Author Interview-Tricia Copeland

Tricia Copeland

Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She thinks magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, a beautiful sunset, or a book that transports us to another world. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado.

Marina Raydun: This is the final book in the Realm Chronicles. What was the emotional journey like for you as a writer bringing Titania’s story—and the entire series—to a close?

Tricia Copeland: My journey with Titania began with an image of a fairy hunched in grasses of a meadow. The fairy appeared anxious and I developed this story and world where she rises to be a queen, the first ever female monarch of her realm. To experience Titania’s frustration as an anxious teen princess, her angst as a hot-headed queen, and transformation to the determined and wise ruler she became is a skin-tingling experience. I’m so excited to share the resolution to this series with everyone.

MR: Titania faces impossible choices between her people and the witches. How did you approach writing her internal conflict? Was she always meant to be this torn?

TC: Titania’s internal conflict between aiding the witches and keeping her sole focus on her people mirrors struggles many rulers and countries experience. In the story we not only have the conflict between torn energy and time but that historically the fae considered vampires to be soulless creatures and therefore did not associate with them. The fact that the witches welcome vampire-witch hybrids into their group was initially a problem for the older members of the fae governments. In writing this series I wanted to show the many sides to choices between isolating from outside influences, welcoming aid and input, as well as dedicating energy and resources to helping others. In my mind Titania was always meant to be torn between honoring her ancestors and their histories and embracing her own beliefs and vision.

MR: The book touches on the idea that “evil resides within everyone.” Can you talk about how that theme developed and what it means in the context of Titania’s world?

TC: My fae believe they were created to safeguard the humans and human realm from evil spirits, especially those lurking below them in Lower Earth. They hold this mission sacred and honor and find pride in their role. But they’ve sacrificed much and many fae lives to keep evil spirits and monsters from harming the humans over many centuries. A fae legend prophesies that there would be “one” to end all evil and therefore give the fae a sort of freedom that their people have never experienced. When we begin the series the fae are waiting for this one fae to appear and rise to the ask. Typically, fae do not fight each other or crave power, but Titania experienced leaders within her own kingdom trying to take her crown and condemnation from other rulers when she tried to safeguard her realm by working with the witches. Titania experienced “evil” like jealousy, selfishness, and hatred within her own people, and sometimes within herself, and ponders whether “one” could really destroy all evil. She’s realistic enough to think that this could be an impossible, idealized goal perhaps perpetuated to give hope when the fae felt afraid and defeated.

MR: The series blends fae mythology with original world-building. What sources—mythological, historical, or otherwise—inspired your take on fae and the structure of Middle and Upper Earth?

TC: I love thinking that magic and magical beings exist in our world, perhaps just beyond our ability to identify and experience them. This idea initiated my Kingdom Journals series that aligns more with the urban fantasy genre. Set in contemporary time, the Kingdom Journals exposes a world where witches and vampires live side by side with humans who, for the most part, are oblivious. It was as I was finishing the finale to the Kingdom Journals series that I saw the image of the fairy hunched in a meadow. My witches needed an army and it occurred to me that I could use fae to help the witches. Having that realization catapulted Titania’s story and her relationship with these Upper Earth witches. This triggered world building for Titania and her fae. I wanted to give them their own realm and the idea for a Middle Earth, the Fae Realm, that is sandwiched between the Human Realm, or Upper Earth, and Hell, or Lower Earth, formed. I admit that my research was limited. I truly wanted to make my fae unique, but not depart too from the idea of traditional fairies. I didn’t like the idea of the fae being tricky, but wanted them to have the qualities of the protectors of the Human realm.

MR: Your back cover hints at betrayal and shifting alliances. Were there any characters who surprised you as you were writing this final installment?

TC: My characters constantly surprise me, even the main character, Titania. A few of the betrayals in this finale were set in motion early in the series and these climaxed in this last installment. But because I don’t make detailed outlines when writing my book, there are some unknowns as to how characters will react. I don’t always know which ones will rally around Titania, and which will dig their heels in and stay stuck in their path of unacceptance of the state of their realm. These unknowns make writing fun for me. I always know a beginning point and the end point but the drama in between is where the magic happens.

MR: You’ve written across genres—from dystopian to romance to fantasy. What draws you back to fantasy, and how does To Be a Fae reflect your evolution as a writer?

TC: Fantasy is my favorite genre and the easiest for me to write. I grew up reading fantasy books and still gravitate towards them. I love that we can explore ideas in a fantasy realm that may be applicable to our lives and our world, that a fantasy world creates a safe space to think about harder issues. To be a Fae is the conclusion of two series, the Realm Chronicles and the Kingdom Journals. Having character arcs, both the heroes and the enemies that span ten books creates the opportunity to show many nuances in characters. I began writing the first Kingdom Journals book in 2016 so being able to close this epic journey’s story and give some happily-ever- afters to these characters feels momentous.

MR: Magic plays a central role not just in your stories but in your worldview. How does your belief in everyday magic influence your storytelling, especially in darker or more complex scenes?

TC: As hinted to before, I like to believe that magic is all around us. Magic can be an ah- ha moment in someone’s understanding, a beautiful sunrise, or a sweet, unexpected interaction between people. This line of thinking requires my character to trust that they possess something uniquely special that gives the ability to overcome whatever circumstance they find themselves in. So, even in the darkest of places, they have faith that a good outcome is possible. I believe each person has something special that sets them apart or makes them uniquely suited to belong in their niche. Many of my books showcase the idea of finding that spark within yourself and using that to find joy.

MR: Many readers are fascinated by Titania’s role as a queen and leader. Did you draw from any real-world leaders or experiences when shaping her character and decisions?

TC: Titania really is a character created from my own imagination. She exemplifies overcoming personal challenges to solve problems for herself and others. Titania’s story begins as a princess who has many anxieties. She experiences panic attacks and has largely been sequestered from the public eye since the brutal killing of her four brothers, one right before her eyes. But with the same enemy reemerging, Titania can’t sit idly by. She doesn’t let her core belief, that she is meant to server her people, be squashed by her personal challenges.

MR: What do you hope readers take away from this final chapter in the Realm Chronicles? Is there a core message you want to leave them with?

TC: Many of the books in this series have themes like faith, trust, sacrifice, and resilience. To be a Fae is a bit unique, I don’t want to give to much away, but I believe this finale gives a view of Titania’s maturing character as she realizes it’s okay to a bit more selfish in the direction she takes her life. She sees that she’s given so much up for her people and that she deserves to make space for happiness for herself and be true to her heart.

MR: Now that this world is complete, do you see yourself returning to the Realm Chronicles universe in another form—prequels, spin-offs, novellas—or is this truly goodbye?

TC: As far as Titania’s story arc at this time, I feel satisfied leaving her with her happily- ever-after. I can’t imagine plunging her back into the throws of danger after she’s experienced so much tragedy. I have toyed with the idea of a prequel for the villain’s story which is somewhat captured in the Kingdom Journals prequel, Kingdom of the Damned. I’m also slowly forming ideas for spin-offs with some of the characters that make cameos in To be a Fae.

