Blog Archives
With My Own Twists and World
The Year of the Dark Spring follows a historian examining how the people of a planet long ago reacted to a comet in the sky. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?
Each of the individual stories actually came first. They are inspired by some of the myths and religions of the ancient eastern Mediterranean and Near east (and a little of the Americas too), with my own twists and world added in. However, I felt the idea of linking these stories together with one event upon which the narrative hinged, such as a comet, was an interesting way to show how various people and cultures would react slightly differently to the same phenomena, according to their own understanding of the world and their own history. The historian taking a step back to examine these events in the round then felt like a natural place to introduce the reader to this world. An event that effected the whole world and brought some big changes to humanity is certainly something I think any historian would be interested in examining.
What was the inspiration for the culture of your characters? Is it modeled after any particular society?
The world is roughly analogous to the classical period in the eastern Mediterranean and Near east. Having studied history at university, this period has always held a fascination for me and so each of the characters and cultures in the book are modelled off the societies of Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia and with some Celtic influence in there too.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The book tries to delve into humanity, not only focussing on the internal conflicts we all have, but also the tests and tensions that inevitably develop within societies and cultures. I was trying to explore the ways in which human societies and cultures are tied to the world in which they exist and that they are inevitably shaped, influenced and changed by their environments. As those environments change and evolve, so human societies, and the way we interact with each other, inevitably have to do so too. Usually this happens over years, decades and centuries, but I felt that the comet was a device that would force this confrontation to happen over days and weeks, and so beginning to test people, societies, and cultures to their limits.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working on the first book in a series set in the same world. During the prologue and epilogue of The Year of the Dark Spring, the narrator mentions the ongoing campaigns of Tekolger, the King of the Doldun. This series is intended to explore the aftermath of those campaigns and so is set about thirty years after the events of the The Year of the Dark Spring. The manuscript is finished, but being edited, so I am hoping I will be able to publish it within the next year.
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This collection of short stories is set in the world of Kolgennon, in a time akin to our own classical world. Each of the nine stories places the comet as the key event of the narrative and each follows a new protagonist, seeing the events of the dark spring through the eyes of a variety of characters and settings. The narrative is framed by a short prologue and epilogue from a historian reflecting back on this time and speculating on what went through the minds of the people that these events effected.
A Web Of Conflict
Pray to the Dead: Book Two in Angels Have Tread Trilogy is a unique and interesting concept for a storyline. Where did the idea for this trilogy come from, and how did it develop over time?
As part of a writing course, we were asked to write an action scene so I had this idea for a researcher looking for a cure to save her son. That formed the basis of the character for Dr Harris. As I developed that idea, I realised that most action books and movies are set in a male dominated world. In the first draft of the first book in the trilogy, When All Hope Is Lost, I didn’t explain to readers that all men over 20 had died from a disease. Instead I dropped the reader directly into a world where all the characters were female; politicians, doctors, guards, reporters. I gave those opening chapters to a number of readers and the response from male readers was interesting. They were visibly upset by the lack of men. That’s when I realised that I didn’t want to write about the disaster or the struggle to get through it. I wanted my readers to discover a world that was already a comfortably established matriarchy. It’s a world that accepts women in all walks of life.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
I wanted to create a three dimensional world so I felt it was important to have multiple points of view. I wanted characters that had known the world before the pandemic and those who’d grown up in this changed world. I wanted to show that intergenerational conflict. I also wanted characters that came from different locales which is why there is the urban versus rural points of view. In my first book, When All Hope Is Lost, the relationships are laid out in parallel lines. Patricia the reporter lives with her mother. Dr Bonnie Harris with her son Josh. Evelyn as the political leader in Melbourne has her inner circle in the same way Sofia has hers in the Warragul Colony. The idea was to bring these separate lines together in a web of conflict that reaches its conclusion in the final book of the trilogy.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I took the creative writing course as a way to reconnect with life. I’d spent time caring for my partner whose dementia was slowly eating away at both our lives. Covid struck, he went into full time care and I was bereft. I’ve always made up short stories but I found myself with a lot of time and the need to deal with my loss. That loss added a new dimension to my writing.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
The next book, For Where There Are Harps, is still in first draft but it brings all the characters together in the civil war called the Great Upheaval. As one of my early readers pointed out, this world is out of whack and you need to put it back in balance. Book three is about destroying what isn’t working and laying the groundwork for something that will be better.
