The Lady of the Mirrored Lake follows a healer who becomes a warrior priestess and embarks on a perilous quest to defend the sacred waters of the Goddess while facing a diabolical threat to her love and kingdoms. What were some new ideas you wanted to explore in this book that was different from book one?

In The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven–book one of the trilogy– I separately developed the characters of the protagonists, Tristan and Issylte, weaving the intricate threads of the plot which brought them together as fated mates. In book two, The Lady of the Mirrored Lake, I developed their passion and purpose as they unite against the wicked Black Widow Queen who threatens them both.

What were some challenges in the story that you felt were important to developing Issylte’s character?

In book one, Issylte is a royal princess, forced to flee the wicked stepmother who seeks her death. She finds refuge with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant healing magic of the enchanted forest. Fate leads Issylte to the otherworldly realm of Avalon, but when the evil queen traces her path, the gifted healer is forced to flee once again.

In book 2, Tristan teaches Issylte weaponry, enabling her to become a warrior priestess of the Tribe of Dana and the Lady of the Mirrored Lake.  She must undertake a perilous quest to discover what priceless object lies hidden in the sacred waters she is sworn to protect. In developing Issylte’s character, I wove together many of the French legends I researched, such as the Gallizanea priestesses of the Île de Sein and the Golden Fairies– les Fées Dorées. I altered and embellished certain aspects of those legends to enhance my plot as the mythical creatures I created bestow magic abilities on Issyle.

What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?

 The scene where Issylte, as a  little white dove, flies into the castle dungeon of Tintagel to save her imprisoned mate, Tristan. In the original medieval French legend of Tristan et Yseult (which inspired my trilogy), there is a chapter called Le Cheveu d’ Or–the Golden Hair. I used that same theme, adapting it into a shapeshifting, paranormal scene that was very exciting to write. (And, I hope–to read!)

What can readers expect in book three of The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven series?

The conclusion of the trilogy– entitled The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight–will be published June 21st, on the summer solstice. Tristan and Issylte, empowered with Druidic magic, have enlisted the aid of a triad of shapeshifting allies–the Wolf Tribe, the Bear Clan, and the Mélusine Sea Dragon Warriors. Armed with a trinity of enchanted Elven weapons, the Emerald Fairy Issylte and the Dragon Knight Tristan must defend their Celtic kingdoms against the combined destructive force of the wicked Black Widow Queen, the malevolent Shadow Fairy Malfleur, and the invincible Viking Trident.

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