Find all Tricia Copeland’s titles from contemporary romance, fantasy, to dystopian fiction

at www.triciacopeland.com.

Author Interview Series-D. C. Gomez

D.C. Gomez

D. C. Gomez is an award winning USA Today Bestselling Author, podcaster, motivational speaker, and coach. Born in the Dominican Republic, she grew up in Salem, Massachusetts. D. C. studied film and television at New York University. After college she joined the US Army, and proudly served for four years.

D. C. has a Master’s Degree in Science Administration from the Central Michigan University, as well as a Master in Adult Education from Texas A&M- Texarkana University. She is a certified John Maxwell Team speaker and coach, and a certified meditation instructor from the Chopra Center.

One of D. C. passions is helping those around her overcome their self-limiting beliefs. She writes both non-fiction as well fiction books, ranging from Urban Fantasy to Children’s Books.

Marina Raydun: Death’s Intern features a talking cat, missing people, and literal Horsemen—what inspired this delightfully chaotic world?

D.C. Gomez: The inspiration for Death’s Intern came from a previous project I worked on with my brothers and friends. I had done a short video featuring Death reaping souls at a party. Unfortunately, it turned out that Death was at the wrong location. The story ended with Death saying, “I really need an intern.” That line stuck with me. When I worked on my first novel, that idea came back. Except this time, I wanted to explore the possibility of why Death would need interns. The rest of the world shaped itself around it.

MR: When you were in that “dark place” professionally, what made you turn to writing—and how did Death’s Intern become your way out?

DCG: Looking back now, I can see the complexity of my situation. I was truly living the American dream. After years of hard work, I had the job most people would dream of, and doing all the things expected by society. Except I wasn’t living my purpose. There was very little that was creative in my world. The work was structured and corporate. Death’s Intern provided me with an escape from my everyday life while giving me the freedom to dream of a fun universe where magic was real. It was like coming back home after a long time of wandering around.

MR: How did Isis Black, the untrained intern for Death, come to life? Is she inspired by anyone you know—or by parts of yourself?

DCG: At the time of the book, Isis was a mixture of several people, including myself. The Army Veteran from the 82 nd Airborne Division part came from my brother and his journey in the Army band. I pulled from my personal experiences the portions of being new to the Texarkana area. The fun part about characters is others only inspired them at the beginning. After you spend enough time in their heads, they shape into their own individuals and the things you drew from melt away. Isis now is as real as an old friend to me.

MR: The Intern Diaries series balances humor, fantasy, and emotional depth. Was it challenging to maintain that tone across five books?

DCG: For this series, the balance came naturally. The humor balanced the emotional turmoil the characters go through, while the fantasy forces them to see the world differently. That’s the magic of Urban Fantasy. We are still dealing in the real world with that touch of magic that helps you separate from the everyday chaos.

MR: What’s something readers often miss about Death’s Intern that you secretly love or wish they noticed more?

DCG: The book has a layer of social commentary. It explores how we treat those in our society that have been displaced and marginalized. My goal is never to be preachy but to reflect on some aspects we experienced in our everyday life. Then let the readers decide how they feel about it. It’s always exciting to see which portion of the book connects with readers and how they see the different topics.

MR: You’ve served in the U.S. Army, studied film at NYU, and became a certified coach and meditation instructor—that’s a wild combo! How do these different experiences shape your writing?

DCG: The older I become, the more I realize all our experiences shape how we connect with the world and our art. I find myself extremely blessed to have such a diverse background, because it helps me connect with all my characters at different levels. I’m able to be whimsical with some, while very structured with others, just by seeing how I reacted in those different stages of my life.

MR: Being born in the Dominican Republic, growing up in Salem, and now living in Texas—how have your multicultural roots influenced your storytelling?

DCG: My upbringing has given me a fun and interesting perspective on people. I work really hard in each book to capture the essence of a place and the people in those locations. Because I have moved around a lot, I find locations fascinating and exciting. One of my goals is for my readers to feel that in books. To see these places and want to travel to them. To take a trip to Salem to explore the Commons or drive to Texarkana to catch a show at the Perot. If I can show these locations for their magic, I hope to inspire others to visit on their own.

MR: What’s one lesson from your military service that unexpectedly helps you as a fantasy author?

DCG: At first, I was pretty sure my military service had helped me create better action scenes. But it wasn’t until I was asked if my books had an overall theme that it actually hit me. In most of my works, my characters are always trying to find a place they belong. They crave loving connections and family bonds. This is something the military instilled in me from Basic Training. I was part of something greater and had connections with my peers. To some extent, the trope of the found family is very strong in my books, thanks to the military.

MR: You’ve mentioned your mission to help people overcome self-limiting beliefs—how do you sneak that message into your fiction?

DCG: The characters in my books are not superheroes. They are a bunch of quirky people trying to do the right things while making mistakes. Like many of us, they doubt themselves and their purpose, but they still push on. Sometimes, it is easy for many of us to feel defeated when we have very little faith in ourselves. I truly hope that my books help readers connect with these characters and are inspired to take leaps towards their own dreams by following their leads.

MR: You’re giving away one million copies of Death’s Intern—that’s bold and generous. What do you hope happens as a result of this gift?

DCG: Honestly, my goal is really simple, I just want to share smiles with the world. We are living in extremely stressful and difficult times. As an author, my secret power comes from creating magic with words. If I can help others escape, even if just for a few hours and connect with something that makes them smile, then I have done my job. We all need a little happiness in our day.

To learn more about her books and her passion, you can find her at www.dcgomez-author.com.

Author Interview Series-Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

Author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and delivering messages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media, and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines. She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes Dressing in God’s Love Through the Spoken and Written Word Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel. As a trainer of trainers, Katherine believes there are many ways to do things well but only one way to do God’s will right. Katherine flourishes in educational and Biblical discipleship. Her sweet spot or zone of genius has evolved from a career spanning 20 years in education and both children’s and women’s ministry; Katherine morphed and transitioned into an educational consultant for charter schools, home school programs, and churches that led up program development; growth facilitating and public relations. Quickly identifying holes and problem areas in these projects, developing strategic planning and team building, Katherine combines over 20 years of experience into her current consulting business. Katherine provides executive-level accountability so you and your organization get the attention to detail they deserve and you start excelling in a healthy, productive work environment.

Marina Raydun: Your background is vast and diverse. When did you first start writing?

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes: I started writing as a young girl, journaling my prayers and poems. Writing became a sacred space where I could explore my thoughts, process emotions, and express faith. Professionally, I began writing more intentionally during my years as a school administrator, crafting devotions and educational materials for staff. Over time, that grew into writing books that blend faith, suspense, and emotional healing.

