Hello Readers,

Can you tell us about your journey into fantasy literature and how it has influenced your writing?

 

Since I was a teenager, I’ve been drawn to fantasy literature, with books like “Harry Potter,” “Lord of the Rings,” and “Eragon” being my initial favourites. These stories sparked my imagination like nothing else, introducing me to worlds where magical creatures and epic adventures were a reality. What fascinated me most was the idea of fantastical beings coexisting with humans in a hidden realm.

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How did this fascination with magical creatures evolve into your writing?

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As I delved deeper into fantasy literature, I found myself contemplating why these magical creatures remained hidden from humanity in most stories. It led me to research and speculate on scenarios that could bring them into the forefront of human awareness. Eventually, I concluded that a catastrophic event, such as World War II, could serve as a catalyst for these creatures to reveal themselves.

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How did you go about developing this idea further?

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Drawing inspiration from myths, legends, and historical events, I began weaving together a narrative that blended fantasy elements with real-world contexts. I wanted to create a world where magical beings existed alongside humans, shaping and being shaped by our history. One aspect that particularly intrigued me was exploring the cultures and backgrounds of these creatures, which led me to imbue them with traits from various mythologies and cultures. For example, I envisioned gargoyles whose culture was deeply rooted in Native American traditions, giving them a unique identity.

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Why did you decide to focus on London for the setting in Bloodstream of Moonlight?

In my story, an organization known as the Dark rises to power, enslaving humanity through a deadly virus. Their primary objective is to seize control of the capital city, dismantle the government, and neutralize any remaining military or police forces, leaving humanity vulnerable and oppressed.

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An urban setting, specifically a once bustling city where the Dark’s influence has stripped this away leaves a dark, undertone for rebellion. I wanted to add a twist by placing much of the action underground. The Myth’s have learned to function and resist in an efficient network of tunnels, and hidden passages. This underground network not only serves as a means of survival but also provides the perfect backdrop for starting a rebellion against the oppressive rule. By placing Eira, as a doctor right in the centre of this city under dictatorship, instead of hiding underground with the rest of the Myths, she has chosen to work above, secretly using her magic to heal, shows one person’s determination to sow the seed of change.

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How do you plan such an interwoven plot?

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Before even beginning to write the first book, I spent a considerable amount of time developing the back story and narrative arc for the entire series. I wanted to ensure that the “present day” setting in my book was embedded within a larger, more intricate plot. This involved sketching out the history of the world and outlining the overarching conflict that drives the story forward.

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Character development was absolutely crucial for me. Since the series is told from the perspectives of three main characters, I wanted each of them to feel fully fleshed out and authentic. To achieve this, I spent a significant amount of time creating in-depth backgrounds for Eira, Cole, and Oran. I answered questions as if from their point of view, delving into their past experiences, motivations, and inner conflicts. This allowed me to understand their inner voice and mannerisms, which in turn, helped me to portray them more convincingly in the narrative.

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Can you tell us a bit about the journey your main characters go on throughout the series?

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Without giving away too much, the main characters embark on a mission to cripple the Dark’s oppression, encountering various obstacles and adversaries along the way. Their journey is not just physical, but also internal, as they grapple with their own personal struggles and undergo significant growth and transformation. Each character has their own arc and learns valuable lessons about friendship, sacrifice, and the true nature of their powers. The main theme of the series is acceptance, kinship and that is fine not to fit into the box society tries to place you in.

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Who is your favourite character and why?

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Oran holds a special place in my heart. He’s a complex character with a unique background, being half-gargoyle and half-elf. This hybrid heritage makes him physically distinctive, which sets him apart from others within his clan. However, it also brings about challenges for him, as his powers and appearance make him the subject of jealousy and suspicion among his peers.

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Oran struggles with self-acceptance due to his mixed heritage. He fears the judgment of his clan and carries a deep-seated insecurity about his identity. This fear of rejection and lack of self-acknowledgment shapes much of his character arc. However, things begin to change when he meets Eira, another hybrid who shares similar experiences. Through their interactions, Oran begins to find solace and acceptance, gradually learning to embrace his true self. His journey towards self-acceptance is a universal theme that might resonate with readers who may have experienced feelings of insecurity or not belonging.

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Do you think you approach writing differently as a dyslexic author?

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I struggled with confidence, particularly due to my dyslexia, which made me doubt my ability to write. For years, I held onto the idea of my story without taking the plunge to put it onto paper. It wasn't until I made a conscious effort to push past those barriers that I was able to start. Planning the plot and characters gave me the structure and motivation I needed to begin. I realized that I had a story worth telling, and I wanted to share it with others.

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Can you walk us through your writing process?

Initially, writing the first few chapters was a daunting task that took me days to complete. However, once I found my rhythm, I began writing whenever inspiration struck. I didn't worry about spelling or grammar errors during the initial drafting phase—I just focused on getting my ideas down on paper. I used the notes app on my phone to quickly outline chapters, allowing me to jot down ideas on the go. Despite my dyslexia, I constantly read and re-read my writing, editing and refining it as I went along. Technology played a significant role in helping me overcome spelling challenges—I relied on grammar checkers and even utilized speech-to-text features to assist with writing. Additionally, having a local copy editor to review my work provided valuable support and ensured that my writing was polished and error-free.

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For me, the passion for storytelling was the driving force behind my motivation. Despite the challenges I faced, I was determined to bring my story to life and share it with others. Seeing my characters and plot develop with each passing chapter fuelled my enthusiasm to keep writing. Additionally, the support of friends and family, encouraged me to persevere, even during moments of doubt.

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Which aspects of the novel have you struggled with most?

Knowing when to stop has been a challenge for me throughout the writing process. I tend to get so immersed in the world of my story and the lives of my characters that I could keep writing indefinitely. However, at a certain point, I realized that I needed to step back and assess whether the story had reached its natural conclusion. This involved considering the pacing of the plot, the development of the characters, and whether all loose ends had been tied up satisfactorily.

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Writing “Bloodstream of Moonlight” has been a labour of love, and I’ve learned so much about storytelling, character development, and the creative process along the way. It's been incredibly rewarding to see the story evolve from a mere idea in my head to a fully realized novel that I can share with readers.

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What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

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Just enjoy it! Writing is a journey, and it's important to savour every step along the way. Don’t get too caught up in the end goal or the pressure to be perfect—focus on the process, on the joy of creating something from nothing. And remember, the only way to improve as a writer is to keep writing, so don't be afraid to dive in and start putting words on the page. You never know where the journey might take you.