Today’s special guest is fantasy author Leslie D. Soule and we’re chatting about her books that are part of The Fallenwood Chronicles.
During her virtual book tour, Leslie will be giving away a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!
Bio:
Leslie D. Soule received her M.A. in English from National University. She is a scholar, artist, citizen journalist, and martial artist. She has been an established writer for a decade, and has novels published by Melange Books, Terror House Press, Gypsy Shadow Publishing, and Nat 1 Publishing. The Fallenwood Chronicles is her 4-book fantasy series and features the novels Fallenwood, Forgetting Fallenwood, Betrayer, and Retribution.
Welcome, Leslie, please introduce us to The Fallenwood Chronicles.
The Fallenwood Chronicles is the ongoing story of Ash Kensington, a young woman who finds herself transported into a fantasy world, where she must take up arms in a battle of Good vs. Evil, against the Dark Lord Malegaunt. Tragedy strikes her life in the real world, but she finds friends in Fallenwood, like her mentor Will Everett, a talking cat named Greymalkin, and a court jester named Terces. Working together, they battle against the odds as Ash faces attacks from the world and from within. Eventually Ash finds the strength within herself, to attempt the fight against Malegaunt, against overwhelming odds, come what may.
Excerpt from The Fallenwood Chronicles:
“A dark, difficult, dangerous path lies before you, Ash Kensington.” Ash’s heart grew heavy. In truth, she knew that she was destined to some terrible, dark fate. For so long, her life was filled with sadness and doubt, and one horrible thing after another. What else can I hope for? “But Ash, you must not lose hope. Our world needs you, and you must learn to be strong, so you can find the power within yourself to change things for the better. Prove that you are stronger than your Fate. Prove that you are worthy of this life that you have been given. William Everett has agreed to guide you, and there will be others in this realm that you must learn from. But your future, your life—everything from this point on is up to you. For you have been granted a precious gift—to return to the place and time you left in coming here, once your quest is through.”
How do you develop your plot and characters?
I try and make each chapter its own story, and think about how I want the characters to interact with each other, within it. What would be compelling? Sometimes, the scene plays out like a movie in your head. Other times, it requires a bit more planning. But generally, I develop characters by thinking about their motivations and going from there.
Please describe your writing space.
My writing space is generally any spot that is quiet and where there is coffee being served.
What is the first book you remember making an indelible impression on you?
Mattimeo, by Brian Jacques, was my absolute childhood favorite. I’ve read nearly all the Redwall books and I think they’re fantastic.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
I have always liked Butter Pecan, but I think it has recently been usurped by the Cardamom ice cream they serve locally at this place called Big Dipper Ice Cream.
Which mythological creature are you most like?
I recently posted a photo on Facebook, of a dragon holding up a cup of coffee, and I said it was my spirit animal. So that’s what I’ll go with.
Links:
Twitter | Amazon Buy Links: Book One | Book Two | Book Three | Book Four
We appreciate you hosting today.. thank you!
How do you stay motivated to write?
This looks really good. Thanks for hosting this tour.