MR; A Fifth of the Story is an incredibly punchy title. Can you tell us a little bit

KHH: about the story and how you came up with the title? Thank you! The title *A Fifth of the Story* plays on the dual meaning of a “fifth”—both as a fraction and as a bottle of liquor. The story follows Brock O’Reilly, a CIA operative with a complicated past who uncovers dangerous secrets about his own family. His journey is about confronting generational trauma, addiction, and betrayal while trying to hold onto faith and purpose. The title hints at how we often only know a portion of the truth—whether about others or ourselves—and how dangerous that can be. Finally, the premise draws on the idea that if we live for that fifth of our lives (the part God knows and approves of), we will have lived a good life.

MR: If it were to be adapted for TV or film, how do you envision the cast for it?

KHH: I would love to see someone like Michael B. Jordan play Brock—he has that mix of intensity, vulnerability, and charisma. For Matthew Shuggs, maybe Oscar Isaac, bringing depth to a loyal but conflicted character. Andrew Pang would be great with someone like Steven Yeun, who can balance quiet strength and emotional nuance. I see the show or film having the vibe of *Jack Ryan* or *The Night Agent*—high- stakes action blended with emotional suspense.

MR: How does mystery/suspense writing intersect with devotional writing for you?

KHH: At first glance, they seem worlds apart, but they both explore the human condition and our need for hope. Suspense writing lets me delve into the darkness people face—grief, betrayal, danger—while devotional writing allows me to anchor those themes in biblical truth. Both genres are about tension and resolution. The thrillers challenge the mind and heart; the devotionals restore the soul.

MR: In addition to being a writer and a speaker, you're also an educational consultant. Tell us a bit about your work in education and how you feel it influences your writing.

KHH: As an educational consultant, I work with schools and organizations to create trauma-informed, culturally responsive environments. I also coach leaders and help design professional development. This work deeply influences my writing—I’m constantly observing human behavior, communication, and conflict resolution. It helps me write layered characters and realistic dialogue. Plus, my heart for teaching shows up in my devotionals, which are often written to inspire, equip, and educate readers spiritually.

MR: What is your favorite genre to read?

KHH: I love thrillers and romantic suspense—stories that keep me on the edge of my seat, but also dig deep into emotional and spiritual arcs. But I also enjoy devotional literature, historical fiction, and well-written memoirs. If it has heart, grit, and truth, I’m in.

MR: What are you currently reading?

KHH: Right now, I’m reading *The Warsaw Orphan* by Kelly Rimmer. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful, set during WWII, and really captures the resilience of the human spirit. I’m also reading *Embracing Trust* by Joanna Weaver—it’s a powerful devotional on surrendering to God’s plan.

MR: Tell us a bit about Christian Bible Study for Women that you authored. More specifically, how do you find writing in that genre different from thriller writing in terms of your process?

KHH: *Christian Bible Study for Women* was birthed out of a desire to walk alongside other women in a deep, intentional way. It offers reflection, scripture exploration, and real-life application. Writing it required a different posture—one of stillness, prayer, and deep listening to the Holy Spirit. Thriller writing is more dynamic and intense, while Bible study writing is more contemplative. But both require discipline, empathy, and a heart for the reader.

MR: Are you a plotter or a panster?

KHH: I’m a bit of both—a “plantser,” if you will. I love outlining the big picture and knowing my destination, but I leave room for organic moments of discovery. Characters sometimes take me places I didn’t expect, and I’ve learned to trust that process.

MR: When you’re driving alone in your car, what do you find yourself thinking about?

KHH: Often, I’m thinking about my next story—dialogue, plot twists, or character arcs. Other times, I’m reflecting on scripture or praying. Driving is one of my sacred spaces. It’s where I listen to worship music, podcasts, or just the silence. It’s also where God often downloads ideas or gives me clarity on something I’ve been wrestling with creatively or spiritually.

Connect with Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes here:
Website: https://www.drkatherinehayes.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/khutch0767

Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katherine.hutchinsonhayes

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordrkatherinehayes/

Books: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Little-Black-Dress-Women/dp/1365056163

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-katherine-hutchinson-hayes-3b5a3254/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kathy.hayes/

Podcast (Apple): https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/murder-mysterymayhem-

laced-with-morality/ade5f5bb-6cbf-4722-a421-9874b24fa49d

Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/4zWmZckdnPsYG9CUAKkv1p

Author Interview Series-Tong Ge

Tong Ge

Born and raised in China, Tong Ge came to Canada in the late 80s as an international student. She has obtained a Master of Science degree from University of Saskatchewan in 1992. Since 2012, she has written under both her real name and the pen name Tong Ge, publishing poems, prose, and short stories in both English and Chinese across North America, England, and Taiwan. With four literary prizes already received, she is also a finalist for five others. Her debut novel, “The House Filler” was published in Canada in 2023 and is a finalist worldwide for the 2023 Eyelands Book Awards and is the winner of the 2024 Independent Press Award for new fiction. It is also a finalist for 2024 Canadian Book Club Awards for fiction.

Marina Raydun: You came to Canada in the late 1980s. Did you know English when you arrived?

Tong Ge: Yes, I was an international student. To be accepted into graduate schools in North America, we had to pass an English test called TOEFL, short for the Test of English as a Foreign Language. However, this test only prepared us for basic English skills. Even for academic studies, it was far from sufficient—let alone for creative writing.

In the early days of my graduate studies, I struggled to keep up with the professors during lectures and couldn’t take notes quickly enough. I often had to borrow notes from my classmates afterward. When working on assignments, I relied heavily on an English-Chinese dictionary, looking up countless unfamiliar words and writing down their Chinese meanings before starting the task. Another challenge was that the English we learned in China was entirely textbook-based. Another challenge was that the English we learned in China was entirely textbook-based.

As a result, we were taught formal terms like “man” and “woman,” or “male” and “female” but not informal ones like “guy” and “gal. ” We knew “dollar” but not “buck,” “bad” but not “sucks,” and “why” but not “how come.” Once, during a class, after a professor finished proving a mathematical formula, he exclaimed, “Bingo!” I raised my hand and asked what “bingo” meant.

MR: Can you think of a moment when you first realized that language has power?

TG: I first realized the power of language when I began reading Lu Xun in senior high school and college. A prominent Chinese writer of the early 20th century, his essays and short stories offered unparalleled insights into the social, political, and cultural issues of his time. He fearlessly criticized outdated traditions and government policies. His writings are sharp, profound and biting—like a sword cutting through social injustice, ignorance, indifference among the uneducated masses, and the darker aspects of human nature. His work left an indelible mark on society and history, influencing generations of Chinese writers and intellectuals. One of his most remarkable works, The True Story of Ah Q, in my opinion, far surpasses Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. Mo Yan, the 2012 Nobel Prize-winning Chinese writer, once said he would gladly trade all his works for a single story as powerful as The True Story of Ah Q.

MR: You are bilingual. How do you think this affects your writing?

