Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Elsy Devaine
Book Title: Tales of the Clans
Released: 09/24/20
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Tales of the Clans?
Devaine: I came up with an idea of the clans and some of my characters while daydreaming like I often do. Inspiration comes from myths, music or quotes, arts I see somewhere and by many other ways. If I remember well, it really started taking shape after I had a look at a drawing of Death and the Maiden and came up with the idea of the dynamic between Lyall and Helesys.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Devaine: I love symbolism and always try to find a name with a special meaning. For example, Helesys came from the myth of Hel, a nordic Godess of death and hell and Tyee actually means leader.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Devaine: Writing was a challenge. I made a bucket list of things I wanted to do right before I turned 40. I wanted to prove myself I could write a whole novel and I'm pretty happy I did. Writing was always a part of me but a novel was on another level in my mind. It was actually my husband who always was certain I could and would make it. He made it all possible just by believing in me. I tried to write what I love reading in other authors' books like intelligent characters, strong female figures, healthy relationships. I hope I did well.
If "Tales of the Clans" were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Devaine: Oh my is that difficult to say. Helesys would be a young Winona Rider with short hair like she was in the Alien movie. I find the male model Diego Fragoso would make a great Tyee and Travis Fimmel's smile was the one I had in mind for Lyall's.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Devaine: I talk with my husband. He often just listens to my thought process giving me pointers here and there of what he thinks could be interesting but I mostly come out of it by thinking out loud.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Devaine: To do it. Just go and do it. Plan ahead so that when you start writing you know exactly where you are going with your story. It's what made the difference for me. Mostly believe in your own ability to realize your dream.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Devaine: I love fantasy but always with a hint of romance to keep things spiced. In my favorite authors, you will find TA White (everything she writes really), Anne Bishop (her Others series), Nalini Singh (I love her Guild Hunter series), Darynda Jones, Elizabeth Hunter, Saraj J Maas, Grace Draven, Lia Patterson, Jay Kristoff, there are so many...
What are you working on next?
Devaine: The second and third books of the Tales of the Clans. You will discover more about the twins : Daesyn and Lorcan and the Lost Territories.
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
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