After a bit of a hiatus, this week we’re talking with Joni
Parker, author of the new fantasy series, The
Saga of Seward Isle. Fans of traditional fantasy are sure to find a lot to
like here, yet Parker manages to morph the genre in some unexpected and
original ways.
Q: Seaward Isle is a fascinating world in
fantasy fiction. A ‘lost’ world where
with some standard elements, such as wizards, witches and elves, but it’s
combined in a unique way with elements such as time travelers and pirates. It’s kind of the ultimate “melting pot.” Can you tell us a bit about how the series
all came about?
A: It all started
with the Lord of the Rings movie
trilogy. I loved it and kept making up
my own stories and characters. One day,
I decided to write it all down and set up my old computer (which I still use). After two months, I was done and stared at it
for a while. It was really awful, but I
decided to polish it up for publication.
At the very least, it would help my writing skills and could be
something I could do in retirement.
I knew I had to make
a lot of changes and the most dramatic of which was the setting. I had to create a whole new world and came up
with Seaward Isle. Not only did I have
to determine its appearance, but its location, history and population. I even bought an atlas to look at the shapes
of islands to get an idea of what it looked like. It was much more difficult than I imagined
because the story also had to fit.
Fortunately, it did.
My main character is a product of this “melting pot”
concept. She’s part-mortal, Elf and
Titan, disguised as a boy when she was orphaned to attend her brother’s school
and subsequently, adopted by an Amazon warrior and her Dwarf companion. Part of what drives her is her desire to find
out where she fits in.
Q: As a self-published author, you published a
first edition of The Black Elf of Seaward
Isle, but then decided to go back and revise. What led to your decision?
A: I had two book
reviews after it was published. Both of
them said I had a unique story, but suggested the need for professional
editing. My second book was ready to
move forward at the time, so I went searching for a professional editor. I found one, had her edit both books and
thought I was ready to go. I updated my
ebook on Kindle and was in the process of updating the printed version.
Then, I found a book called Self-Editing for Fiction Writers
by Renni Browne and Dave King. I stopped
everything and started over again when I realized that the editor didn’t do a
very thorough job. I think she was too
nice to me. When I posted a blog about
it, Renni Browne actually sent me a message leading me to her website, where I
met my current editor, Teresa Kennedy.
Shortly thereafter, Teresa moved to Village Green Press, a new indie publisher
and took my book with her.
She worked on my second book and once that was done, I
decided it was only right to have her edit my first book. I really want a good product for my readers
and a solid foundation for my series.
Q: What’s the best advice you could give
aspiring authors?
A: I would suggest
they read Renni Browne and Dave King’s book on editing to help them find a good
editor. Teresa Kennedy is
outstanding.
I would also suggest that they join some local groups to
learn more about their craft and meet fellow authors. Writing can be lonely. I’m a member of the Writer’s Garrett and the
Writers’ League of Texas.
Q: What other authors really inspire you?
A: I loved the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. She inspired a lot of people to read books,
including me. I just got interested in
another author, James Rollins. After I
read his latest book, The Doomsday Key,
I went looking for more. He keeps me
turning the page!
Q: From your point of view, what’s the most
difficult thing about the publishing business these days?
A: Now that I have
some experience, the most difficult thing is getting my book noticed. I have no clue and I’ve notified all my
friends and relatives. Thankfully, I
have some help from my publisher this time.
Q: How many books are planned for the
series? Any other projects in the works?
A: I don’t have any
other projects in the works because I’m still absorbed with this one. Seaward Isle didn’t give up its secrets
easily. I have ten more books in the
pipeline. I’m focusing my efforts on
completing the first series and work on the next, The Chronicles of Eledon. Thus far, I don’t have a grand finale—I guess
I don’t want this to end.
Watch the series trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teYsqOs0yjI&feature=player_embedded#!
Buy the book!
Special Bonus Book!
