As part of the team behind the Luminous boxed set of ten Noblebright books for the low price of $2.99, I have the honor to share this delightful interview with author Lea Doue. (You can also check out the full line-up of Luminous author interviews at http://noblebright.org.)
The LUMINOUS project is running a fantastic giveaway. You can win a Lord of the Rings “Not All Who Wander Are Lost” tote bag, a Harry Potter “I Solemnly Swear I’m Up To No Good” journal, and other author stuff. Check out the details at the end of this post.
Without further ado — fantasy author Lea Doué:
What is your favourite kind of character?
I always go back to Lord of the Rings for questions like this. My favorite kind of character would be a mix of Samwise Gamgee and Aragorn. Loyal, brave, courageous, and a sense of humour doesn't hurt.
Do you have plans for a sequel to your novel included in Luminous?
Yes. The Firethorn Crown is the first in a series of fairytale-inspired fantasy stories. The plan is to have twelve in all, one for each of the princesses in book one. Book two, The Midsummer Captives, is currently available, and book three, The Red Dragon Girl, is due out in October 2017.
How would you describe Noblebright to someone who has never heard the term before?
A noblebright story is set in a fantasical world with a main character who either already has a strong moral compass or is headed in that direction. It's not all fluffy clouds and glittery unicorns, but rather light shining in darkness.
What is your least favourite trope, and why?
Insta-love! Ugh. Instant attraction, yes, but not falling in I-can't-live-a-moment-without-you love at first sight. It's less realistic than dragons and mermaids.
How do you like to write? Longhand (shorthand?), typewriter, computer, blood, nail scratches on the walls?
I plot and build characters and their back stories in notebooks. (I love notebooks! My current favorite is gold and glittery). Then I move to the computer to do a detailed outline, which can be anywhere from 60-80 pages of scenes, descriptions, and dialogue. After that, the writing goes fairly quickly.
What is your perfect writing day?
Any day I can sit down in the evening after my two boys are asleep and write. That's just about perfect. Having a cat in my lap is the cherry on top.
What is your favourite re-read book for a rainy afternoon?
Lord of the Rings for a long weekend (including the appendices) or Beauty by Robin McKinley for an afternoon.
Tea or coffee?
Coke! Cherry Coke, if I can get it. I can't handle the caffeine in coffee, and I've never been much of a tea drinker, although I do like iced sweet tea when traveling to Georgia to visit family.
Music or no music?
Silence, when I can get it. Once in a while, I'll listen to instrumental music, but usually that's to drown out other noises. I found a website that lets you customize cat purrs, too, and that's relaxing to listen to while writing. https://mynoise.net/NoiseMachines/catPurrNoiseGenerator.php
More about Lea Doué
A native of south Georgia, Lea currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada with her husband, their two boys, a rescue greyhound, and a cat. But, sadly, no dragons. Homeschooling and writing take up most of her time, but she also enjoys directing a small puppet team at her church. The Firethorn Crown, a re-imagining of Grimm's “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” is the first novel in the Firethorn Chronicles, a series inspired by fairy tales and other stories.
You can connect with her here:
Website
Facebook
Pinterest
A LUMINOUS Giveaway!
For a chance to win this awesome Lord of the Rings book tote, Harry Potter journal, plus swag from LUMINOUS authors, enter here:
More about Luminous
Dare to step into lands of myths, magic, and monsters, because there is light to be found in even the darkest of places.
Now, ten fantasy authors have come together to offer this epic boxed set of noblebright fantasy! Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to explore ten unique worlds, fall in love with gallant heroes and heroines, and discover the chinks in the darkness where the light shines through.
What is Noblebright fantasy?
Set apart by a sense of hope, noblebright fantasy includes at least one character who, although flawed, still deliberately pursues goodness. And that goodness has the power to make a difference. In a noblebright story, even villains are not without hope. Their redemption isn’t guaranteed, of course, but it is a possibility.
This boxed set includes:
The Lord of Dreams by C. J. Brightley
When a fairy king grants a human wish, there’s more at stake than dreams.
A Threat of Shadows by JA Andrews
Haunted by his past and surrounded by companions carrying their own dark secrets, Alaric grasps at one last chance to save his dying wife.
Heir of Iron by J.S. Bangs
Family secrets. Forbidden Love. An empire on the brink of collapse.
The Hawk and His Boy by Christopher Bunn
You can run as far as you can, but you can never escape the Dark.
Chronicles of Steele: Raven: The Complete Story by Pauline Creeden
Just when Raven tries to leave the life of a Reaper, she’s pulled right back in.
The Firethorn Crown by Lea Doué
After discovering a secret underground kingdom and a mysterious sorcerer-prince, Princess Lily must free herself and her sisters from a dangerous curse or face a lifetime of darkness.
Wolfskin by W.R. Gingell
Sometimes the little girl in the red hood doesn’t get eaten, and sometimes the wolf isn’t the most frightening thing in the forest…
Sunbolt by Intisar Khanani
A street thief with a dangerous secret, Hitomi finds herself betrayed to the dark mage who killed her father.
Rachel and the Many-Splendored Dreamland by L. Jagi Lamplighter
Magic school can be a lot more dangerous—and wondrous—than expected.
The Pygmy Dragon by Marc Secchia
Now, the courage of the smallest will be tested to the utmost. For Pip is the Pygmy Dragon, and this is her tale.
GeoLinks for Luminous Boxed Set:
B&N: http://geni.us/LuminousBN
Kobo: http://geni.us/LuminousKobo
Amazon: http://geni.us/LuminousAmazon
iTunes: http://geni.us/LuminosIT
Smashwords: http://geni.us/LuminousSW
Google Play: http://geni.us/LuminousGP
