1. What is the title of your book(s)?
Hallsfoot’s
Battle.
2: Where did the idea
come from for the book?
It’s the second book in
the Gathandrian Trilogy, so is a follow-up to The Gifting, also published by Bluewood Publishing. I’ve always
been fascinated in how someone who’s a loner by nature responds to social and
cultural demands, as my main character, Simon Hartstongue, has to do in the
series. I’ve also always loved the thought of being able to read minds, so
that’s an important part of Simon’s character and culture too!
3: What genre does your
book come under?
Epic fantasy.
4: Which actors would
you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Loner and scribe Simon
would definitely be played by Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd, but he’d
have to dye his hair blond! I’d love Colin Firth to play the
mysterious Ralph Tregannon, Simon’s enemy and some-time lover. As for the
people of Gathandria, lovely redhaired Karen Gillan – who played
Amy Pond in the recent Dr Who series – is a must for feisty redhead and
would-be elder, Annyeke Hallsfoot. Finally, I mustn’t forget the powerful and
dangerous enemy of them all, Duncan Gelahn; the only actor who can do evil and
threatening well enough for that role
– as well as being very sexy indeed – just has to be Alan Rickman. So there you
go – the perfect casting all round!
5: What is the
one-sentence synopsis of your book?
When your whole country
is under threat of destruction, just where can you look for a saviour?
6: Is your book self-published,
published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
The trilogy is published
by independent press, Bluewood Publishing.
7: How long did it take
you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
It’s taken me about 18
months or so to write and edit each book of the series, although that’s a
flexible estimate, especially as work and life often get in the way.
8: What other books
would you compare this story to within your genre?
The first book in the
trilogy, The Gifting, has been
compared to the fantasy work of Stephen
R Donaldson, especially his books involving the chronicles of Thomas
Covenant, Unbeliever. There are definitely echoes between the two stories, for
instance in the inclusion of a damaged loner (in my case, Simon Hallsfoot) and
the epic journeys to other lands. I’m definitely thrilled to be compared to
such a writer, that’s for sure!
9: Who or what inspired
you to write this book?
See above – Stephen R
Donaldson’s work is a definite inspiration! I devoured the Covenant stories
when I was younger, and they’ve always stayed with me.
10:
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
The
trilogy has a strong spiritual theme, where the characters are searching for
salvation and a sense of identity – as a long-term Christian, I find religious
or spiritual themes often appear in my fiction in some form or other. I also
keep returning to the themes of love in all its guises, and how that can be a
force for good or bad. There are two couples in the series – Annyeke and her
companion Johan, and the far more difficult relationship between Simon and
Ralph – and it’s been interesting to see how these two relationships have
developed. And the psychology of revenge is always fascinating too, as
evidenced by the actions and state of mind of Duncan Gelahn. A good enemy is
always vital! I do hope readers enjoy the story as much as I’ve enjoyed writing
it.
While you're here, don't forget to catch up on the latest information about two Bluewood Publishing stalwarts - David Bowman and Paulette Rae. Happy reading!
Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy
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