Today Rosalie Skinner's fabulous fantasy series Chronicles of Caleath,Book One is released by MuseItUp Publishing. It is my pleaure and priviledge to share in her special day.
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for your enthusiasm and support. Yes, after book one is released in September, each month there will be another snippet of the chronicles available. Each book is novel size. No short stories here. J
Wow! That is fantastic.
What prompted you to start this story about Caleath?
I have always been an avid reader of Fantasy. So when the local library ran out of new books to read and my favourite authors took too long between releases, my friend and I decided to create our own. That was many years ago and from those early plots and characters Caleath and Nasith remain. Otherwise there isn’t much from those days.
Why did you choose the fantasy genre to tell his story?
Caleath’s story is a mix of fantasy and science fiction, mainly because they are genres I have read and loved since childhood. For a moment in time, probably while ink was drying on the first chapter, for the first time, I believed writing fantasy meant I wouldn’t need much research. The illusion didn’t last long and research became part of the joy of creating the story, rather than a chore.
Without introducing too many spoilers, you mean? ;)
On his home world, Caleath was obsessed with Virtual Reality games. His determination to become the ultimate Game Master blinded him to the risks he took. When competitions have whole galaxies as their audience, the mistake of publically humiliating the son of a powerful magnate sealed Caleath’s fate.
Now his struggle to survive on a strange planet is made more difficult as assassins, sent by the same magnate’s son, try to kill him.
There is no secret to how I took inspiration from Survivor and Big Brother, as each move of Caleath’s adventure becomes compulsive viewing for the same audience he once entertained in Virtual Reality.
Only this time it’s life and death... and he is desperate to find a way home and wreak vengeance on man who arranged his exile.
Ah, now I see the connection with Big Brother. That hadn’t struck me before.
Did you write the story from beginning to end? If not, how did you write it?
Yes, the plot flowed from beginning to end. There are times I try to plan plot arcs but truth be told, when the muse is on fire, there isn’t time to plan. During the second or third edit the plot becomes more polished, but at the time of writing, it is each character’s motives and choices that push the story. The outcome is determined well before the draft is written. All else depends on how the characters behave when faced with decisions.
What do you like about writing?
I love being transported to another world. Being part of the lives and struggles of my characters, seeing their journeys come to fulfilment... placing different obstacles in their path, twisting fate and bringing strands of different lives together through adversity and trial, to find their strengths, see them grow and achieve an outcome, in a satisfying manner... that’s what I love. When others read and enjoy Caleath’s tale, well, that is the most satisfying thing of all.
What don't you like about writing?
That it is an obsession I cannot control. If I am writing... doing anything else is frustrating. Life gets in the way. There is no writing for five minutes at a time. When I write, I am obsessed. Until the scene or the chapter is complete, nothing intrudes. Thankfully I have a very supportive family. There are times though when they wonder at my sanity.
Is there anything about the writing process that you found surprising?
LOL. What a great question. I will admit that I was surprised how difficult the art of writing is to master. Today I feel I am beginning to understand the most basic of writing skills, but each day I find there is more I don’t know, more to learn. The act of penning a story, getting a manuscript down, is the easy part. It did come as a surprise, to discover that. Everything after waiting for the ink to dry is difficult.
Yes, I know what you mean. It’s surprising how much you actually learn once you get started. Are any story lines based on things that have happened to you or you have heard about?
There are so many of the story lines that are influenced by life’s experiences. Not only my own, but experiences I have witnessed and shared. The rest are things I have experienced, studied, watched, and heard about, but having said that, liberal amounts of imagination have been applied.
What advice would you have for other authors?
Keep reading, keep writing, keep learning and keep an open mind. Don’t ever give up. Complete your manuscript before you worry about the fine details. They will shine with the polish you apply during edits.
What are you passionate about?
Family, life, love and being a source of positive energy. Oh, yeah, and writing. LOL. I am passionate about my books and the support and energy of those people who have helped me get them to where they are today!
Where can we get to know you better?
Come and visit my blog at Ramblings from Lady Rosalie or you can contact me through the official Chronicles of Caleath website. I have an author page at Museitup Publishing too.
From today you can purchase Exiled: Autumn’s Peril here.
This is a very exciting day, Rosalie. Congratulations on the launch of your Chronicles of Caleath with this beautiful Book One.
Thank you so much for being my guest today.
Wendy it has been a pleasure. Thanks for having me here.
Just one more thing :) Would you favour us with a short excerpt, please Rosalie?
From Exiled: Autumn’s Peril...
My pleasure... a short excerpt from Exiled: Autumn’s Peril...
Despite his determination, sleep overwhelmed him but offered no peace of mind. Scrutinized by the sightless eyes of drowned men, panic plagued his dreams. Hungry for vengeance and corrupted by the stench of watery decay, their angry spirits sought to destroy his sanity.
In his vision, strands of hair washed like seaweed across the disintegrating flesh of dead sailors. Tides of marine scavengers reduced humanity to bare bone and memory. Ghostly accusations spread on the current to drown him in guilt. Lifeless skulls and partially devoured corpses of the recently drowned whispered curses. They laid the blame for their demise on his shoulders. Fleshless fingers reached through the depths to draw him into Death’s grasp while parasitic wraiths gnawed at his soul and his lungs filled with the fetor of a carnivore’s breath.
Caleath woke from the nightmare. Daylight drove barbs into his eyes, forcing him to blink before he could focus on the muzzle of a salivating wolf.
Fangs gleamed inches from his face and amber eyes regarded him without blinking.
And now we await Book Two which comes out next month.
Dear readers, Stay right here! YOU are invited to join Rosalie's Launch Party, by way of these comments, and have a chance to win a copy of Exiled Autumn's Peril. Winner will be chosen on 9th September.
Best leave an email address or check back on the 9th.
Anyone who entered the competition on Rosalie's blog, during the week, just leave your code number in the comments, here, to claim your prizes.
Now we'll start the cyber party in the comments. Good Aussie food and drink and banter. All for FUN. Come back during the day to continue the fun.
LET THE PARTY BEGIN
