Helen Lowe 2Recently, the shortlist for this year’s David Gemmell Legend Award was announced, and Helen Lowe’s  “The Gathering of The Lost” is a finalist. So what better time to get Helen here to talk ‘Keeping Your Fantasy Novel Fresh and Interesting.’

Keeping storytelling fresh is always a challenge, simply because there are very few actual stories:  a woman meets a man, a farm boy/girl finds a destiny (Carnivale, anyone?), star-crossed love, an ordinary person is faced with an extraordinary challenge… These are the stories that speak to us in every generation and not just in Fantasy. The difference in Fantasy is that we add magic…(Then stir!)

This is why I argue that the secret to great storytelling is not about finding the ’new’, but about how we tell stories that are already, if not as old as time, at least as enduring as the human race. In short, it is about authenticity. And authenticity is about keeping it real.

A big part of keeping it real in all fiction is developing authentic characters. It’s even more vital with Fantasy because the characters operate in a fantastic setting, which may be completely “other” worlds, or our own world, but with magic added. To believe in the world, we first have to believe in the characters at an emotional level; their hopes, dreams, and fears have to be real for us as readers.

One way I achieve that, as a writer, is to understand that no matter how large or small their part in the story, the character is important to him or herself. Even the most minor of characters will have a history and a life that matters to them, and as the writer I have to convey a sense of that, even if the reader will only ever catch the most fleeting glimpse of the character on the page.

Lowe_GatheringOfLostThe second part of keeping Fantasy real (and fresh, and interesting) is developing those fantastic worlds—it’s what distinguishes the SFF genre from any other form. Those other forms are all bound to the world-as-we-know-it, whether in its contemporary or historical context.

Speculative fiction asks “what if?” What if a world could be like this, or this, or that? What if there really were magic? How would that work?

It’s the infinite variety of possible “what if’s” that keeps Fantasy exciting.

The Gathering Of The Lost, which is currently shortlisted for the David Gemmell Legend Award, is set in a completely “other” world, that has been described by readers as a compelling ‘character’ in its own right.

It’s also a story of magic and adventure, roof top pursuits and tourneys, hidden identities and springtime love. The heart of the story though, is always the characters: Malian, the Heir of Night, and her friend and champion, Kalan, and their story of honor, ambition, and duty, as well as responsibility: to each other, to the world in which they live, and to their families, whether of blood or friendship.

These are matters that not just speak to, but compel us in every generation. You don’t get any more interesting than that.

You can read Helen’s finalist’s interview on the Gemmell Awards site, here. If you wish to vote for the final round of the Legend Award, the link is here.

 Bio:

Helen Lowe is a novelist, poet, and interviewer. The Gathering of The Lost, the second novel in her The Wall Of Night series, is currently short-listed for the David Gemmell Legend Award. Helen posts every day on her Helen Lowe on Anything, Really blog, on the first of every month on the Supernatural Underground, and occasionally on BookSworn authors and SF Signal. You can also follow her on Twitter: @helenl0we.

 

 



Belinda_kisses_tnInterview by Belinda Hamilton.
KaytiBioPic

 

 

You’ve been working closely with Lauren M. Galley to create beautifully vivid and fun images for her website, self awareness book, Steps to Success, and merchandising for Girls above Society… Did you learn anything new about your artistic process during the collaboration work?

Oh definitely for Girls Above Society. What Lauren needed was an identity and since she is the face of Girls Above Society, her logo needed to show her and not just a clever symbol. The logo she has now was entirely her idea. She had it in her head – she just needed someone to draw it for her. This was the first opportunity I had to create a character from a person who actually exists, as opposed to a made-up character. Everything about this character needed to represent the spirit of Lauren who is also the spirit of Girls Above Society. Lauren makes it very easy to design for her and I work hard to keep the illustrations fun, confident, loving, silly, and inspiring – just like Lauren and the message she is communicating to all the girls whose lives she touches. Lauren is inspiring and teaches me something every day that reflects in my new work for them. 


BU-Illustration-BurnBrightI get the feeling that drawing and creating pictures makes you extremely happy. Have you found that having your hobby become your job has taken some of the shine off, or does it allow you to go into your happy place more often than is generally allowed for a job.

I get asked that question a lot but the fact of the matter is that I often feel guilty people even pay me to do this. To create for others is something I consider to be a real blessing. I am so very grateful and humble that I have the opportunity to touch other people through my designs. Sure, I have those days where I am dealing with a tough client, or have a technical headache – but I get to wake up and do what I absolutely love every day, and I know not everyone can say that. 

From looking at your blog lots of your work is quite positive, bright, and inspirational. How do you get through the days when you are just not feeling all that bouncy? Do you draw the darker stuff and keep it hidden away?

