Interview with Fantasy Author Serena Clarke

Serena Clarke is a graphic designer and author. She is also a member of the Red Mountain Shadows Publishing Team. She edits books, formats them, and creates covers for authors. Many authors want to publish their books through Amazon’s Create Space and other self-publishing companies, so Serena helps them get their books into shape. She loves reading and writing fantasy with a hint of romance. In fact, she enjoys designing her book covers almost as much as writing her books.

Welcome back to my blog, Serena. Today we’re going to talk about the secrets of writing a fantasy. What elements or creatures does an author have to put into a story to make a good fantasy?

The reason I love fantasy so much is that anything can happen. You are not restricted by reality. The definition of fantasy is “The faculty or activity of imagining things that are impossible or improbable.” There are no particular requirements to write a fantasy. Your imagination is your limit. However, there are some things to keep in mind. When you are writing a story, no matter the genre, you are creating a world. Within this world, there are rules. You create the rules. But then you must follow them. If you follow the rules you have created within your make-believe world, your story will be more believable and easier for readers to follow.

Create a history, not only for your characters but also for the world you have created, the kingdoms, etc. Also, if your world has magic, where did the magic come from? What rules apply? Who can use magic? What restrictions are there? Are there consequences for using magic? Does everyone know about magic? Is it accepted by society? Are there mythical creatures? What are they like, both physically and socially?

Create geography, methods of transportation, what technology exists, etc.

Create a society all your own… You can create a whole new world, unique to your imagination, or you can use the world you live in as inspiration and add fantastical elements. You can follow tradition and mythology or you can create your own characteristics. Or create your own fantastical creatures. You decide what is possible and what is real.

Wow! I didn’t know so much went into creating a fantasy. What does your story have in it to bring out these elements?

For my story, I created a whole new world, loosely based on reality. My main characters are humans, but they live in a magical world. There are magical creatures, witches, magical treasures, etc.

In your research, you have probably noticed that dragons, elves, giants and other creatures have a certain aura and personality about them. When I say “aura,” I mean a certain characteristic that surrounds them. Did you keep to this or create your own personality for these characters?

For some of the mythical creatures, I followed tradition. I did some research on what these creatures might look like or how they might act. But there are so many interpretations for many of these creatures that I decided to change them up a bit. Sometimes I made my creatures completely different from what they would be like traditionally. I wanted them to be unique to my world. I also have creatures that came from my own imagination. I created them, gave them a name and characteristics.

I read your book and that is why I loved it so much. Your creatures were unique. What is The Treasure of Isian about and where can you buy it?

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? Become lost in the adventure, love, loyalty, and mystery of The Treasure of Isian! 

The Treasure of Isian can be bought online as an ebook for only $.99 for an Ipad, Kindle, and Nook. You may buy her novel at Amazon or Barnes and Noble online or order it from a local bookstore for $12.95.

Thank you for this interview, Serena. It was interesting to learn how a person creates a fantasy. I enjoy having my daughter on my Family Friendly Blog and letting my readers get to know you.