It’s not easy to write an action-adventure drama series that becomes a page-turner even after being lengthy. Just a handful of authors like Stephenie Meyer or Cassandra Clare have done it. Today, we are happy to introduce another talented author, Phoenix Barr, who did the same with her book Arizona Starseed.
Phoenix Barr released Arizona Starseed, the first book of the series, in 2021. It is a 400-page raw, edge-of-your-seat page-turner combined with fantasy and magic.
At Vowelor, Phoenix Barr had an exclusive conversation with our team. But, before we continue with her interview, let us know a little more about the author.
About the Author: Phoenix Barr
Phoenix Barr is an author from Ohio and works as a healthcare professional. Her debut book ‘Arizona Starseed’ got released in 2021. She has a passion for spirituality, phenomena, and out-of-the-world fiction writing.
She also loves martial arts and believes in a plant-based lifestyle with moody vibes and all things natural.
Phoenix was born in Marion Ohio and brought up on a farm in the country of Green Camp Ohio. She had a difficult childhood.
She is biracial and went to an all-white school. Due to that, she grew up a fighter being often discriminated against for the color of her skin. She was athletic in gymnastics, cheerleading, and track, very active and she could sing well.
Her mother left her when she was 11 with her grandparents. She has seen her father only 4 times in her life. Currently, she has no relationship with her parents.
Further, Phoenix shared about her writing journey, her inspirations, and more interesting things about herself. Read her answers below.
What is your biggest achievement till today?
My biggest achievements are picking myself up and still going.
Which writers inspire you?
I grew up reading Danielle Steel books from 12yrs old. I am more inspired by shows.
Writing is stressful at times. How do you relax your mind?
Writing has never stressed me. I naturally relieve stress through writing.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.
~ Bruce Lee
What advice would you give to your younger self?
My advice to my younger self is – Move out of Ohio sooner.
What books do you like to read personally? What are you reading currently?
I read vitamin, supplement, and herbalist books. I am obsessed with the health of the body and using the right foods to fuel it with.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start writing?
My imagination is always going, boredom usually gets me writing and yearning for an adventure.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
I write when I feel like it, once I get going I can’t stop. I’ve completed my books within 90 days.
What is the reason you write for; is it for the readers or your own self or some other thing?
I write because it relieves stress.
About My Book: Arizona Starseed
Arizona Starseed by Phoenix Barr is an edge-of-your-seat, page-turning drama featuring magic and mystery. The story is about River Anderson, a young girl, who leaves her chaotic life and moves to Arizona.
She encounters supernatural events where a group of coyotes saves her life not once but twice. While all this happens, her past boyfriend who got released from jail tries to enter back into her life. On the other hand, River’s colleague asks her out on a date.
On the date night, the real magic begins when River finds a colorful stone ring that seemingly gives her a magical gift she never expected.
My book is passionate in more ways than one, it’s about the relationships that we form over a lifetime or many lifetimes, and it’s about all of us having a purpose while on this planet. We all have one, sometimes we are here just to be a very bright energetic lighthouse to guide the way for others.
Phoenix Barr, Author
What genre is your book? What draws you to this genre?
Fantasy fiction, action-adventure. I write no other way. I’ve tried normal, it doesn’t work for me.
How was the idea for the book originated?
I don’t start with an idea, whatever flows through my writing becomes what it is, I follow no structure, no timeline, it is how it comes out.
River’s character is relatable for almost every girl. What was the inspiration behind her character?
River is mostly like me. She is health-oriented, spiritually connected, earth grounded, and protective over nature. A fighter who never gives up.
What makes ‘Arizona Starseed’ stand out in this genre? What should a reader expect from it?
The Arizona Starseed stands out in so many ways, but it’s pop fiction, you can visualize it immediately as if it were on screen in your head. If I couldn’t see it that way, I would’ve never published it. There is continuously something going on, plots, characters unfolding, drama, romance, and characters that draw you in.
The story spans over 400 pages and yet it is a page-turner. What was the hardest & the easiest thing to write a story in such a way?
I didn’t have a problem writing the story, I had a problem ending it because I had 2 endings in my mind and switched it up at the last minute.
Any special experience about ‘The Arizona Starseed’ that you would like to share.
River was a victim of severe domestic violence, and so wasn’t I. Unfortunately, not everyone can get their story out, this is how I did.
Future Plans
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
I will finish up this sequel and move on to writing and publishing more books.
Are you working on your new project? What will be your next book about?
I am working on my 2nd book and it is the sequel to ARIZONA STARSEED it is darker, more clever, and a page-turner and shocker as well.
What does success mean to you as an Author?
Just being an author is a success to me.
Do you prefer self-publishing or traditional publishing and Why?
I have not experienced anything but self-publishing.
One learning that you’d like to pass on to young debut authors.
Whatever comes out on paper, let it flow, don’t 2nd guess it. Keep it going.
Want to know more about Phoenix Barr? Connect with the author on Facebook and Instagram.