GirlsAboveSociety-Logo-web-e1368412419992Well, for me art is the thing that MAKES me happy. It is the one true therapy that works. Often times, if I am feeling discouraged or upset about something I will illustrate my situation in a funny manner to make me laugh or draw something purely for my own entertainment. And yes, perhaps not all these illustrations see the light of day as they’re mainly for my own enjoyment.  I also listen to a lot of music that helps my mood. Or I just go for a walk and take in the fresh air when I feel a creative lull. It is so important to keep your creative spirit alive and well fed!  I think this goes for anyone – but it is especially important to those who create for a living. 

What drawing of yours burns the brightest and why?

The drawing for Girls Above Society that burns the brightest for me would have to be her signature illustration.  Lauren’s signature phrase is “BU – There’s no one else like it” – which is a message to girls to be themselves and love themselves for who they are because nobody else in the world is like them.  I wanted this drawing to show pure joy and self love. I love the hand drawn look of imperfection. It lends a lot of personality to Lauren’s message. Coupled with the bright, vivid colours, I just smile whenever I see it. And any design that brings me such joy to create is the one that burns the brightest. 

 Kayti DesignsBIO:

Kayti Welsh is a graphic designer whose focus is identity. Her ability to create & brand has allowed Kayti to visually express a product, cause or identity that is impressive and unique to the eye. Her work has covered books, logos, websites, & non profit activism in the areas of bullying and self confidence. Kayti’s belief in communicating is apparent in her work ethic and finished product. Her passion for the greater good comes from her family’s lifetime dedication to helping others. To learn more about Kayti, visit kaytidesigns.com. She would love to hear from you. You may email her directly at kaytiwelsh@gmail.com.



 Monny's Project_webSusannah is interviewed by Monica Hamilton

 

 

Susannah Mcfarlane1. In your EJ12 series, did you deliberately give Emma’s friends names that happen to be Palindromes to let us know they are just a little bit special?

Yes, great spotting! I think family and friends are people who reliable, who you can count on: they stay the same, forwards and backwards – just like a palindrome! So, of course, there is MUM and DAD and her brother BOB (who also has a friend OTTO) as well as Emma’s close friends, HANNAH, ISI, ELLE AND EVE. There are lots of other little codes hidden in people’s names in the stories: SHADOW agents often have names that mean ‘black’ (for example, Alicia Noir in Fashion Fraud) and there are lots of anagrams (Nema Rigl’s name can be rearranged to spell out MEAN GIRL). I’m not going to tell them all though!

 2. Where did you come up with the idea of the special secret tunnel Emma has to go through to get to the Shine Agency? 

LFME_EJ12_Book16_TimeToShine_CS5.inddI think I might have been a little inspired by the Slippery Slip in the The Faraway Tree, which was one of my favourite books when I was young. It was important that Emma could get to SHINE from school and who would ever suspect a secret agent would start a mission from the girls’ toilets?!

3. Will EJ12 (Emma’s code name) have to change when she turns 13?

Yes, actually when she turns 12, she will move into the Under 14 Division and become EJ14.

 4. Which of your fictional characters Burns Brightest in your mind and why?

It has to be Emma/EJ. After writing 17 books, she is almost real to me and I love thinking up new challenges for her to overcome! 

BIO: 

Susannah McFarlane is the creator and writer of the awarding-winning EJ12 Girl Hero series, the creator and co-author of the hugely popular series for boys, Boy vs Beast, and the author of the Little Mates series of alphabet books for under fives. She was also the original concept creator of two of Australia’s leading popular tween fiction series Go Girl! and Zac Power.

Susannah is also the founding director of Lemonfizz Media, a boutique children’s publisher that focuses on developing a small number of publishing projects across all content platforms, and a speaker on children’s publishing for the RMIT Editing and Publishing course. For more information visit www.susannahmcfarlane.com.au



paula-westonYA Author Paula Weston, shares her thoughts on Angel stories in YA fiction

 

 

Weston_shadowsYou only need to take a cursory glance online to know that young adult angel books tend to get a bad rap.

I should clarify: romance-based YA angel books tend to get a bad rap.

The issue, I think, is that readers who love urban fantasy/paranormal elements in their stories want more than just a hot guy with wings who falls for a human girl (similar to the way readers who love traditional vampire stories don’t want their blood suckers to sparkle).

There’s nothing wrong with the latter scenarios if that’s the reading experience you want (and plenty of readers do). But if you’re a paranormal/urban fantasy fan, you want world building, detailed mythology and action. And if all you pick up are the romance-heavy angel stories, you’re going to be less than satisfied. (Just like the romance seekers are annoyed when there’s too much world building and mythology in their angel stories).

Author Jeannie Holmes has a (broad) theory on how to separate the types, based on the perceived differences between ‘paranormal romance’ and ‘urban fantasy’, particularly when both have romantic elements:

“Urban fantasy focuses on an issue outside of a romantic relationship between two characters. Paranormal romance focuses on a romantic relationship between two characters and how outside forces affect that relationship.”

