Monday, October 15, 2012

Interview with Fantasy Author Serena Clarke


Serena Clarke has loved writing since she was young and has taken several writing classes. Her favorite genre is fantasy with a hint of romance. Serena has a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design. She enjoys designing her book covers as much as writing her books. This is Serena’s first published novel.

“This story is captivating and has many twists and turns. It gives a new dimension to fantasy characters. It was difficult to put down.” –Linda Weaver Clarke, Author


Hello, Serena! Welcome to my blog. Please tell us about The Treasure of Isian. What is it about?

Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do anything for him, even die for him. Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by angry giants, soul-stealing elves, bewitched dragons, a vengeful water-witch, battling foes, and a mysterious kingdom. Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Garin must decide what the most important things are in his life. Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom? And will Elani find true love?

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

Most of my ideas for my books come from dreams I have had. I had a dream about a prince who had a servant who had to do everything he told her to do. He relied on her. And her world revolved around him. And then suddenly she was unable to do everything for him and their relationship changed. When I awoke from this dream, all that day I could not stop thinking about it. What would such a relationship be like? And how would it evolve? And why did she have to do everything he told her to do? I had most of the storyline written in my head by the end of the day. And it became The Treasure of Isian!

What is it about fantasy that you love most?

I love that anything can happen! In fantasy you are not restricted by society or politics or history. Whether reading it or writing it, I love escaping into a world that is different than the one I live in. A world where there are princes and princesses, warriors, treasure, mystical creatures that you can’t be sure if they are good or bad, true love, happy endings, mystery.

Wow! I completely understand what you’re saying. What does your family think about your writing, especially your mom and dad?

My parents are my greatest encouragement! I have always loved to write, ever since I was a little kid. And I have always wanted to get a book published. But without the encouragement from my parents, I don’t know if I ever would have gone through with it. Thanks Mom for all your help!

You’re welcome, my darling daughter. I couldn’t have a better daughter and friend, and I love you very much. Okay, it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I have a bucket list that I am currently working on. Things that range from “scream as loud as you possibly can” to “drive a wicked cool car” to “go to Europe”. So far, one of the weirdest things I have done on my bucket list was milking a goat. Coolest things I have done so far are “get a book published,” “ride in a helicopter” and “go to Hawaii.”

Awesome! Hey, you forgot to mention going to a Josh Groban Concert. As I remember, you were quite elated. In fact, that’s all you talked about and listened to for several months. Here’s a picture of you at his concert. Hmm, you look very happy. Haha. Thanks for this awesome interview. For those interested, Serena has received several 5 star reviews. I have posted excerpts below.


QUOTES FROM REVIEWERS:

Superb story that brought a smile to my face and helped me remember that sometimes, we can overlook the most valuable treasures in life if we're not careful. Charissa Stastny, Author of Eyes of Light

I love a good fairy-tale. This one is delightful. I liked watching the mystery unfold and guessing how the characters would overcome the challenges they faced.Cheryl Larson

If all fantasy was written like this, I might read more fantasy.Debbie Curto

This was a great book! An adventurous tale that was quick paced! Something new always happened and there wasn't a moment to get bored! And who doesn't love a good love story? Loved it!Amarissa Hancey

33 comments:

Shadowwolf said...

I would love to win a physical book of this story! It sounds like such a fascinating story!!

Phil and Nicole said...

Way to go follow your dreams! This sounds like a great book! I'd love to have a physical copy of this book.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful interview. I'd like a physical book and I love the cover. Congratulations on your interview.

beemama said...

This is a great interview. Congrats on being published. I know where to find one proud mama.
Shirley
beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Lisa And Randy said...

I would love to win a printed copy of this book. Always fun when the Author is also a distant relative. I loved the interview and cover.

Katherine said...

Great interview! Congrats, Serena, on publishing a book! I believe my daughter would love this book, so I would like to be entered for the book. Thanks!
katsaddress AT gmail. DOT com

Gail Pallotta said...

Great interview. What a beatiful daughter, Linda. I see the resemblence, and I believe she has your sense of mystery and intrigue.
Serena, Congratulations! I wish you much success with your new book.

aLilLacey said...

You have awesome dreams! Mine are lame like I'm back in high school and can't find my classes. Seriously lame! The book sounds awesome! I'd love a print copy.

JuneA** said...

What a fun interview! I believe y'all share the same smile~~among other things, lol~~ I would love to win an ebook..I have a feeling that we'll be hearing more from this young author!