TG: I have to say that my mother tongue is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to writing in English. It is a blessing because I can draw inspiration from the Chinese language, especially its poetry, sayings and proverbs, which make my Chinese stories feel more authentic. However, Chinese grammar is very different from English grammar. For instance, we only have one tense—the present tense. We don’t have plurals, and our verbs don’t change according to the subject. The way we use prepositions is also very different from English. If I try to think about it logically, I always get it wrong. As a result, it’s much harder for me to consistently write grammatically correct sentences, especially when writing fiction in the past tense. That’s why I’ve had to hire freelance editors to edit my entire manuscript, twice.

MR: You write and publish both in English and Chinese. How does your writing process differ between writing in both languages?

TG: The process isn’t much different, but the effect is. For example, when writing in Chinese, I can incorporate local dialects from specific regions in China, which adds authenticity to the setting. It’s also easier for me to differentiate characters’ speech. For instance, an illiterate person would speak one way, while a highly educated person would speak another. While I can achieve this to some extent in English, it’s not as effective as in Chinese. Additionally, I don’t make grammatical mistakes when writing in Chinese. For Chinese readers, all the footnotes and the list of major historical events in the English edition could be removed, as there’s no need to explain historical figures, events, or cultural references—they’re already familiar with them.

MR: The House Filler is a very impactful title. Can you walk us through your thought process when coming up with it?

TG: In traditional Chinese culture, a woman who married a widower was called a “house filler”—a direct translation of the Chinese term 填房 (tian fang). The protagonist, Golden Phoenix, was born in a time when a woman’s beauty was not measured by her looks but by the size of her feet. The smaller her feet, the more desirable she was considered. As a result, Chinese parents typically began binding their daughters’ feet at the age of four or five. Golden Phoenix, having lost her mother at an early age, didn’t start the foot-binding process until she was six. Consequently, her feet never reached the ideal size of “golden waterlily” feet. Additionally, she was trained as a seamstress and became her family’s breadwinner, further delaying her opportunity to marry well. Having missed the ideal marriage age, she eventually married a widower and became a “house filler.”

MR: The novel is full of major historical events in China’s history. It’s almost like a multigenerational family saga. What inspired it?

TG: It is a multigenerational family saga and the first book in the “China China” series, focusing on my grandmother’s story. The second book centers on my mother’s story, while the third is based on my own. My mother has been telling me our family’s story ever since I was a child. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand what my parents went through and later experienced the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution and the subsequent economic reforms in China myself. The trilogy is inspired by my family’s history.

MR: Writing historical fiction is not easy. What was your research process like?

TG: In addition to my mother’s narrative, I interviewed other family members and relatives. I even returned to Phoenix’s hometown in 2015 to meet with relatives and conduct further research. I walked around the block where Golden Phoenix’s family complex once stood and took a boat tour of Lake Yang and Lake Pan, both of which are described in the book. I also immersed myself in fiction from the 1930s and 1940s, conducted extensive online research, and thanks to the Internet, I was able to purchase photocopies of local newspapers from that era online.

MR: If you could cast a movie inspired by The House Filler, what actors would you hand pick?

TG: First and foremost, it must have an entirely Chinese cast. Unfortunately, since moving to Canada, I haven’t had the chance to watch many Chinese movies and have become unfamiliar with the current movie stars. I’m only familiar with those from the 80s. Therefore, I would choose Gong Li to play Golden Phoenix.

MR: What is your favorite genre to read?

TG: Literary fiction, historical fiction, also good fantasies, science fiction and mystery/thrillers.

MR: Are you working on anything right now?

TG: I am currently translating “The House Filler” into Chinese. I also have other projects on the go, but they are in developmental stages currently, and I will be prepared to discuss them another time.

Find The House Filler Here

Author Interview Series-Rumki Chowdhury

Rumki Chowdhury

Photo Credit: New York Book Festival

Rumki Chowdhury was born in Bangladesh and grew up in the USA. She has also lived in the UK and Sweden. With an MA in English Literature from The Queen Mary University of London and a BA in English Writing from The William Paterson University of New Jersey, her literary experiences expand from journalism to publishing companies like Simon and Schuster Inc., Pearson Higher Education Publishing, The Herald Newspaper and The Record Newspaper. 

Rumki’s previous book publications include So Complicated: A “he vs. she,” a romantic comedy/women’s fiction that won Honorable Mention at The New York Book Festival, Second Place at UK’s The Wishing Shelf Award and Finalist for Humor at The Pacific Writer’s Award. She has also authored Her Feet Chime, the first and only Bangladeshi version of a Cinderella story written in English. Moreover, 100% of profits from her poetry book, Unveiled, go to helping the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh via Restless Beings. Another poem was published in Hijri, a collection of stories by various authors. Her memoir was also published in Your Story with Musart, a collection of inspirational stories by various authors. Secrets in the Wind is her first work of fiction/thriller in the YA department.

Marina Raydun: You've lived here, there, and everywhere! How do you think this affects your writing style?

Rumki Chowdhury: I have lived in the USA, UK and Sweden. Not to mention, I was born in Bangladesh! I consider myself so fortunate to have experienced numerous cultures and learned how to live within those societies, all of which inspires my writing, especially the settings and characters in my stories. I have had the opportunity to have book signings in London, Stockholm as well as New York City. It's a blessing.

MR: On a similar note, you're multilingual! Do you remember the moment when, as a child, you first realized the power of language?

RC: Having grown up in a Bangladeshi household, my primary language was Bengali. I took ESL up until the age of seven when my ESL teacher felt I was fluent enough to stop.The moment I realized the power of language was not when I stopped ESL though; rather, it was when my second-grade teacher granted me a medal for being the best reader in the class! It showed me that learning a new language and advancing in literacy could open up so many doors. It was from then on that I dared to take the stage by storm and participate in speech competitions, and became editor of the newspapers at the schools I attended throughout my childhood and into college. When I moved to Sweden, I had one goal: learn the language well enough to write an entire book in Swedish. I did have an article published in a Swedish newspaper, but the next step is to translate my books to Swedish and promote them to Swedish publishing companies.

MR: Your formal education is in writing and literature. Did you always know you wanted to be an author?

RC: I always wanted to write a book, but the concept of becoming an author came to me when I saw my journalism teacher's book in the university library. I picked it up and realized that I wanted to write a book too, a story that would mean something and a story that would represent where I came from. I did research and realized that there were numerous cultural versions of the Cinderella story, but because Bangladesh was founded in 1971, it was fairly new and did not have that. I created one and now, it is not only a novella, but it is going to be a childrens' book to-be-published in 2025, with the publisher-Global Bookshelves.

MR: Why do you think you write?

RC: I write to impact in a positive light; words can move and I want my words to move and raise awareness about issues that we normally would not talk about. "Secrets in the Wind," for example, is fiction, but it is based on the real life stories of stalker victims and victims of child marriage in Bangladesh. 

MR: What is your writing process? How long does it take you to produce a book-beginning to end?

