BooksChatter: ℚ The Chronicles of Alcinia [1-3]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Miriam Newman to talk about The Chronicles of Alcinia (26 June 2017, DCLPublications, 915 pages), an Historical Fantasy, books one to three in The Chronicles of Alcinia series.

"This book has incredible attention to historical detail, flawless first person narration, but most importantly, it has multi-faceted characters who will engage you." - Rose & Thorns Reviews

"Miriam Newman writes the way an accomplished weaver creates a tapestry. Thread by thread, weaving up and over the weft, the subtle color of detail builds until at last a masterpiece lies before us." - Storm

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

A very warm welcome to Miriam Newman; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for The Chronicles of Alcinia?

"Book I of The Chronicles of Alcinia—The King’s Daughter—came directly from a dream. I kept dreaming the same scene that ultimately became a pivotal scene in the first book. Who knew? But when I got it down on paper , the rest of the book unfolded like something that had been lurking in the depths of my subsconscious—which it probably was."

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

"Quite a bit, actually. The personality of Tia is very much in line with my own and I drew heavily on my eighteen year career in psychiatric social services to create characters with kink."

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

"The cover for The Chronicles of Alcinia came from a photo first discovered by Kerri Nelson, who made the original video for The King’s Daughter. My friend Denise Alicea was able to locate the still photo and have the cover created."

Why should we read The Chronicles of Alcinia and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your series unique?

"If someone is interested in historical fantasy and not afraid of a gripping and powerful romance as opposed to a light-hearted romp, I think they would enjoy the book. It does come in three parts…three separate books. So the endings up until the third book are cliff hangers rather than the happily ever after. You should expect to shed a few tears."

Can you tell us something quirky about The Chronicles of Alcinia, its story and characters?

"Since it is fantasy, the names came straight out of my head. I don’t think they were particularly quirky, but some of the people definitely were. They could have used a good psychiatrist, but of course there were none in their world."

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

"It’s a book about war in a pre-Medieval world reminiscent of Roman Britain. Not for the faint of heart. But I am a true believer in the fact that Love Conquers All."

If you could / wished to turn The Chronicles of Alcinia and the The Chronicles of Alcinia series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"These characters are so vivid and so intensely individual to me that I literally have no idea. I really cannot compare them to anyone and I’ve thought a lot about it, since we all like to fantasize about our books being turned into movies. But, alas, nothing! I can hear Celtic music, that’s for sure. The soundtrack is no problem."

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

"I prefer historical, either fantasy or real. But I like science fiction and speculative fiction."

What is your writing process?

"I really do have to wait until inspiration strikes, and then it goes fast and well, almost as if the book has been writing itself while I was doing other real-life things."

What is in store next?

"I am releasing a novella called Dark Child, which is a Bardic-style retelling of the old Irish myth Deirdre of the Sorrows. This is a tale that has been told a hundred times (at least). But I have recreated the version my grandmother told me way back when."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I rescue dogs! Occasionally cats and horses, as well, but I have numerous dog rescues and adoptions to my credit. I’m fortunate to live on a small farm where there is room for everyone, and some have stayed. Others have made other people very happy and that’s a special feeling. I love my little gang; we are truly a family."