ℚ Court of the Hawk - Debbie Peterson

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Debbie Peterson to talk about her latest novel, Court of the Hawk (15 April 2015, The Wild Rose Press, Inc, 396 pages) a Fantasy/Paranormal Romance novel.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

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Hello Debbie, thank you for joining us and welcome to BooksChatter.

What was the inspiration for your latest book, Court of the Hawk?

"A lovely legend concerning the lost kingdom of Llys Helig that sank beneath the sea during the sixth century.  I first heard of this fascinating legend in a brief newspaper article and then discovered that several of my books at home mentioned this same legend and in a lot more detail.  Once I read all of the accounts I could lay my hands on, my imagination took flight!"

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Unless you want to consider the Welsh blood that flows through my veins, I don’t think you’ll find anything of me in this book."

That counts - it's what led you to writing it :-)
And talking about your roots and the lost Welsh kingdom, here is one of various poems that recounts that story - original text and translation.

Clychau Cantre'r Gwaelod

J.J. Williams (1869 - 1954)

O dan y môr â'i donnau
Mae llawer dinas dlôs,
Fu'n gwrando ar y clychau
Yn canu gyda'r nôs;
Trwy ofer esgeulusdod
Y gwyliwr ar y twr,
Aeth clychau Cantre'r Gwaelod
Ô'r golwg dan y dwr.

Pan fyddo'r môr yn berwi,
A'r corwynt ar y don,
A'r wylan wen yn methu
A disgyn ar ei bron;
Pan dyr y don ar dywod,
A tharan yn ei stwr,
Mae clychau Cantre'r Gwaelod
Yn ddistaw dan y dwr.

Ond pan fô'r môr heb awel,
A'r don heb ewyn gwyn,
A'r dydd yn marw yn dawel
Ar ysgwydd bell y bryn,
Mae nodau pêr yn dyfod,
A gwn yn eithaf siwr
Fod clychau Cantre'r Gwaelod
I'w clywed dan y dwr.

O! cenwch, glych fy mebyd,
Ar waelod llaith y lli;
Daw oriau bore bywyd
Yn swn y gân i mi;
Hyd fedd mi gofia'r tywod
Ar lawer nos ddi-stwr,
A chlychau Cantre'r Gwaelod
Yn canu dan y dwr.

The Bells of Gwaelod

(Translated by Dyfed Lloyd Evans)

Beneath the wave-swept ocean
Are pretty towns,
That hearkened to the bell-rings
Set pealing through the night;
Through negligent abandon
By a watcher on the wall,
The bells of Cantre’r Gwaelod
Submerged beneath the wave.

When the sea was surging,
With gales upon the wave,
The gull, so pale, was failing
To settle on their crest;
When waves crashed on the sea-shore,
With thunder in its wake,
The bells of Cantre’r Gwaelod
Are silent near the wave.

But when the sea is quiet,
With waves that aren’t foam-flecked,
And day is gently slipping
Behind the far-hills slope,
Sweet tones are heard a-rising,
And this I know as truth
The bells of Cantre’r Gwaelod
Are sounding near the wave.

O! ring out bells of childhood,
On oceans salty floor;
For early strains of living
Sound in their song for me;
Whilst live the shore, I’ll think of
On many quiet nights,
And bells of Cantre’r Gwaelod
Still ringing near the wave.

From "Welsh Legends and Folk-tales" by Dyfed Lloyd Evans

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover.  Can you tell us about your cover - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"The artist for this book is the very talented Debbie Taylor [DCA Graphics], a graphic artist for The Wild Rose Press.  As authors for The Wild Rose Press, we’re given an information sheet.  We list what we think are some of the important elements in the book and descriptions of the main characters.  We’re allowed to send in a photo or two via specific sites that we think might be a good fit for the book.  Although the artist takes all these things into consideration, she has full control over the cover.  As a side note, the cover also has to be approved by the cover committee.  Debbie did my cover for Spirit of the Knight and I fell in love with it.  Therefore, I requested her again for Court of the Hawk.  She didn’t disappoint. I would love to know what everyone else thinks though… Do you all like the cover? "

I certainly do, and I feel that green gives it quite a fantasy / mythological feel to it.  Kind of ethereal.

Why should we read Court of the Hawk and what sets it apart from the rest?

"You should read my book because it’s just fun! ;) As far as being set apart from the rest, I believe that every author has their own unique way of telling a story that defines it and that’s what sets it apart from all other books any other author may have written."

Can you tell us something quirky about this book, its story and characters?

"Well, Garreth ap Daffyd gets his surname from an ancient grandfather of mine, born in the year 1274. In addition, many of the Welsh characters get their name from some of my Welsh ancestors. There’s also a legend that Essie reads toward the end of the book concerning a hidden treasure. That legend truly exists. I didn’t make that one up."

Who would you recommend Court of the Hawk to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Anyone who enjoys sweet (clean) paranormal/fantasy romance.  There is nothing in this book anyone, regardless of age, needs to shy away from."

If you could / wished to turn your book/series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I have no idea who I would get to star in a film version of this book.  There isn’t anyone out there—that I am aware of— that even come close to the characters I see in my head. However, I’m open to suggestions? The director?  Peter Jackson comes to mind because he has a tendency to stay true to the original material.  Location? I would love it to take place in Wales."

Indeed that is something that sorely lacks in far too many movie adaptations - sticking to what was written.  I find it maddening.

What do you like to write and read about?  Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"For now I enjoy writing paranormal/fantasy romance because I love making an impossible love, possible.  How can there be a Happily Ever After between a ghost and mortal?  A sixteenth century captain and a modern day DNA agent?  A man who has lived hidden away from the world for eight centuries and an epigraphist in her twenties?  You’ll have to read my books to find out.  As far as reading, I enjoy all genres."

What is your writing process?

"The concept of the book comes first.  Details can be hazy or not.  My characters get names, personalities and back stories.  After that, I do a ton of research and then sit down at my computer.  Once I start writing, my characters take over and sometimes the details I thought quite solid, can morph into something quite different.  I don’t complain because the changes always make for a much better book."

What is in store next?

"Coming up is “Bound by Oath and Honor,” a book which tells the story of a feisty, independent descendent of an ancient English king and the guardian assigned to protect her from the danger she faces.  This book is intended to be part of a series—meaning that each of the guardians you meet will get a story of his own.  You’ll definitely find continuity, but you don’t have to worry over cliffhangers."

Sounds good!  Thank you again for taking the time to chat to us and we wish you all the best for the rest of your tour.
Do make sure to visit Debbie Peterson's blog, and don't forget:

Court of the Hawk - available NOW!

UK:
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