In Egalion’s Imperial court, there is splendor and luxury, but it’s also a realm of treachery. Cloak-and-dagger political maneuvering threatens to destroy the peace of two thousand years. Battlemage Jex Xander has a mouth that gets him into trouble; while in contrast, Enari Namelum speaks not at all. Amidst the mounting chaos, passion and romance should be the last thing on their minds, but life and the Goddess seem to have other ideas. They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but at court you can’t tell one from the other…and they change at the flip of a coin. Passion, danger, and magic collide in this romantic fantasy. The flint has been struck and the whole world may just go up in flames.
Today I’ve had the opportunity to catch up with Ronelle Antoinette, author of the romance/fantasy novel ‘Errant Spark’.
Ronelle, can you start off today’s interview by letting us know what was the genesis for this book?
The idea for this series started more than 12 years ago, so I don’t remember the specific thing that prompted it. I do remember that it started in my high school creative writing class.
That’s a long time ago. During this time how much of it was spent actually working on the story?
“Errant Spark” took my approximately 12 years of stop-and-start-and-rework to complete. The other books in the series, though still WIP, have come along MUCH more quickly!
Since you have been working on this story for so long you must have developed a very strong relationship with your characters. Do you remember how the characters initially developed?
I’m hugely influenced by what I read and what I play. Jex Xander, for example, came into the world when I watched my husband play Lost Odyssey for the first time. I fell in love with Jansen, and then Anders from Dragon Age (not mopey Anders, but smartass/cheerful Anders). I can’t claim divine inspiration for any of the others; they came to life in bits and pieces.
Who are you favourite characters?
Jex. Jex has been my favorite. If you read “Errant Spark”, I’m hoping you’ll be able to see why!
Did you feel to need to do any research to support your characters and the plot of this story?
Oh dear lord, yes! I’ve already told my husband and best friend that the first thing they need to do in the event of my untimely death is delete my browser history! People joke about authors having the browsing history of serial killers, but in my case at least, it’s more than true.
Did you try to include themes into your books?
Sometimes, yes.
Did you have the opportunity to also integrate your own experiences into the story?
I will admit with a bit of shame that one of my characters is based on every girl I’ve ever hated. Otherwise, life experiences didn’t play too much of a role in this.
Now that you’ve completed ‘Errant Spark’, have you already started working on your next project?
I’m getting ready to send the sequel (title still unknown) to my editor. Look for Elemental Trials, Book 2 in the summer of 2017!
As you are a successful self-published author I’d like to ask you a few questions about your experiences in hopes that you might be able to give other authors some advice.
How do you start writing? Do you write longhand, type or use dictation?
Oh, I type. I can’t seem to pen-and-paper it fast enough to keep up with my thoughts. Plus, being an author who is legally blind, typing is just way more legible.
And, how do you tackle the editing process?
I do an enormous amount of editing myself, and only give it to a professional when it’s as polished as I can personally make it.
Where was your book cover design sourced?
Mar Fandos through Freelancer designed my cover and she did a fabulous job with my random “Oooh, maybe like this” and “Well, this one time I saw…” type descriptions.
Do you have any overall tips for self-publishing for other authors?
Just do it. If you’ve spent all this time and love and energy into creating your baby, don’t be afraid to release it into the world for others to enjoy! It’s scary, but so so so worth it!
Did you find the release of the ‘Errant Spark’ the most rewarding thing about writing, or did you find something else more rewarding?
Wow…well…*scratches head* I suppose the most rewarding thing about writing “Errant Spark” was the realization that I can now tell people “Yeah, I’m an author.” The actual writing has been hugely rewarding in-and-of itself, though!
How did you feel when you got your first book review?
I was scared to death to read it. I was prepared to cry, rant, go on a tirade, or melt into a contented puddle on the floor, depending on what it said. Thankfully, it was a pretty good review.
How do you feel about the future of reading/ writing and publishing?
I’m excited to see where all the new technology will take the industry. It’s nice that the little Indies like us have a shot now!
Now I’d like to ask you a few questions about your background as a reader. Who are your favourite authors, and do you believe that they have influenced your writing style?
I can say with certainty that my fav authors have influenced me. I’ve read Tamora Pierce and Jim Butcher more times than I can count.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading a WIP by my good friend Elisabeth Hamill, and also Lord of the Fading Lands. I like to have more than one thing going.
What was your favourite book as a child?
Oooh…it’s hard to pick just one! But if you’re going to force me…The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis.
Who is your favourite literary character?
Harry Dresden for the win here.
And now onto the quick fire round. If you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature what new animal would you create?
The otter-puppy. Cutest. Thing. Ever.
Can you stand on your hands unassisted?
Not unless I’m looking to break my neck.
If you could steal one thing without consequence what would it be?
Something insanely valuable and untraceable if sold on the black market. Or maybe whatever they’re hoarding in Area 51?
Can you curl your tongue?
Not side-to-side, no.
Which are cooler? Dinosaurs or Dragons?
DRAGONS.
Thank you for giving myself and my audience some great insights into your experiences as an author. Good luck with the promotion of ‘Errant Spark’.
Want to find out more about Ronelle? Contact her at the following locations: