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| R Tran |
Read up,
Interview with R Tran, author of ‘The Rashade (Chronicles of the Coranydas)’. In this interview, she tells us,
how the entire book came about, the research that has gone into it, how she
relates the lives of her characters to lives today.
She also tell us, the most challenging and
fulfilling parts of the story, how she came up with the core idea developed it,
which character she felt most close to, what she thought was different about
her book, who her favourite authors are, the next book she has planned, and
much more, Folks…
How did ‘The Rashade
(Chronicles of the Coranydas)’ happen?
This book was written as self prescribed therapy after my dad died when I was 16.
As a teenager, I was too scared to admit I was depressed so this was my coping
mechanism. I wrote a blog article on the subject that can be found at https://rtranbooks.wordpress.com/2017/01/24/my-inspiration-for-the-rasade/
What is the research is any that has gone into it?
I did
read some books on types of swords and sword fighting but mostly this is the
genre I read.
How do you think your book
is different from everyone else’s?
The type of magic Mara possesses is
different than others, I have seen in other books. I
have a few different theories about magic and its creation.
My spin on the magical
races are a little different as well. I also focus on a strong female lead
which isn’t always seen in fantasy novels.
What according to you is
different about your book?
The series is only two books long now
but I have 3 more in the works. Instead of focusing
on one hero/heroine, this series follows a family.
Those that are or were
able to use ‘The Sword of The Faye’ because of the magic the family carries.
How would you relate the
lives of Mara’s and Wayette’s to lives today?
Mara and Wayette have a modern western
woman’s feel to them even though the setting is more of a medieval setting to
the book.
Both women are strong
and independent, taking on leadership roles throughout the series.
Who is your favourite
character and why?
Valaska is my favourite character in
this series. Ideally, I should say my heroine but as I wrote the series her
personality grew into Mara’s fun loving best friend.
Valaska is tough, kind,
and funny, yet serious and gentle when she needs to be.
How did you come up with
the core idea and develop it?
Most of my books come from a random
thought I have, while doing something else. In this
case, I thought I should write about a girl who got revenge on them man who
murdered her father.
Considering what was
going on in my life that wasn’t a surprise. From there I had to consider who
she was and her motivation.
Ultimately, I came up
with the daughter of a priestess joining a league of warriors for men only. But
why, what could be so terrible to make a priestess lose her place? I managed to
figure those things out then realized it would give me nightmares, so I gave
them to her.
Usually most things
happen in most things develop in my books because I ask myself why? It usually
makes sense to me. However some things develop organically and take me by
surprise. One of the love stories in this book happened that way.
How would you relate the
lives of characters to the lives today? Any similarities?
Mara would be closer to a woman in
the 1950’s as far as breaking barriers.
She is the equivalent
of a woman just entering the male dominated work force. It’s an uphill climb
for her but nothing will stop her. When Mara finds the Shiori it’s like she’s
launched into the future, a feminist dream of America, and she readily accepts
them.
What was the most
challenging part about writing the book?
Editing was the worst. I started the
book in high school and finished a few years later in college. Then I didn’t
touch it for years.
My writing style
changed and improved when I went back to rewrite and edit. Trying to make
everything coherent and flow was a nightmare.
What is the most fulfilling
part of writing this book?
Reading the reviews and
hearing that people enjoyed reading what I wrote is the most fulfilling part of
writing this book. I never started this to get rich or be a best seller.
I never even planned to get
published. So, when I hear people like my book I love it.
When will your second book
be released?
My second
book is being released June 9. It is the sequel to this book and all the loose
ends will be tied up.
Is there an author you take
inspiration from?
I gather inspiration from everything
around me, especially music. The third book in this series for instance was
written almost entirely to Evanescence.
Terry Goodkind and Dave Duncan had the most influence on this book though.
Which books are you reading
currently?
At the moment, I am writing a book. I
usually have 3 or for projects going at once to cope with writers block.
But I have 'Silence
Fallen' by Patricia Briggs waiting for me to read. As soon as writers block kicks
in, I can read it.
Who are your favourite
authors and why?
I love Terry
Goodkind’s ‘Sword of Truth’ series. I have been reading it since high school
and still haven’t tired of Richard Rahl. I always want to know what he
is going to do next.
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| Anne Bishop - From Goodreads |
It’s why I never start one until I
have nothing else going on. Anne Bishop is another
favourite. I think I have read her dark jewels trilogy three times now and
never tire of it. I just figured out there are more in the series and can’t
wait to read them.
What else do you do on a
daily basis?
Writing is my third job. First, I am
a mom. I have two girls that are turning 4 and 6 next month and a Boston
terrier. To earn money, I am a pharmacist.
I work full time and am
thankful everyday that my mother can accommodate a retail schedule and watch my
girls. Other than reading and writing and now blogging, I also quilt and do
random crafts from Pinterest.
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