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Research-based Imagination
Disciples follows four friends on a journey who are all looking for something different while trying to stop a war. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Essentially it was set up by the previous two novels, the concept for which originally came to me in a dream. However, it was certainly inspired by the different areas of life we can allow to limit us. Logan struggles with discerning who he can trust and how you decide, Carla chooses to pursue something she knows is wrong to get her greatest desire, Blessing allows herself to step out of mediocrity and to pursue something where she can be great and Junior, so long reliant on his strength and aura, has to overcome a horrendous injury. I think all of the stories pursue themes and values core to humanity.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
I certainly tap into some of my own flaws and inconsistencies and consider how they might be exacerbated in such extreme circumstances as those my characters face. However, I try to communicate the sense of experience rather than drawing on my own. Very few scenes depicted in my novels (bar two notable exceptions in one chapter) have any basis in fact. Most of what I write is research-based imagination.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Ooh, two scenes stand out. I loved writing the scene where the wise-cracking ice dragon Floyd (which stand for Flying Lizard Of Your Doom) embellishes some of his past adventures. The scene in the hospital where Junior is trying to lead sick and injured children to safety while soldiers are hunting for them was a harrowing experience to write about but I’m really proud of how it came out. I like to think showcased the many personalities and behaviours we see in children and people in general.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
The book leaves us with each character facing a very different reality. Junior is about to be offered a job that satisfies the ego he tries to hide. Carla finally gets what she most wants but at a huge cost. After great success, Blessing is forced to humble herself to ensure she remains on an upward trajectory. And Logan… well, he’s in big trouble. Sorry about the cliffhanger ending!
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Enter a dystopian future where terrifying creatures of the imagination have driven humanity underground.
The trouble with choosing a side is knowing whether you’ve picked the right one.
The dynamics of The War are changing. Allegiances are shifting. And sometimes, victories behind the scenes matter more than the ones everyone can see.
As the lines between right and wrong, human and Abomination blur, Junior, Blessing, Carla and Logan will each face a choice. It’s time for them to decide where they really stand. After so many betrayals, it’s impossible to know who to trust. And yet, the choices they are compelled to make today will alter the future of the Earth.
But what are they prepared to sacrifice to shape their better world?
We Had A Reason To Fight
Ignition 2084 follows a warrior in the insurrection who is fighting for his people and a chance at freedom and peace from the ones that want to destroy all others. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Ignition 2084 was a response to 2020. Disease ran as rampant as racial disparities, politicians failed to prove their trustworthiness and care for the public, and violence was on the rise. Between the wrongful killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor; the increase of domestic violence; the rampant deaths from COVID-19; it seemed that for many of us that year, we had a reason to fight for freedom and peace from the things (or in some cases, people) that were so determined to destroy all others.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
A lot of the characters in Ignition are based on real people from throughout my life. Some are friends, enemies, mentors, students, or family of mine, so when developing the characters I wanted them to be true to form. I wanted this to be a love letter to the people who helped me to become who I am, but I also wanted to recreate the realness of the people from whom the characters derived their base. They had to have their own views, not just the view that I present as the author. They had to present their own motivations for the good or bad that they do, and regardless of which side they fall on, there are always questionable thoughts, words and actions between them. Just like in life, I wanted to see how they would forge a path ahead, or even if they would.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The effects of war on family was one of the central themes, along with the effects of war on individuals. I wanted to explore the side of military life that I got to see as a military brat that often gets overshadowed in stories. There is an equal focus on survival and the inequality of rich and poor as it relates to the ideas of freedom and tyranny, and of course a somewhat obvious focus on racial tension.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
A sequel novel is underway, codenamed “Project ShadowStorm,” and is set to release around the holiday season this year. This one picks up where the last one leaves off, with a mixing of new and old characters that endeavor to put an end to the war that began in the first installment. There will be a lot more action, a few compelling moments, a few loose ends tied up, and a deepening of the in-world mythos as we continue to address some of the important issues in our society in the hopes of making real change over real conversations.