Momtrx said...

I'd love an ebook copy, this sounds like a great read! Good luck Serena on many more books!
Momtrx @ aol.com
(following on GFC Momtrx)

Miss Mae said...

How awesome to interview your daughter, and that she has your love of writing. :)

Way to go, you two! :)

Nancy said...

This was a neat interview. Thanks for the giveaway.

Perfer in print form

jluebke@frontier.com

biochemguy said...

I loved the interview! ^.^ I would love to win a print copy. :)
biochemguy22(at)yahoo(dot)com

JoAnn Arnold said...

It would be fun to win a physical copy of your book, and I hope this is only the beginning of a very successful writing career.

JoAnn Arnold said...

Forgot to add my e-mail acct. It is bjarnold@infowest.com

Natasha said...

Sounds really good! Thanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

Nicole said...

I really liked the interview! What Serena loved about fantasy is exactly what I love about it too.
The Treasure of Isian sounds like a really good book and I would love to read it! I would like to have a physical copy of the book instead of and e-book. Thanks so much for the giveaway! :D

thebookworm1999@gmail.com

Unknown said...

This sounds like a great book. Thank you for the interview and giveaway.
ssweett_rebelde@hotmail.com/ I prefer the physical copy of the book :D

Kaci Verdun said...

I haven't heard of this book, so thank you for the interview. It sounds like a great read, I like reading fantasy adventure and romance. Thanks for the chance to win. I'd love to have a physical copy of this book.
kacidesigns@yahoo.com

Mary Preston said...

THE TREASURE OF ISIAN looks wonderful. I enjoyed the interview thank you.

INTERNATIONAL

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

chirth7 said...

Hi Linda and Welcome Serena!
Congrats on your first published book and to many many more. I think writing is in your blood. I love your Mom's writing! This fantasy has romance and that's something I can get into! I really want to read this book now. After reading the review about if more Fantasy novels were written like this one I'd read more, sounds like something I might say. My husband is the fantasy reader, but The Treasure of Isian sounds wonderful read for me! :)

I do love how you dreamnt this one. If I was a writer and I used my dreams I'd write scary novels. lol So your lucky. That's an awesome dream and so clear too.

Thanks for the giveaway. I'd like to be in the drawing for a print copy. my email is chirth7@yahoo.com

Hugs, Best wishes, Christine

Unknown said...

I'd love to win an ebook. It sounds amazing! Congrats!

lisbethreade @ gmail

Liese2 said...

What a great interview!
I would love a physical copy!
sqwalker2@gmail.com

Darlene said...

Awwww, how sweet! I loved the mom-daughter interview! It's so lovely to see the closeness of family members. Congrats on your debut, Serena!

darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

I'd love to win the e-book, thanks!

Darlene said...

+1 for posting to Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/darlenes.booknook/posts/317369385037884

darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

Sayomay said...

I would love a phsical book! :D Thank you for the giveaway!
xeno_turtle(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jenn said...

This book sounds awesome!
Could you please enter me in the drawing for the physical book!
star_chaser76(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

Misha said...

This sounds like my kind of fantasy! I'd love to have a physical copy~ and loved reading about how Serena (beautiful name!) came up with the idea. Dreams are so great for inspiration! Thank you for the chance to win~<3

MostlyMisha[at]gmail[dot]com

Linda said...

I love fantasy romance & romantic fantasy; would love to win an ebook of The Treasure of Isian. What fun to both write a book & design the cover for it!

thumbelinda03@yahoo.com

Daniel M said...

sounds great, print book please - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

Alicia said...

This book sounds fantastic!

Please enter my name for the physical copy :)

--Alicia
dmr8888 at yahoo dot com

Wayne Lecoy said...

Please Enter Me In Your Book Giveaway
It Would Be Great To Win A
Copy Of The Treasure of Isian
By Serena Clarke.
I Would Like A Print Book.
I Do Not Feel Comfortable
Leaving My Email In A Comment So
If I Am Lucky Enough To Win Can
You Please Send Me A Message On
Facebook.
For An Extra Entry I Shared Your
Giveaway On Facebook And Google+.
Thank You For Having This Giveaway And Your Great Interview.

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

Congratulations, Lady Carliss! You have won a hard copy of The Treasure of Isian. All those who expressed an interest in an ebook was automatically sent a copy to enjoy and review. Thanks, everyone, for your comments. Please visit my blog each week to see what the new book giveaway is.