Author Spotlight: R. Rose

6/18/2013

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a California native and have lived here my whole life. I love to research myths & legends from around the world, which is where I get the ideas for most of my stories. I am a registered veterinary technician and wildlife rehabilitator, preferring to work with wildlife and exotics. I think I can safely say that I have been bitten or scratched by more species of animals than anyone I know. I think it also a safe bet to say that I have had more different species of animals living in my home than most people. My children have experienced living with everything from opossum, birds of prey and coyotes to scorpions, hissing cockroaches and bird-eating spiders. I guess it’s no wonder none of them went into veterinary medicine.

2. When did you start writing, and why?
I was always making up imaginary stories as a kid, but I didn’t really get the writing bug until I was in college. My college English teacher (who was actually the Psychology professor) asked us to write five pages in the format of a romance novel. I had been reading romance novels for quite a while and couldn’t wait to see the “A” on my paper. When it was graded, he returned it with a note saying “No man could make love all night after being shot in the shoulder.” Well…obviously the man had never picked up romance novel in his life. He must have been projecting his inadequate manly prowess onto my buff and totally hot character (who was only winged by the bullet). I received a “C” on the paper, but I was hooked on writing. While doing genealogy research I came across a bulletin board called “Clancy’s Pub” for those with Irish roots. Out of shear boredom one night I wrote a post about coming into the pub and finding it empty, but having the feeling I was being watched. Other like-minded people responded to the post in such a way that an impromptu adventure story was launched. We did quite a few after that, but “Desires (A Legacy Novel) is my first book in print.

3. What do you write, and why? What do you enjoy about what you write?
I like to write fantasy and paranormal fiction with my core ideas coming from the myths & legends I research. Currently, my books are in the young adult category, but that might not always be the case. I just happen to read a lot of YA, so that is the path I chose to follow with the Legacy series. I have also been asked to write a children’s book about a pony that is given to family therapist that uses the horses to work with children. Only this little pony that was raised with long-horned cattle and doesn’t really know she is a horse. She finds it hard to fit in the herd of horses that are a part of the program. The proceeds from the sale will go to therapy horse programs. I think the part I like most in my writing process is when the ideas come to me. It is like watching a DVD on the big screen; everything just rolls through my head like a movie.

4. What is your latest book or series? Any forthcoming books?
My current book is “Desires (A Legacy Novel), which is the first book in the series. Fantasy artist, Julie Fain designed the cover and the Celtic art in the interior is by renowned Celtic artist, Jen Delyth. I am currently writing “Malevolence” which will be the second book with “Sacrifices” being the final book. There may be a novella between books two and three. Julie and Jen will continue with their art in the series, plus they will be joined by fantasy artist, Delight Prescott-Spall to bring a unique touch to the books’ interiors. Also to be released this year (I hope) will be a book or series based off of a Native American legend from the Pacific northwest and, of course, the children’s book.

5. "Welcome To My Worlds": Tell us a little about the world of your latest book or series.
Most of “Desires” takes place in the Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland during the early Iron Age. The village of “Ballybog” was created by a warrior that was given the task of protecting the heir of the Goddess Brighid. He and his mercenaries travelled into the mostly uninhabitable bog lands to raise their families in safety. The men know the leader of their clan has been entrusted with the guarding of an Otherworldly treasure, they just don’t know it is his wife. There are also glimpses into Tara and the Otherworld.

6. Introduce us to some of your characters. What do you like about them?
Eléan – Her maternal bloodline carries a spark of the Goddess Brighid’s soul. They were created to keep the Goddess in the hearts of mortals and are considered her daughters.

Liam and James – Warriors and adopted brothers, their father is the best friend of the King (Elena’s father). The three of them have a special bond.

Morrigan – the Goddess uncontrollable lust and killing rage. She has decided the best way to get even with Dagda over a perceived insult is to kill his daughter Brighid. But she cannot do that out-right, so she directs her rage at Brighid’s heirs in the Mortal realm and their warriors.

Greagoir – born to peasant parents, he just knew it was a mistake. When he dreams about controlling a powerful goddess from the Otherworld to get all he wants, Greagoir is sure it is the answer to his prayers. Like they say…”Magic always comes with a price.”

7. A fun fact you would like your readers to know about you or your book.
I do my best writing when the weather is stormy, but I live in the center of sunny California. My writing routine includes putting a fireplace DVD on the TV in my office, as thunderstorm CD on the computer, a pot of tea on my desk, and I darken the room and light all the candles…instant winter even when it is 110 outside.