The Dog Roses: Na Feirdhriseacha follows twin sisters on a quest to save their people from enslavement who seek out the help of a demi-goddess to assist in saving their land. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The inspiration is twofold: First, readers had seen the development of Danu and Brighid in the Conall Series, which charted the turbulent relationship and path of their parents, from “normal” adolescents to the powerful king and queen of a tribe they had founded and grown. Hence, I thought they deserved their story to be told. Second, the “geis” laid on Conall by the demigoddess who helped him rise to being a king-over-kings had a cost. He and all of his make sons were not allowed to return to Ireland. It was with some reluctance that he agreed to Danu and Brighid returning to settle a rebellion.

What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?

The foundations of many of the characters were laid in the original Conall Series. I just gave them the freedom to grow. As with many authors, I find that characters become alive and chart their own path. It is similar to movies where an actor, well-versed in the lore of his or her part, will say, “No. My character would not do this (action).”

In this book, one particular character (Aoife) gave me great pleasure to write. In The Dog Roses, Aoife, is about 8 years old. Her character is based on my granddaughter who was about the same age. When I read about Aoife in the story, I see my granddaughter. The real challenge with Aoife’s character came in the sequel, The Dog Roses: Resolution, when I had to envisage her as an 18-year-old!!!

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The questions to be answered were: Could the princesses become queens and then battle queens? Who could they trust? When would they learn The Dog Roses gave them abilities and with them came responsibilities. Also, will they ever establish common ground with the fierce demigoddess, Draighean.

Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?

Sisters squabble. Queens go to war.

Ten summers ago, victory brought peace and prosperity to Southern Ériu. Danu and Brighid were celebrated as heroes and saviours. The queens scaled the heights, and there was only one way to go.

One twin became overbearing, the other resentful. Pride dug a pit filled with blackthorns between them. They became tyrants, and the kingdom was sundered. The people were left bitter, divided, and afraid, and the lush farmlands fell barren. Stripped of their powers, The Dog Roses were no more. Each blamed the other, and neither took responsibility.

Angry parents gave the twins’ brothers an army and tasked them to bring law to the kingdom. An embittered veteran and a beautiful assassin accompany them. Whose gold is in the assassin’s pouch, and what are her orders?

An evil philosophy grows, and another army gathers. Can the sisters be reconciled? The people need The Dog Roses, but can they forgive them?

The Dog Roses: Resolution is currently available in print and eBook formats. A copy will shortly be winging its way to Literary Titan for review!

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