Today's Darklight On is .. Bernadette Rowley,
Welcome, Bernadette
How did you come to
write speculative fiction? What attracted you to the genre?
I was always going to write
speculative fiction. I was introduced to the genre when I was a young teen in
the form of The Sword of Shannara. I fell in love with epic fantasy and the
quest and have been hooked ever since. Apart from The Quest, I love the growing
into power themes often found in fantasy. Also the stories are generally in
series and as far as I’m concerned, if I love the characters, I want the story to
never end.
Are you a plotter? Pantser? Or somewhere
in-between?
When I began writing, I was
definitely a pantser but now I would say I’m in between. I do a loose outline
based on story structure and have a sense of how the story will flow and
broadly what will happen, before I start. However, the scenes don’t usually
flow as I expect them to and sometimes the characters surprise me.
Occasionally, as with my last book, a dragon pops up from nowhere and inserts
himself in the story.
Do you have a favourite of your characters?
One of my
favourite characters is Vard Anton from Princess Avenger and Princess in Exile. He’s a shape shifter and can
transform into bear, wolf and hawk. He’s such an interesting man and so sexy
and capable but flawed as well.
Then
there’s sorceress Katrine from The Master and the Sorceress. She’s flamboyant and reckless
but has so much integrity and is a super strong woman. I love her too.
What are you currently working on?
I’m
currently working on a spin off from The Elf King’s Lady called Elf Princess Warrior.
This continues the story of the elven conflict with the humans which was
explored in Elf King. The heroine is elf Gwaethe Arenil whose people are
embroiled in a civil war. She wants peace with the humans of the kingdom but
there is an elven faction that wants to take back kingdom lands at all costs.
Gwaethe has developed feelings for army captain, Jacques Vorasava, so you can
imagine that is a tricky romance to conduct.
What is your favourite part of the process of writing?
I love
editing. Writing the first draft is sometimes like pulling teeth, although some
scenes write themselves—I find these contain my best prose. However, I enjoy
the whole editing process—love taking my words and adding polish and sparkle to
them.
What can we expect from Bernadette Rowley in the future?
In future
you can expect more fantasy romance from the world of Thorius. I have a lot of
loose ends to tie up there. Also, I would dearly love to keep working on my
space opera series. It’s quite unique and I have two out of nine books
completed. I believe it would find a keen audience—so look out for a genre
change!
Who are your favourite authors?
The
authors who have influenced my writing most are Raymond Feist, David Eddings
and Robert Jordan- they are all fabulous authors who write/wrote epic fantasy
sagas.
Current
favourite authors are Marie Force, who writes contemporary romance/romantic
suspense and CJ Archer who writes historical fantasy.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading CJ Archer’s ‘Evermore’ which is book 3 in her Emily Chambers
Spirit Medium trilogy. CJ is an Australian Indie author who has several
brilliant series. I can highly recommend them.
Do you have a favourite spec fiction movie or TV series?
Funny you
should ask. Dr Who is my all time favourite spec fic series, especially the
series with David Tennant and Matt Smith. I also love Game of Thrones and am
eagerly awaiting Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series adaptation to television.
Do you have advice for emerging writers?
Write,
write, write. Also write what you know and love- it helps you create more
vibrant worlds.
~~~
Thanks, Bernadette!
You can
find Bernadette here:
Her
latest book is The Master and the Sorceress
Desperate
sorceress, Katrine Aranati, no longer knows how to deal with the woman she has
become. She runs headlong into a man whose heart’s desire is order and control.
James Tomel, master jeweler, is outwardly a pillar of society but he hides more
than one dangerous secret.
When
they are thrown together on a trip to Brightcastle, fierce creatures from
legend pursue them but even more dangerous are the feelings swirling between
them. When their hearts and bodies come together, one will flee while the other
demands an accounting. Can they find common ground where their love will
flourish or will secrets and betrayal kill all hope of a life together?
Find
out if love and chaos can defeat order and control in the fourth exciting
instalment of the Wildecoast Saga.
Loved learning more about you, Bernadette! Good luck with both the fantasy and the sci-fi!
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