BooksChatter: ℚ The Legend of Queen Agatha- Sam Cunningham

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Sam Cunningham to talk about The Legend of Queen Agatha (first published 18 December 2014; this second edition 21 January 2016, Sam Cunningham, 141 pages), a provocative Historical Political Allegory.

The Legend of Queen Agatha is the story of a princess who becomes a wise and inspired queen with a personal mission to achieve happiness and prosperity for all of her people. Sam says, "In describing her means to achieve her glorious dream I have presented numerous viewpoints of moral and political philosophy with which readers may agree or disagree. If these stimulate vigorous discussion and debate, pro and con, this book will have achieved a useful place in the world of literature.”

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

A very warm welcome to Sam Cunningham; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for The Legend of Queen Agatha?

"A scene just popped into my mind, I know not from where, of a beautiful and compassionate princess whose country is being ravaged by an evil sorcerer. Her fairy godmother tells her that she can save her people only if she identifies her handsome prince incognito in the crowd, and on her very first try."

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

"“The Legend of Queen Agatha” incorporates my sense of values.

I am a true egalitarian who believes that all people have equal worth regardless of race, religion, national origin, and economic status. However, behavior does matter a lot; all people should be respectful and courteous to others.

As a scientist I appreciate the need for critical thinking, more important than ever in our current time to distinguish real information from the enormous amount of prevalent disinformation and reject the latter.

I value knowledge of our cultural heritage, science, and history."

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

"I believe that a flashy picture of a beautiful young woman on the cover will draw attention on the bookstore shelves and increase sales.

The picture on the cover of “The Legend of Queen Agatha” portrays a scene repeated many times in the story when the much beloved queen addresses her cheering people from the palace balcony and must wave her arms repeatedly over her head to silence their cheering so that she may speak.

Over the internet I hired the master digital photographer Oleg Dersky to hire the model and prepare the picture. The publisher added the words on the cover."

Why should we read The Legend of Queen Agatha and what sets it apart from the rest?

"“The Legend of Queen Agatha” is in part a medieval fantasy, complete with a beautiful princess, her fairy godmother, an evil sorcerer, and her handsome prince. The princess asserts her right to rule as an enlightened queen instead of disappearing into pampered obscurity like most fairytale princesses.

This book is also in part a political tale in which the queen uses radical politics to seek prosperity for all the commoners. I claim that the methods used in medieval times by Queen Agatha to achieve prosperity for all will also be effective in the 21st century. Some readers may not agree, and this story should provoke vigorous argumentation.

I shall offer an even more outrageous prediction. Should Queen Agatha become a well-known literary fictional figure, like King Arthur and his round table, for example, strong female rulers of the future will compare themselves with Queen Agatha. In nearly all cases, perceptive people will consider them falling far short of Queen Agatha’s selfless devotion to even the poorest of her citizens."

Who would you recommend The Legend of Queen Agatha to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I believe that people who admire strong women, like radical politics, and sympathize with the ordinary people above the fabulously wealthy will find much to like in this story.

There is some adult content, and the story is for people 18 years and older."

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer?

"Writing and self-publishing are both easy. Promoting, making my story visible to the many thousands of people who would like the story if only they knew it existed, has been really difficult. The BooksChatter website will help to make readers aware that I have an interesting book for them."

We will certainly try!

What is your writing process?

"My writing process begins as a single scene pops into my head, combining my varied reading experience with my rich imagination.

Then I add to it one sentence or paragraph at a time. Over several months I make hundreds of additions and changes, and fewer deletions.

I could keep improving my story for the rest of my life. When I recognize that I am reaching diminishing returns, it is time to publish."

What is in store next?

"If there is considerable reader interest in “The Legend of Queen Agatha,” I might write another story about Queen Agatha, the immense frustrations and challenges she seeks to overcome, her political and moral philosophy, and more of her achievements."

Sam, thank you again for chatting to us. We hope you had a great tour!