RC: I edit, edit, edit, and edit. A writer is a perfectionist, but eventually, we have to settle. My writing process involves starting with a general concept and surprising myself along the way. Most of the time, I have no idea how the story will end. I also have my fellow author friends, family and relatives give me constructive feedback. It helps to have a literary support system. Each book took me a couple of years to complete. This is also due to the fact that I am a full-time teacher and I am a mother of three, but very soon, I will be taking a break from teaching to focus on writing full-time, and spending more time with my children.

MR: What inspired Her Feet Chime--the only Bangladeshi version of Cinderella in English?

RC: I was always intrigued by the rags-to-riches story of Cinderella so I researched at my college library to see which cultures had their own variation of the story. I felt it was sad that we, Bangladeshis, did not have our own. Thus, I focused my honors thesis on creating "Her Feet Chime."

MR: Secrets in the Wind is getting plenty of accolades! Congratulations! Can you tell us a little bit about it?

RC: Thank you so much! I feel truly blessed and am so happy that the topic, itself, has been brought to light. Bangladesh is a beautiful country, but like all beautiful countries, there are those dark alleyways that need to be lit. Unfortunately, older males stalking younger females is a common issue in Bangladesh and there aren't many resources available to help resolve the circumstances. Many females find themselves fighting the battle in silence due to social pressures, due to fear and due to the fact that the legal system needs work. Asha is the American-Bangladeshi protagonist who realizes that her cousin, Kushi, in Bangladesh, is being stalked by an older male, and she has a difficult time understanding why her cousin is so silent about it. Asha decides that she is going to save her cousin. 

MR: What are the best and worst reviews you've ever gotten?

RC: The two best reviews I often get that really warms my heart: firstly, when the reader can relate to my work and secondly, when the reader has learned something new. The worst review I received from one reader was that my symbolism was repetitive, at which point I reminded myself that this person took the time to read my work and that in itself, is a tremendous honor.

MR: What do you think about when you're alone, driving in your car?

RC: My mind is always racing. It's like a non-stop marathon; either I am brainstorming, planning or trying to organize a mental calendar on writing events and deadlines.

MR: What are you currently reading?

RC: I am currently reading your book, "Year One." I am looking forward to reviewing it. 

In addition to writing, Rumki provides her own editing services to authors and various media. She is an active blogger on writing advice via www.rumki.com and social media:

X: Rumkichowdhury

Facebook: Rumkitheauthor

Instagram: Rumkitheauthor

TikTok: Rumkitheauthor

LinkedIn: Rumki Chowdhury

About the Book:

★ 2024 “Bronze” in the Multicultural YA Fiction Category of 

The Independent Publisher’s Award (IPPY).

★ 2023 “Runner-Up” in the YA Fiction Category of  The New York Book Festival.

★ 2023 “Distinguished Favorite” in the Multicultural YA Fiction Category at  The New York Big Book Awards.

★ 2023 “Honorable Mention” in the YA Fiction Category of The London Book Festival.

★2023 “Finalist”in UK’s “The Wishing Shelf Book Awards”

Author Interview Series-Danielle M. Bryan

Danielle M. Bryan

By day, Danielle is a non-profit executive leader and a mentor. Her pronouns are she/her/hers, she is a proud Jamaican-American, a wife, a mother, a daughter and an avid lover of international travel. So far, Danielle’s international travel destinations have included the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, France, Greece, Indonesia , Jamaica, Mexico, Morocco, South Africa, Turkey, Italy, Belize, Canada, England, Belgium, Germany and Austria! Similar to her passion for traveling, Danielle developed a love for expressing herself through written words and through story-telling. She describes her debut memoir as the story that found her after life threw her a few curve balls and she decided to use her journey and the lessons she learned along the way to inspire others.

Marina Raydun: You hold an executive position in a non-profit. Do you think your day job lends a hand to your writing?

Danielle M. Bryan: Perhaps it does. My role as a Chief Human Resources Officer requires an exceptional amount of reading, interpreting and writing. It requires organizational skills and the keen attention to details. All of these are characteristics that, when I consider it, proved helpful in structuring my written work. I think the creative aspect of writing is more a function of my personality and my non-work life experiences, however. For example, I am an avid traveler and I am inspired to relive my experiences with new environments, cultures and people by telling my story through writing.

MR: How about being from an immigrant family? In what way do you think this shaped not only your lifepath but your writing style? 

DMB: I enjoy invoking my family's cultural nuances and experiences in many aspects of my life. Sometimes this has caused me to incorporate examples from the native dialect (i.e. Jamaican patois) I grew hearing, and even speaking, in my writing. In other instances, humor and proverbs that remind me of lessons from my family members or others who share my cultural and ethnic identity have found their way into my conversations and my story-telling. When I write, "Chicken merry hawk deh near" which translates from Jamaican patois to, "If a chicken is merry (happy), a hawk is nearby," the meaning is: even in the happiest of times, one must be watchful. I like to think that growing and learning in the context of a family that is from a different country has expanded my perspective and has helped me to genuinely value the beauty of differences.

MR: Was there a particular point in your life that truly set your memoir into motion?

DMB: Yes. When I was 36 years old I was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis which was a devastating part of my reality for reasons including the uncertainty I had about what would lie ahead. Less than a year after that my divorce from my first husband was finalized, leaving me a new single parent and I was sure my life was spiraling out of control. I forced myself to regain control. And I did. My memoir is the story of how I did just that. My hope is it is the book someone needs in order to be inspired to get to the other side of their own challenges. 

MR: What was the hardest part about writing Unparalyzed?

DMB: Ironically while I studied Psychology and Mental Health in college and graduate school, working through my own emotions is not always one of my greatest strengths. The process of writing this book was also a process of reliving. It was a process of facing and unpacking difficult experiences and emotions. It was an exercise in dealing with being deeply uncomfortable at times.

MR: What is your writing routine like? Do you have a set schedule? Do you outline?

DMB: No. I do not have a set schedule or even an outline when I work on personal narratives. I write as I process mentally and emotionally. I schedule dedicated writing sessions but give myself grae by not holding myself to a fixed timeline for "finishing." I work on the structure and organization of the story afterwards and with help from great editors! The story tells me when it is finished. I may, perhaps, use a diffrent process with a different genre.

MR: Do you plan to continue writing your story?

DMB: I do.I published this book using a pseudonym which was an incredibly difficult thing to do. It is challenging to be proud to share your personal story for the purpose of inspiring others but not have that story be associated with your real name, the real you.  This is something I have been thinking about a lot of late and I have been taking decisive, small steps to erase the lines between the "author" and "real" me in my story-telling. I think a big reveal and/or a next book featuring the real me as the author is in my future! 

MR: What does writing success mean to you?

DMB: For me success in writing is getting words on a page even if they initially suck! Editing can always help to clean up what is written but the words have to be there first! It can be hard to get started. Starting and continuing even when it is hard is success!

MR: Would you ever dabble in fiction?

DMB: I have no plans as of now to dabble in fiction but it is not completely off the table. I will avoid saying, "never."

MR: Any fun travel stories?

