Apollo’s Raven

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions, Linnea.

Thank you, Paul, for providing me the opportunity to interview with you.

1. Can you tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I am the author of the historical fantasy series, Curse of Clansmen and Kings, which weaves tales of forbidden love, mythological adventure, and political intrigue in ancient Rome and Britannia. Since childhood, I’ve passionately read about ancient civilizations and mythology and have had characters live in my head, in part, to help me deal with challenges in my own life. Although I had a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, my true passion was always to become an author. When I semi-retired in 2010, I began my journey as a writer when a story seeded in my head about a female Celtic warrior/druidess and her Roman lover that was inspired by the legacy of Mark Antony and Cleopatra but with a Celtic twist.

The first book in the series, Apollo’s Raven, was published in 2017.  Other books that have been released in the series include Dagger’s Destiny (Book 2), and Amulet’s Rapture (Book 3). Skull’s Vengeance (Book 4) is anticipated to be released in the fall of 2022.

2. Tell us a bit about your writing process.

I began with a general summary of the plotline for the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series that evolved into a multi-book series as I began writing. I usually write my first draft in longhand because I have more access to my creative processes. My characters are free to tell their story in my head, and I’m not tempted to stop and edit. I transcribe the first draft onto the computer which I then extensively edit and polish after receiving feedback from trusted partners and editors.

3. Tell us about your novels. Why should everyone buy them?

The Curse of Clansmen and Kings series follows star-crossed lovers caught in the political whirlwind of ancient Rome and Britain: Catrin, a warrior princess with mystical powers and her Roman lover, Marcellus—the great grandson of Mark Antony. The five-book series follows the lovers as they are tested and rise in power in their respective countries from AD 24 to AD 40, when Caligula prepares to invade Britannia.

Apollo’s Raven (Book 1) begins the epic tale in AD 24 Britannia, when British kings hand-picked by Rome to rule are fighting each other for power. King Amren’s former queen, a powerful Druid, has cast a curse that Blood Wolf and the Raven will rise and destroy him. The king’s daughter, Catrin, learns to her dismay that she is the Raven and her banished half-brother is Blood Wolf. Catrin must find a way to break the curse, but she torn between her forbidden love for Marcellus, the Roman hostage under her charge, and loyalty to her people. She must summon the magic of the Ancient Druids to alter the dark prophecy that threatens the fates of everyone in her kingdom.

The Curse of Clansmen and Kings series sweeps you into an epic Celtic tale of forbidden love, magic, adventure, betrayal, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. Readers who enjoy reading epic historical fantasy such as the Game of Thrones or The Mists of Avalon may enjoy reading about the Roman era and the ensuing battles between the clan leaders in Britannia during the first century. The Roman historical backdrop does not often appear as the setting for fantasy novels—a pity, since this era is very intriguing.

4. The historical fiction/epic fantasy is the first book in the Apollo’s Raven series. What is your all-time favourite novel/book? What makes it special?

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley is one of my all-time favourite novels. It reimagines the Arthurian legend from the view of women behind the scenes who bolster the rise of King Arthur and scheme his fall. I liked the complex tale because it follows a myriad of characters struggling to understand their purpose in life in the midst of a fissure caused by the rise of Christianity replacing the pagan beliefs of the druids.

5. What author would you love to have dinner with?

Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series.

6. What do you do when you’re not writing? Do you have any hobbies or passions?

I have a passion for flower gardening, particularly roses.

7. How important is it to have your facts right and are there any instances when you bend history to fit your story?

If possible, I try to stay true to historical events and timelines. However, fantastical elements are weaved into the historical backdrop of my books, and characters and details are fictionized to dramatize the story.

8. What are you reading at the moment?

Quirinus: Britannia’s Last Roman by Erik Hildinger

9. Can you give novice writers some tips (do’s/don’ts)?

• Write with passion in what interests you, not what is popular.
• Read other authors and learn what engages you in their stories to help you with your craftsmanship
• Work on your craftsmanship of writing through workshops and through constructive feedback from trusted writers or editors.
• Be open to constructive criticism, but do not let negative comments bring you down.
• Routinely write and finish your work even though it may be an “ugly rough draft.” Part of the writing process is to edit and smooth off the rough edges after the draft is completed.
• Be resilient and never give up.

10. What are your future plans as an author?

My goal is to finish what I envision to be five books and a pre-sequel in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series, and write other books associated with the characters from the series. I have other historical fiction/fantasy projects in mind and would like to explore writing in other formats (short stories, poetry) and genres.