young age. I enjoyed it in school. And if I wasn’t writing I had my nose in a book. As somebody who needs a creative outlet writing is perfect, especially now that I’m no longer in the performing arts.
2. What makes you feel inspired to write?
Sometimes, music, oft times, silence…when I can hear myself think. Occasionally, if I see a movie I wished had a different ending, my imagination might explore the possibilities, and then a completely new idea could emerge.
3. How did you come with the idea for your current story?
I sat listening to Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings. The arrangement swells and rises, climaxing, pulling me with it. It’s incredibly moving, expressive, passionate music. I imagined/fantasized an entire scene, a gorgeous yet tormented creature, set to doom the chosen Songstress of their realm and of his confliction over it. Not only is he attracted to her, but he sees goodness in her that he lacks, and in fact doesn’t quite understand. So when she finds herself in trouble, he rescues her and takes to the skies with his new charge, the beautiful Songstress in his arms, where they have a moment…an Adagio for Strings moment. The rest of the story fell into place quickly.
4. Tell us about your writing process. Do you outline, or are you more of a seat of your pants type of a writer?
While I might have a general outline, such as a notion of what the story is about and where I’d like it to go, I am definitely a seat of your pants writer. I admire those who use spreadsheets, index cards, software programs, but that stuff tends to stifle me. I get bogged down trying to keep things straight. It’s better if I just let the creative flow take me on a journey. In this way, things can unfold that surprise me, add more depth and layers to the plot and/or characters.
5. What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
This one, because it’s what started the whole thing, and when I reread it I still hear the music in my head:
The wind danced. Currents swirled and weaved her hair overhead. The rest of her body he cradled like a babe in his arms. Soaring, she glanced over his marble shoulder at the lights of her city far below, barely twinkling there above the thin clouds.
Gentle, tender . . . he kissed the top of her head.
This is the wretched creature, the Il-Bora; the evil being that . . . that . . . saved her?
And the one she should trust, the Meleyan leader, Governor Talx . . . not what he seemed.
Aria sighed as she mused, fatigued, and rested her head against the expanse of the winged-man’s exquisite form, feeling protected, safe, in a content place.
Not sure how much time they spent in the air, the hypnotic beat of wide, translucent wings . . . whoosh, whoosh, in, out . . . made her drowsy. Though she shut her eyes, Aria could still feel his intent, unbroken gaze on her. She didn’t care and exhaled the burdens she desired to release.
While he spoke, his voice, again smooth like velvet, she kept her lids closed, dreamily enjoying the musicality the tone produced. Like enchantment. What did he ask? Oh, right.
“I’m fine,” she mumbled.
“Really?”
“Truly.” Aria moaned with satisfaction, in spite of the chill his hard arms produced, the wings folding in and out, stirring air that proved even colder at that altitude.
His gentle chuckle broke the spell and she struggled to straighten from the ball he held her in. “Easy. It’s a long way down,” he murmured.
6. How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
It used to be riding horses, when I still had horses. These days, I don’t have much free time, but my preference would always be somewhere in nature. I like solitude and I have the capability of spending hours just watching the environment and thinking, even if from my own back window.
Wind’s Aria
Elected as the Songstress, Aria takes her place on the sacred platform to sing before every dawn. As long as she does so, peace and abundant life belong to her people. One morning, amidst a strange wind that brings with it a curse in its eerie howl, Aria loses her ability to make music. But the encroaching death that transpires isn’t her biggest tragedy. It’s that she adores the cause of her blunder, for he’s a magnificent winged creature who’s stolen more than her voice.
Connect with Tessa Stockton
Follow links:
https://www.facebook.com/tessastockton
http://twitter.com/TessaStockton
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tessa-stockton/29/553/222
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4639560.Tessa_Stockton
Purchase Links – Wind’s Aria:
Soul Mate Publishing: http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/winds-aria/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/winds-aria-tessa-stockton/1114146612?ean=2940016000206
Elizabeth McKenna 
You have a gorgeous site, Elizabeth. I’m delighted to have a guest spot on it. Thank you for hosting me. : )
Thank you! It was wonderful to meet you. Good luck with your writing!