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The year is 2084, and the Hanzo Gear’s done a lot to level the playing field against Kingdom Scarlet in the last 38 years. After the Second Civil War destroyed America in 2020, the minorities displaced by the autocratic Kingdom split into three factions, all watching for just the right moment to strike back.
The Kabuto Sanctuary built a network of tunnels during the war, and relied on stealth and sabotage. The Yoroi Alliance, nestled in the Grand Canyon, lay numerous deadly traps to keep the outsiders at bay. The Yaiba Insurrection have continuously engaged their enemies directly, and when they were pushed to the brink of extinction, they created the Hanzo Gear.
The Reds are on the move again, more determined than ever to bring the other factions to heel. John Hamlin is the strongest warrior that the Insurrection has to offer, but when his home is invaded and the people he loves are threatened, captured or killed, the strength that had preserved his peace for years is called into question.
It Inspired A Conflict
The Disciples follows two young men who build a network to break out of poverty and gain power and riches. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I went to high school, there was a street next to the school where the kids would buy and sell drugs. It was strange to go to the school during the day and no one ever talked about it. It made it seem less than illegal, an acceptable passage of time. It inspired a conflict in my mind of what we do in society and what we talk about.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
Concepts like morals took a secondary role in the quest to attain tangible goals. If the characters had more life experience, then they would have made decisions that were not so selfish. The older characters understood how the world worked, they hoped for their younger friends and family to achieve their goals while knowing that would just be the beginning of their journey. The younger characters never understood that reaching your goals is only a part of the journey. They realized after their success that achieving so much at such a young age is life altering.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme is the importance of knowing why you want your dreams to come true. Without that basic knowledge, your dreams can become hollow vessels of success and alienation. A truly selfish dream will cause as much harm as good when achieved.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
The follow-up to The Disciples is called The Revolts. That story will go deeper into the science-fiction/religious conflict that I have always found interesting. Samuel Luscious makes a move to rule the world, one that will end in utter devastation.
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Carmine Rostintoni was raised in a hostile world where the anger of his father ruled. Although raised by what he deemed a small man, Carmine had big dreams. Samuel Luscious took notice of Carmine’s dreams of wealth and power then planted an idea that turned an afterschool business into a functioning network.
Sam and Carmine were the first two disciples, the first two with the idea to make the rest of the disciples rich and powerful. Sam and Carmine were the first two disciples to see what nightmares awaited them once their dreams had been met.
Writing As The Spirit Leads
Poetry To Ponder is a heartwarming collection of poems that provides a unique perspective on the Christmas season, encouraging readers to examine themselves and their relationship with God. What inspired you to write and publish this collection?
“I have been writing poetry for several decades, reflecting on my journey through many trials and happy moments. I had so many poems related to Christmas that I wanted to share them. As I considered the dire condition of our society, I felt that the joy and promise of Christmas and the ultimate hope of redemption needed to be shared with the world. What good would these poems do just left in my desk drawers? It was my way of spreading the good news of hope through faith in Jesus.”
What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your book?
“Despite the moral corruption in our world, God is still Sovereign and His offer of mercy and deliverance for failing humanity still stands; there is a light in the darkness.”
What advice would you give to aspiring poets who want to use their writing to inspire others and share their faith?
“Keep writing. Look for opportunities to share even with one person and trust God to direct your path. There was a time that I was timid about showing my poetry to others. When I found the courage and began to share, I was blown over by the response and that encouraged me to keep writing. This is now my third published book.”
Do you have plans to write and publish more works of poetry?
“I already have two other books which I will soon send to you for reviews. I will keep writing as the Spirit leads. Producing a book is no easy task for me because of my visual impairment and the challenge of using adaptive technology.”
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Experience That Rebirth
Vivencias is a powerful and captivating collection of poems that truly captures the essence of human emotions. What inspires you to write poetry?
What most inspires me to write poetry is love, sensibility, and the necessity of human warmth. The ability to connect with others who have gone through what I have experienced or are currently going through it inspires me to keep writing as I wish to further understand human emotions and all the happiness, hurt and healing they bring.
“Karma” is one of my favorite poems. Do you have a poem that stands out to you personally in this collection?
