Monday, February 1, 2016

Interview with Fantasy Romance Author Anna Del C. Dye

Anna has written seven High Fantasy books in her Elf Series. Two in her Royal Romance Series. One middle grade boy’s Fairy book in electronic format only. She speaks Spanish as a first language and English. She loves fantasy, the medieval era, ruins and romantic music. Anna and her husband are the parents of three princes and a princess.

Don't forget to stop by regularly because I have a new interview and giveaway every week.


Welcome back to my blog, Anna. Please tell us about your Royal Romance, A Kingdom by the Sea.

A secret passageway conceals more than spider webs. The common belief in two kingdoms is that Serena, the Princess of Delmar, wants slaves. Even her fiancé loses his love for her, in commiseration with the islanders captured in her name. When she discovers his betrayal with Linah, a slave girl, it could be the end for Linah and all the slaves held prisoner in Delmar. A brokenhearted princess, now the queen, could become a weapon too powerful and deadly for her opponents to survive. And what will she do about the spies and political intrigue found in Delmar? Will this new queen use her powers to bring destruction to both kingdoms? To mend the rift between her and her fiancé? Or use it as a reason to become a true and kind monarch to her people?

A Kingdom by the Sea is book two in my Royal Romance Series. It has Spanish names and happens by the shores of Chile, my native country. “Serena,” the main character’s name means “mermaid” in Spanish. Her kingdom is “Delmar” which means “from the sea.” “Miramar” the capital’s name, means “look at the sea” or “lookout toward the sea.” Both of these names are those of real cities in Valparaiso, Chile.

In this story is also mentioned their great wine industry, a similitude to the real Chile which has the best wine and grape industry in South America.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

The night after I saw the musical AIDA, I couldn’t sleep because I was disappointed with the ending. I spent the night thinking what would I have done different if it was my story and by morning Kingdom by the Sea had been born.

Aida has a ship’s captain and he is the main protagonist. He is the princess’ lover and he does fall in love with a slave girl. Kingdom by the Sea has some of these elements but the story follows the princess and her awakening to a world she was part of but never knew. It turns out completely different from the musical Aida and that is what makes it awesome.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

Mostly memories of my childhood and the scenes I saw when growing up. The salty smell in the air, the seagulls’ noise at the beach and the sea breeze in my face. I also read how to get the names of the different parts of a ship right and a bit about what is entailed in navigating a ship.

Please tell us about one of the main characters in this story and what you like about him or her.

Princess Serena, she is a naïve, self-centered and quite “blond” for a black haired girl. Her fiancé of many years becomes disappointed with the princess when he is told to get slaves for her. After a couple of years, he takes refuge in the company of a beautiful slave girl. The princess, now the queen, is devastated by his betrayal, and the lives of all the slaves in her realm are now at risk because of it. Could she use her new found power to force the captain’s fulfillment of his promise to her? But, why gain his love back when she doesn’t even know what love is… she has never felt it.

What about  Elazar, the affectionate, intelligent stable-hand, who makes her feel different in an exciting new way. Despite Elazar’s own secrets, should he have a chance at her heart after all?

Life is quite complicated for Serena once she opens her eyes and sees what is going on under her nose. What I like the best about her is that she was a sleeping princess, but becomes a powerful queen and although it breaks her heart, the real “her” turns out divine.

Where can my readers find you online?


Thank you so much for this interview, Anna. My husband loves your fantasies and I know others will, too. Here are some links to where Anna's book is sold.
Amazon 

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Nice interview. I can imagine using background from your own experiences and
almost smell the salty air and see the sea gulls you speak about, Anna.
Your story sounds like an excellent one.:)

Anna del C. Dye said...

Thank you Diane Dean White. I appreciate you saying that.
Linda this post looks awesome. Thank you so much for your time and efforts. Thanks your husband for me too. :)

Linda Moffitt said...

Great Interview I really like where you got your inspiration from. I would love to rewrite some books that I have read. Thanks for the chance 2 win. :)

Sonja said...

Sounds like a fun book specially the "blond" dark haired person. Thanks for the opportunity!

Anna del C. Dye said...

Good luck everyone. :)

Mary Preston said...

I have never seen AIDA. So glad you have your own story and ending.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Arf2-D2 said...

It sounds like she was a terrible monarch at the beginning (a sin of omission is still a problem when you are in a position of power), but perhaps grew up a little as the book went on. MIght be interesting to see how she makes amends.

Serena Clarke said...

This book sounds fun! I would love to read it. The characters sound intriguing and this is my favorite genre! I love that the author has used real places as inspiration. I can't wait to read it!
sclarke710@live.com

Dovile said...

Thank you for the chance!

spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

Shirley said...

I have read other books by Anna and enjoyed then immensely. I know this one will be as good. The fact that it is tied to her native Chile is intriguing.
Thank both of you for taking the time to do this interview and giveaway.
Shirley
straitfromthehive(at)gmail(dot)com

Buddy Garrett said...

I enjoyed the interview. The book sounds interesting. I love the setting.

Penny said...

I love the premise of this book. Thanks for the post!

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

Congratulations to Sonja, Shirley, and Linda Moffitt! You are the winners of this awesome fantasy.