It’s possibly an over-simplification, but an interesting observation (and of course being one or the other is no determiner of quality).

weston_hazeThe other issue for readers of angel stories (YA or adult) is the theology question. Generally, there are three ways to tackle theology in angel/demon stories: ignore it; give a nod and move on; or make it an essential part of the story. The first can sometimes mean a plot lacks substance; the second can seem like a cop-out; the third can feel heavy-handed. How this is managed comes down to the writer and the reading experience they want to deliver.

There are plenty of approaches to angels in the YA world. We have noble angels (Alexandra Adornetto’s Halo), agnostic angels (Susan Ee’s Angelfall) and fallen angels/nephilim (Lauren Kate’s Fallen and Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush Hush ). And then there are the hybrid concepts: Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series and Laini Taylor’s stunningly original Daughter of Smoke and Bone (which, technically, is more fantasy than paranormal, and one of my favourite series in recent years).

I wanted to set my story against a backdrop that included a warrior society divided by a significant issue, with a common enemy and an uncertain future. When researching potential mythologies to work from, I found a story in the Book of Enoch (an apocryphal Jewish text) about fallen angels. It sparked a rush of ideas, and I suddenly found myself writing an angel series.

It wasn’t until Shadows was on the shelves that I realised how many angel stories were already out there – and how much angst there was towards them in some quarters (I’ll admit, some of the most rewarding responses I’ve had to the series have come from angel-weary readers who were pleasantly surprised the story exceeded their expectations).

At the end of the day, as readers we should judge books on all the usual aspects: plot, character, tension, action, etc, regardless of what genre or sub-genre they fall into.

And don’t forget: there’s always someone doing something interesting with a genre we think has been flogged to death (like Julie Kagawa’s Blood of Eden vampire/dystopian series or Maggie Stiefvater’s original take on werewolves in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series).

Shadows (Rephaim #1) is out now (Australia, New Zealand, UK) and coming to US/Canada on 10 September 2013)

Haze (Rephaim #2) is out now (Australia and New Zealand), coming soon to the UK (October 2013) and US/Canada (2014)

 www.paula-weston.com

Paula’s first book Shadows is one of our upcoming BOOK CLUB books.


Bec Stafford_headshot2Amy Tintera interviewed by Bec Stafford

 

 

Amy Tintera1. Amy, you’re a Texan and Reboot is set in a future Texas. How much fun did you have re-imagining your state in a future/sci-fi context, and what are some of your own favourite tales and books set in Texas?

 It was lots of fun imagining a future Texas! Texans have such pride in their state, so it was fun to create world where they were the only ones left standing. It didn’t seem too far-fetched to me!

 As for my favorite tales set in Texas, I loved the TV show Friday Night Lights. And there’s this movie called Happy, Texas that is absolutely hilarious. But I can’t think of any recent books I’ve read that were set in Texas!

 2. With your background in writing (including a formal qualification in journalism) and working for the film industry, how does it feel to hand your story over to a screenwriter for the big screen? Will you have any input?

 I had no problem handing my story over to a screenwriter, because I really don’t get screenplays! For a while I thought I might want to write them, but screenplays are an entirely different type of writing and I had no talent for it. It’s an entirely visual type of storytelling, and not being able to be inside the character’s head is hard for me.

I’ve talked to the film people who optioned REBOOT a few times about the story and the characters, so I have faith that they want to make the best movie possible. Honestly, I think my input was writing the book, so I’ve already had a huge say! J

tinera_reboot 3. How did you first come up with the storyline for Reboot? What messages do you hope fans will get from Wrens’ toughness and Callum’s humanity? Could you tell us about the way their contrasting characters developed?

 I first came up with the idea for REBOOT when I heard Wren’s voice in my head, saying she was dead for 178 minutes. I built the story around her and this idea that everyone thought Reboots were emotionless robots, and she’d bought into that idea.

 I hope the message fans take from Wren and Callum’s dynamic is that it’s important to be who you are, and to be proud of it. Wren is often misunderstood – she even misunderstands herself at the beginning of the book – and I wanted readers to see that transition from her seeing herself through the eyes of others, to her seeing herself for who she truly is. And Callum has always been my “stand up for what you believe in” character. He has a clear view of right and wrong, and he has that challenged a lot in the book.

 The character development was one of the easiest parts of writing REBOOT. I knew right away that Wren was tough and stoic and Callum was open and funny. A lot of their dialogue in the book is almost exactly as I wrote it in the first draft, because I understood them well so early on.

 4. Which of your fictional characters Burns Brightest in your mind and why?

 Wren! She’s the first character I’ve ever written who does a lot of things I would never do. Some of her thoughts and actions are horrifying, and it was exciting to write a character like that. We don’t have a lot of female anti-heroes, and Wren was the first one I ever wrote, so I feel proud of her.

 Reboot is published by Allen & Unwin and is now available at all good bookshops and online.  

ISBN 9781743315507, June 2013Allen & Unwin

 

 



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