DMB: I got lost in the Greek city of Athens one night. I had just left the taverna where I enjoyed my first traditional Greek folklore show. The experience involved lots of unlabeled wine, singing yours truly, the introvert, joining in on the dancing - up to and on the stage and around the perimeter of the restaurant! Thankfully, I was a solo traveler on an entirely different continent so there was little risk of bumping into anyone I knew or who would recognize me. Once the fun was over, I stepped into the darkness of the night. To my surprise, nothing about the street, the neighborhood or even the now moonlit sky resembled the surroundings I remembered from hours earlier -- before the sun had set and before the wine had taken effect. I walked left. I walked right. I walked in circles, past unsavory sights and questionable beings in a city where I did not even have a basic command of the local language until I decided to get help from the concierge at a random hotel. I had not used or had to decipher a paper map since I was in gradeschool but a paper map with handrawn arrows and circles courtesy of the concierge is how I found my way back to where I belonged. 

MR: What are you currently reading?

DMB: Radical Respect by Kim Scott! Next up is Year One! 

For more information about Danielle, please follow these links:

Unparalyzed on Amazon

Unparalyzed on Barnes and Noble.com

IG: @authordbry

Author Interview Series-Angela van Breemen

Angela van Breemen

Angela van Breemen is an avid writer of poetry and belongs to the Wordsmiths Writer’s Group. She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and the South Simcoe Arts Council. Angela is also a Soprano Soloist. A firm believer in giving back to the community, she often sings for different charitable organizations. Music and poetry have been an integral part of her life and, in early 2024, she launched her debut album, In The Breeze. Celtic in nature, it includes three original pieces of music, based on her poetry.

Angela volunteers for Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, a group dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and safe release of orphaned and injured Ontario wildlife.

Angela van Breemen is delighted to have completed her first novel, Past Life’s Revenge, a crime thriller with a twist of spiritualism.

Marina Raydun: You’re a poet and a singer. How did you make the transition to prose writing?

Angela van Breemen: Deciding to write a novel to begin with was a huge step for me as I have always considered myself a poet. I had started writing Past Life’s Revenge in my mid twenties, but due to time constraints and the necessity of working full time, I had abandoned it roughly a third of the way through. In my younger years, poetry came easily to me, so that I had the unrealistic expectation that writing prose would come just as easily. Maturity gave me the patience to listen to the rhythm and cadence of life. Once I started to do that, I began to recognize the patterns in nature, from rain falling on the roof, the ocean tides sighing in and out and to the regular singsong of birds. All patterns. Once I understood the regular patterns were everywhere in our natural environment, I began to appreciate that these rhythms of life were the very essence of creativity, whether it be visual art, dance, music, poetry or prose. From there, it was a comfortable transition to move from music and poetry to prose and it was not really a conscious decision. It was more of a natural evolution that occurred throughout my lifetime.

MR: Do you find similarities between writing poetry and crafting a novel?

AVB: Yes, I find there is an interconnectivity between poetry, music and writing prose. For me, poetry is like painting with the written word, as one can portray so much succinctly. The idea of writing a full book was at first daunting, but as I began to write, the words flowed in much the same way as when I was composing my poems, or writing a song, with a rhythm and cadence. I soon found a tempo to writing prose, which I believe encourages the reader to want to keep reading.  The musicality and cadence I mentioned earlier is crucial. It’s what keeps me writing, and I believe that if in the “zone” the finished product will be pleasing to the reader and will make them want to turn page after page. I also believe in structuring and plotting out my stories, whether for poems or prose. I need to have a goal, a roadmap, a clear idea of where I want the story to go.

MR: I am very intrigued by the concept of your novel--it’s part crime novel and part exploration of past-life regressions. What inspired this for you?

AVB: The concept for Past Life’s Revenge came naturally to me as I was introduced to psychics, mediums and empaths at a very early age. Topics with guests around my parents’ dinner table often focused on the subject of reincarnation. One idea that I toyed with for years was, what if someone was murdered, and what if they reincarnated soon enough after death, that they would encounter their killer again in their current life? How would they react? What would they do? It’s these questions with which David Harris, the protagonist, struggles. Writing crime fiction thrillers that explore the use of the paranormal to solve cold cases is an area that has always fascinated me. So often one hears on the news about a person who has gone missing and there are times that the police have actually engaged psychics to find missing people. The use of empaths to help solve crimes is not unheard of. Obviously just because an empath may say, he or she or they are the killer, concrete evidence still needs to be collected, but wouldn’t it be great if there was someone helping on a paranormal level, pointing investigators and the police in the right direction? Real life can be just as strange as fiction; in 1961 Dutch parapsychologist, Gerard Croiset was asked to help find a missing girl, Edith Kiecorius. Croiset described “a grey building with five floors." This detail led police to a boarding house at 307 West Twentieth Street, where her body was found, evidence there led to her murderer being brought to justice.

MR: Is Past Life’s Revenge slated to be a series? Will the reader need to read the books in order or would one be able to pick up book two without reading book one, for example?

AVB: Yes, I am working on the second in the series, Revenge is Not Enough. After having successfully apprehended the killer of David’s previous self, Emma and David have launched an investigative firm specializing in solving cold cases using the paranormal. I am sure, readers, myself included, will want to see what cases David and Emma will solve, and also how their personal relationship will develop over time. I am about a third of the way through the book and hope to have my first draft completed by the end of the year. I expect to write at least five books in this fictional series exploring how the use of the paranormal and psychic abilities can help solve cold cases, providing closure to the families who have lost loved ones, and also to help lost souls who cannot move on after death to find solace and peace and make that final step to the next world. Some of my favourite authors, like Louise Penny, James Paterson and Daniel Silva, write wonderful series. They cleverly thread enough clues in the books so that even if you pick them upand read them out of order, you can still appreciate the story individually, but also have a sense of the larger theme that extends throughout the series. Of course, whenever I can, I prefer to read the books in order, but a good writer should strive for providing enough information about the protagonist and the supporting characters for the reader to be able to enjoy the books out of sequence. This is something I would like to emulate.

MR: Talk to us about your writing routine.

AVB: Summer disrupts my writing routine. However, when the fall and winter months arrive, I find it easier to adopt a regular writing pattern. During the fall and winter months I tend to write in the mornings for a few hours, but if inspiration is flowing and I have no other commitments for the day, I will do marathon writing sessions.

MR: What is your favorite genre to read?

AVB: I love all genres, but I particularly enjoy murder mysteries with a good plot and character development.

MR: What are you reading right now?

AVB: Currently, I am reading, A Great Deliverance, by Elizabeth George, next on my reading list is Linwood Barclay’s latest book, I Will Ruin You.

MR: You recently released an album. Tell us a little bit about it.