“Angel Caido” is a poem that stands out to me personally because it is the culmination of falling down and having the strength to stand up again and allowing yourself to experience that rebirth.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this poetry collection?
Love, passion, betrayal, loneliness, pain, and bitterness were all themes that were important for me to explore in this collection because they were all the emotions I was feeling and wanted to release through words on paper. What was most important for me to explore in this poetry collection was bringing to light the human experience and the emotions that we all may feel but sometimes are afraid to talk about with others.
Do you plan to write and publish more works of poetry?
I am indeed planning on writing and publishing more works of poetry and continuing to explore human connection and human emotion through my own experiences.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram
Amor, alegría, dolor, soledad, tristeza, amargura, desengaños. Estos son algunos sentimientos que en nosotros grabados están. Es lo que resumen las vivencias del ser humano.
The Most Rash of Sorcerers
Thaddeus and the Master is the second book in the trilogy; what was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?
I’ve always felt getting started somewhere new, while exciting in many ways, can also be daunting and, sometimes, anxiety-producing. So, I thought, now that my characters had achieved their goal of admission to the College of Sorcerers, what would it be like for them ‘breaking in’ to the Sorcerceral school culture – making gaffs, finding allies, taking their ‘places’ and so on.
I tried to maintain that mind-set throughout, at least to the point where, as is most often the case with new places and time, it starts to get sorted out and, therefore, becomes easier.
What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
Asullus, the old gray Mule, has always been my favorite to write for and he’s the one I find I’m most often asked about. I’ve even had a couple of Gentle Readers wonder when the Asullus Plush Velvet Stuffed Mule will be available.
One scene where I believe his character is most truly seen is when he coaches the Apprentice kick-ball team in their match against the Seniors. He is wise, loyal to a fault, sturdy and staunch and not above slipping a hoof on the weighing scales if it will benefit his charges.
How did you handle balancing the power and use of magic in the story?
In the series, it is made clear from the start that while one can do amazing things with Sorcerous craft, there is a steep price – which turns out to be the shortening of the practitioner’s lifetime with each use. However, the Sorcerer can never know ahead of time how much of his life-force will be used up with each spell. It is entirely random and changes, even with the exact same spell and the exact same user, from time to time. This tends to provide a cautionary brake to all but the most rash of Sorcerers.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
We see that, joining together, the Apprentices are able to detect there is a great Evil at work in the College, and that their close bonding is the one factor that will allow them to first, identify, then, second, challenge this dark force.
The third book of the first trilogy will show how the young Apprentices and their female counter-parts are finally able to confront not only a Fallen Master but, behind him, a Daemon of the Ninth Level. No small task.
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The three Brother Apprentices have arrived at the College of Sorcerers only to face new challenges and tribulations set upon them by both the senior students and the Faculty.
Hindering their advancement at College are a collection of obstacles including a half-mad Centaur, a Green Goblin, the last living Father of Man, drug-seeking Sprites, sentient warrior statues, the Guardian of the Temple of Time, murderous attacks by Excelsior-Class brigands, Graecolian Slavers, the uncloaked evil of a twisted Master Sorcerer and the Pale Horse of Death.
. Can Thaddeus truly trust the mysterious Prince from far-distant Mauretesia?
. Can Thaddeus and his three friends solve the riddle of what lies behind the mirrors?
. Can Rolland prove how the College’s cook can claim to have fathered the leader of Fountaindale’s Thieve’s Guild?
. Can the Daemon’s challenge to Thaddeus be answered by his brother Apprentices?
. Can the ancient Lay of Man unravel the fate of the Father of Man?
. Can the four friends alter the dread fate prophesied by the Pale Horse?
In Louis Sauvain’s epic fantasy Book One, Thaddeus of Beewicke, the tortuous and danger-laden journey to the Sorcerer’s school is at last completed. In Book Two, Thaddeus and the Master, the young Apprentices at the College of Sorcerers learn first-hand the life-threatening risks of spell-casting, hand-to-hand combat and confrontation with hostile upperclassmen, disdainful Faculty and the deadly presence of the school’s Daemon.
Sauvain’s strength prevails creating a page-turner of strong and vigorous cast of characters.
LITERARY TITAN 