1. What inspired the idea for your novel, and how long have you had the idea?
My inspiration came from many places, but a lot of how I brought it all together was due to a dream I had about a boy who *spoilers* but didn't want to be. It began with Ari. It always has. In fact, he's haunted my life for years, ever since I was a teenager. Only recently have I had the time and a decent amount of experience to feel like I could write his story.
Although, I had written part of the book when I was younger, that part doesn't happen until much later (years after Of Darkness and Disorder).
Although, I had written part of the book when I was younger, that part doesn't happen until much later (years after Of Darkness and Disorder).
2. Describe what your novel is about!
In a world torn between those who see magic as a convenience and those who view magic as a curse, a radical group calling themselves Albni has been murdering an increasing number of magic users–Anima.
Fed up with the mounting death toll and civil unrest, Prince Ari and his companions must embark on a quest to stop Albni before they eradicate magic forever. But is Albni the true enemy or is there something much more sinister at play?
3. What is your book’s aesthetic? Use words or photos or whatever you like!
Twin moons, the night sky, glistening stars. Hungry magic and contorted creatures.
The colors red and white.
The colors red and white.
But also shadows, and sunrises, and reluctant heroes.
And friendship. Always friendship.
And friendship. Always friendship.
4. Introduce us to each of your characters!
Ari
Prince Arius of Siderea (or just Ari) has been one of my oldest characters. Quiet, serious, driven by duty, and the most loyal friend you'll ever have! There's something that he feels is off about him lately, though he can't quite place it. He has dirty blond hair and different colored eyes (one blue and one hazel).
He's my baby and I adore him.
Kai is Ari's closest friend. The prince found him many years ago when Sir Soren, the royal guard, and Ari were traveling through a Southern mountain pass. Since Ari stumbled across him, they've been friends ever since. He's crass, unafraid, and (truthfully) a player. But he has a heart of gold, if only for his friends.
Also, he's an Anima with the power to create illusions, effortlessly weaving wild fantasies into reality.
Princess of Caelus and a descendent of Lady Liora (founder of Caelus), Farrah possess a great celestial essence with the power to heal others. Sweet, innocent, and strong-willed, she can be stubborn when it comes to protecting others, especially her friends and family.
Kai
Also, he's an Anima with the power to create illusions, effortlessly weaving wild fantasies into reality.
Farrah
She's known Ari and Kai for most of her life but hasn't seen them in two years (due to Kai's banishment from her kingdom).
Rin is Farrah's best friend and ambassador in training. Also...Farrah's stepmother's sister. She's from the island of Kasai and is also an Anima with the power to control fire. Though, she's been having trouble controlling her Anima lately, which could spell disaster for her later on.
How do you prepare to write? (Outline, research, stocking up on chocolate, howling, etc.?)
Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
I don't outline...at first, anyway. I let the world shape itself, then I go back and organize myself.
What are you most looking forward to about this novel?
Can I say everything? I mean, life is all about the journey, right? But I do have a few scenes that keep replaying in my head.
When listening to music, does anyone else create mental movies?
What I'm looking forward to: Tattoos, more masks, a wedding kiss, sacrifices, glowing flowers, tears, and terrible/beautiful things.
List 3 things about your novel’s setting.
Torn
Diverse
Miraculous
What’s your character’s goal and who (or what) stands in the way?
As mentioned above, Prince Ari is on a quest to take down Albni. But there are players in the game that haven't been revealed yet. They might play just as sinister a role.
How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?
Whether for better or worse, Ari is already going through a transition. He's to be become king soon, so the journey is all about establishing who he is out from under his father's shadow. In ways, he makes drastic (and honestly, tragic) changes to his character. He transforms from someone who (as a child) was all wonder and whimsy to that of a character who exudes a much more complicated (and fractured) view of the world.
What are your book’s themes? How do you want readers to feel when the story is over?
Love in the face of adversity.
I want the reader to come away from this novel with a feeling that regardless of blood relation, family means many things. Loyalty to brothers, fathers, mothers, sisters, etc.
That everything is not always black and white. That there exists gray in this world, which is ultimately and strikingly beautiful.
That though love doesn't always bring happiness, it paves the way for hope and understanding. And through love (whether that be for one's lover, friend, family, or even enemy) all things are worth it.
Rin
How do you prepare to write? (Outline, research, stocking up on chocolate, howling, etc.?)
Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
I don't outline...at first, anyway. I let the world shape itself, then I go back and organize myself.
What are you most looking forward to about this novel?
Can I say everything? I mean, life is all about the journey, right? But I do have a few scenes that keep replaying in my head.
When listening to music, does anyone else create mental movies?
What I'm looking forward to: Tattoos, more masks, a wedding kiss, sacrifices, glowing flowers, tears, and terrible/beautiful things.
List 3 things about your novel’s setting.
Diverse
Miraculous
What’s your character’s goal and who (or what) stands in the way?
As mentioned above, Prince Ari is on a quest to take down Albni. But there are players in the game that haven't been revealed yet. They might play just as sinister a role.
How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?
Whether for better or worse, Ari is already going through a transition. He's to be become king soon, so the journey is all about establishing who he is out from under his father's shadow. In ways, he makes drastic (and honestly, tragic) changes to his character. He transforms from someone who (as a child) was all wonder and whimsy to that of a character who exudes a much more complicated (and fractured) view of the world.
What are your book’s themes? How do you want readers to feel when the story is over?
Love in the face of adversity.
I want the reader to come away from this novel with a feeling that regardless of blood relation, family means many things. Loyalty to brothers, fathers, mothers, sisters, etc.
Ari and Kai's bromance is too much for me to take!
That everything is not always black and white. That there exists gray in this world, which is ultimately and strikingly beautiful.
That though love doesn't always bring happiness, it paves the way for hope and understanding. And through love (whether that be for one's lover, friend, family, or even enemy) all things are worth it.
Don't let go.