AVB: In the Breeze was released in April of 2024. Celtic inspired, it was very thrilling to put three of my poems to music. The first piece is called Do You Hear the Drums? It was cowritten with Casey Cole, a good family friend, excellent house painter and musician. Two years ago, he came over one day to do some work on our house, and while the first coat of paint was drying, he said, “Angela, you’ve got to hear this instrument!” It was a handpan drum. As Casey began to play, the words and melody to a song just popped in my head, and I started singing. Mars Giammarco, from Red Egg Studio, produced my album for me, and the way he mastered this song and the other ten on the album is just amazing. Though the Seas Were Rough is another original piece I wrote based on a challenge given by a writing group to which I belong called the Wordsmiths. The challenge had been to write about the sea. Peter and I had just seen the movie Fisherman’s Friends and I was so inspired, I decided I would write a sea shanty! As I wrote the poem, the music was there too. That’s the cadence of writing at work! My third original song is contemporary and is called I Will Be in the Breeze. I wrote the poem in remembrance of my mother. Rina Valcourt, a dear friend, and music teacher loved the poem so much, she wrote music for it.

MR: Do you listen to music when you write?

AVB: Never. If I listened to music, while I was writing, I would be singing along, or even dancing, I certainly wouldn’t be writing. I would find it too entrancing, and it would distract me from the cadence and rhythm of my own writing. It would simply be too chaotic for me.

MR: What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

AVB: I don’t do much thinking in the car. I prefer to keep my attention on driving and not be distracted. I do listen to the radio, either smooth jazz, or else talk radio. My time for quiet reflection and thinking is when I am surrounded by nature. Many of my ideas for poetry, books or music come best to me when I feel peaceful and tranquil, immersed in the sanctity of the forest.

To learn more Angela van Breemen, visit https://angelavanbreemen.ca (Book) and

https://wildsongbird.ca

Author Interview Series-Stacy Rogers

Stacy Rogers

Stacy is a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University where she earned a Master of Education and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. A world traveler, Stacy has spent time in the Himalayas, the Andes, the High Atlas Mountains, and Southeast Asia. Behind Jagged Edges of Silhouette Trees is her debut novel.

Marina Raydun: What inspired your debut novel--Behind Jagged Edges of Silhouette Trees?

Stacy Rogers: Life experiences that have shaped my perceptions of the world and my sense of connection to it inspired me to write Behind Jagged Edges of Silhouette Trees. Through my two protagonists, A’isha and Tsewang, I put voice to these experiences and to the ways in which they have also impacted my identity.

MR: The title itself is very evocative. How did you come up with it?

SR: “Behind jagged edges of silhouette trees” is part of a narrative line one-third of the way into A’isha’s story. It spilled from me one morning as I wrote, and in that moment I thought, “Ah, this is the title of my novel!”

MR: You’re a real world traveler. What is it about travel that attracts you the most?

SR: I am fascinated by the common threads that bind the global quilt of cultural similarities but are often eclipsed by difference and dismissed as insignificant and unnecessary for human survival.

MR: Your background is in psychology and education. How does this background lend itself to creative writing?

SR: For 36 years, I taught high school English and conducted psychotherapeutic groups for at-risk youth. Whenever time allowed, I delved into my passion for storytelling and wrote about the life-changing encounters I stumbled upon as I traveled the world. Eight years ago, I sought to weave these components of my life so that I may lend voice to the universal quest for authenticity, by way of the spiritually- oriented, thematic lessons I offer in Behind Jagged Edges of Silhouette Trees.

MR: Do you remember a particular event growing up when you first learned to appreciate the value of language?

SR: My mother was a Cuban immigrant. One of my most vivid childhood memories is of her reading the New York Daily Newspaper with a knitted brow, and circling words she did not understand. She would say the words aloud, look them up in the Webster’s Dictionary, and try to memorize the meaning. Her unwavering determination to learn the English language impressed upon me the importance of language and the power it yields.

MR: Tell us more about your writing routine?

SR: I am most creative at daybreak. Not sunrise, but daybreak. There is something magical…spiritual…about the dawning of a new day. I am inspired by the promise and potential of new beginnings; they fuel my imagination, wonder, and creative process.

MR: What is your favorite genre to read?

SR: I appreciate memoir and respect authors who boldly share their life’s journey. Still, I most enjoy the boundless imagination and creativity of fictional work. The ability to craft an imaginary world into which a reader is transported, losing sense of time, requires a skillset that commands my attention and applause.

MR: What are you currently reading?

SR: I tend to re-read the literary masterpieces that have been most influential to my love for fiction. John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, and the novel that was seminal to my love for literature, Don Quixote de la Mancha by Miguel Cervantes (which I am currently re-reading), are among my favorite works and are always within my reach.

MR: Any fun travels on the horizon for you?  What’s next for you writing-wise?

SR: Next summer, I will return to Asia to spend time in India. It is where Behind Jagged Edges of Silhouette Trees ends, and will be the initial setting for its sequel.

For more information, please visit https://stacyelenarogers.com/

Author Interview Series-Bjorn Leesson

Bjorn Leesson

Bjorn was born in the Lowcountry of South Carolina a long, long time ago. He has worked in manufacturing all his working life to feed himself but has nourished his mind with the study of many topics; history of all eras, the paranormal, astronomy, writing of different types, photography, archeology, genealogy, vexillology, some other -ologies, even stock car racing for a couple of years, and on and on. Bjorn finds just about everything fascinating in some way and has been accused of being too easily entertained. A blend of a few of his interests led to the creation of the Thalsparr Universe. The first installment of the series will be “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir,” with a release date to be determined. He currently lives in the Midlands of South Carolina with his wife of 25 years on their hobby farm.

Marina Raydun: You're very upfront about writing being a passion, not a career. Why do you feel it's important to make this fact public?

Bjorn Leesson: Often times, I think writers begin to let the financial aspect of writing subdue or overtake their creative spark.  A great story on paper will often be subjected to changes based on the probability of generating profit.  It makes me wonder how many "mainstream" stories, either as film or print, would have been so much better if the creator simply went with the story as it developed in their mind without a drive to form it around what they think will sell.  Don't get me wrong about this, however - I have every hope and dream that my writing will generate an income to live on, but that isn't my motivation.  I just love the series I am writing, and I feel sure that even when the Outside the Thalsparr series ends, I will continue writing other stories.

MR: Your books are set in Scandinavia. What's your background?

BL: The series does indeed begin in Scandinavia, but as the story progresses, it branches out into other places and times as well.  As for me, I am your average working class South Carolinian, but I have dozens of interests, many of which culminated into the Outside the Thalsparr series.  Genetically, I am mostly Norwegian and British with some other western European thrown in.

MR: I love that the series revolves around a strong female character. What was she inspired by?

BL: Myrgjol was born from several of my fields of study, with the focus on the history of the Norse Era.  There was always some folklore evidence that the Norse did indeed have female warriors and that females had much more freedom and opportunities than in other parts of the world at the time.  It wasn't until recent years that archaeological evidence was discovered proving "Viking female warriors."  I found that fascinating.  It always makes me smile when science finally proves something that folklore always suggested to be true.  But more so for me, I have always really liked strong female characters in stories.  I guess in our minds before maybe this century, the idea of a warrior with phenomenal skill has always been reserved for males, and especially so for "Vikings".  Myrgjol smashes all those traditional expectations:  she is not your stereotypical "blonde haired blue eyed" Viking, she is exceptional at battle, she proves herself to be a great leader of men and women, and let's face it, she saves the living world in the end.

MR: How many installments do you anticipate in the series?

BL: With certainty, there will be seven.  But, I have story outlines for possibly more after that.  Time will tell.

MR: Walk us through your writing process: do you outline everything or do you let your characters do the talking?

BL: It is kind of a mix of both for me.  In the beginning, I wrote story plans for each book and was able to mostly stick to it through completion.  I still do write story outlines now (as I write Book 6), but I find myself letting the characters and the story take over.  My adherence to the plan is much looser now, but honestly, the Thalsparr has taken on a life of its own and I am very happy with that.

MR: What are the best and the worst reviews you've ever received?

BL: I haven't had many reviews yet, so I am still waiting for my "best review" (as well as my "worst review").  Of the feedback I have gotten so far, the story is very well received.  The readers so far seem to really love the characters, which makes me very happy as I spent the greatest amount of time writing believable, relatable, layered, and uniquely different characters.  It validates my work to know that readers recognize the richness and depth of the characters in the Thalsparr Universe.

MR: What genres do you like to read?

BL: As odd as it may sound for a writer aspiring to success in the "Fiction Fantasy" genre himself, I love researching and learning more through nonfiction sources, and that is where most of my own reading time is spent.  I do not get a lot of time for pleasure reading and hopefully one day I will be able to do some more of it.

MR: Do you have any favorite authors?

BL: I do love Tolkein's "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit", and Geroge R R Martin's "Game of Thrones", of course.  I also enjoy Clive Cussler ("Sahara" specifically) and a few others that are lesser known.

MR: When not writing, what are your preferred pastimes, and how do you think they influence your writing?

BL: The vast majority of my life is my real world job, writing, and hobby farming - at this time.  Who knows what I will be doing in five years.  Especially in Books 1 and 5, farming is mentioned often, so I would have to believe my own amateur farming played a role in that.

MR: What do you think about when you're alone, driving in your car?

BL: I wouldn't even try to list them here.  Hundreds of different topics.  I "talk through things" with myself on drives - all manner of things.

To request an interview with Bjorn Leesson, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.

Author Interview Series-Rox Burkey & Charles Breakfield

Rox Burkey & Charles Breakfield

Breakfield & Burkey, professional technology experts, have series and standalone stories available, with more planned. Find sample chapters, author interviews, scheduled events, reviews, Q&A, and book trailers at https://www.EnigmaSeries.com. Using their knowledge of technology, they weave compelling, relevant contemporary stories filled with TechnoThriller suspense, romance, humor, travel, and intrigue. They also ventured into writing cozy mysteries with the Underground Authors in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles.

Marina Raydun: What is it like writing together? What’s your process like? Do you write live together or do you alternate chapters etc?

Rox Burkey & Charles Breakfield: Our unique storytelling journey begins with an idea sparked by our work or in the news that we discuss taking to a story concept, blending plotter and panster attributes. We meet to plan who does what, to whom, where, and when; the rest is just nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. We map out a storyline as a synopsis, propose the initial 15-20 chapters in a spreadsheet, and then begin writing. The manuscript is batted back and forth electronically between us—our form of literary ping-pong. This dynamic process helps us smooth out the story, polish characters, and deliver a finished story that reads as though there is only one voice. We do research during the entire process, ensuring we can successfully argue our premise of the story. We meet in person or via Zoom weekly until we feel comfortable submitting it to an editor for review. Then, we complete modifications.

MR: How did the concept for the Enigma series emerge?

RBCB: The Enigma series emerged from our early days as technical manual writers. We grew tired of it, and one day, Burkey came up with a brilliant idea. She asked why we don’t turn to fiction but keep the technical facts to ground the stories in the real world. This unique approach allows us to scan the technical horizon, looking for the next element to explore or learn how it can make people vulnerable to power or greed. It isn’t challenging to find new material for cyber thugs to use to their advantage. The cyberheroes must try to stop them. The locations and situations the characters find themselves in are realistic, which makes the stories relatable to contemporary readers and listeners in today’s connected digital world.

MR: 3. How many Enigma installments do you anticipate? Are they all outlined?

RBCB: We have an exciting future planned for the Enigma Series. We have 12 novels in the Enigma Series and 2 in the next generation of the Technothriller trilogy of the Enigma Heirs. We also write mysteries as part of the Underground Authors in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. These cozy mysteries allow us to learn to write in this genre. We offer novellas and short stories that capture the back story of many of the series’ characters. Stay tuned for more thrilling installments!

MR: You both work in technology. How did the shift to fiction writing come about?

RBCB: We began as technical manual writers but quickly grew tired of it due to the constant change of technology. The publisher asked for an updated version as soon as the non-fiction was delivered. Ugh! One day, Burkey asked why we don’t write fiction but keep the technical facts to ground the stories in the real world. She gave Breakfield the first few chapters of our book, The Enigma Factor. She called a few days later to convince Breakfield to form a writing partnership by pointing out that we could kill people in the stories and NOT go to jail.

MR: What does literary success mean to you?

RBCB: Literary success is meeting people face-to-face and talking about our stories and the series we have produced. We love book clubs, to which we offer bulk discounts if they request them via email, and we enjoy coming to speak with them about the story. It goes without saying that it is also about having gobs of reviews from enthusiastic readers who hound us for the next book or film producers begging for the right to put a story on the big screen. Hey, Netflix, Amazon, etcetera, we’re right here.

MR: What is the best review you’ve ever received?

RBCB: The best review that comes to mind was one that said, “I didn’t want to feel sorry for Mathias but I couldn’t help myself…”

MR: What is the worst?

RBCB: We’ve had a review that personally attacked us, not the story, which still bothers Burkey, so we won’t say the specifics. It was extremely hurtful because the reviewer could remain anonymous. We write what we know and have researched; thus, the technology aspects are real at the time of release. Being cruel to an author is very different from saying that the story is not genre or too scary. Anonymity can make even the meekest individual feel powerful. We appreciate honest reviews.

MR: When not writing, what are your favorite pastimes and how do you feel they affect your writing?

RBCB: Charles loves wine tastings, cooking, woodworking, and Harley riding. Some of these elements are found throughout the tales. He continues to try to teach Burkey humor. Rox enjoys family, learning, people-watching, travel, and cooking. Elements of our life experiences have been distilled and inserted into the stories.

MR: What genres do you like to read?

RBCB: Breakfield prefers WWII history and science fiction. Burkey enjoys many different genres as a book reviewer but is partial to spicy romance.

MR: What are you currently reading?

RBCB: For Breakfield, it is The Iron Coffin, a WWII U-boat memoir. Burkey is reading a couple of different mysteries, including the latest in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles by Cindy Davis, Courtin’ Disaster, and listening to The Challenger Sale.

For more, please reach out directly to Authors@EnigmaSeries.com.