Sizzling Sunday
with Monique Rockliffe
1. How
did you make the decision to become a writer?
I believe the talent was always within me. I’ve always been
an excellent storyteller since I was old enough to read, and even when dancing
became my top priority I was always very good at doing demi-character solos –
dances that require storytelling through mime. With dance you use your facial
expressions and body language to convey the story whereas writing requires the
art of using words. Two completely different but equally powerful art forms!
2. Who
is your favorite author? Favorite book?
This is always such a tough question because I have so many I
like. In the Fantasy genre I’d say my favourite storyteller is Terry Brooks,
and in the Horror/Supernatural genre it has to be Stephen King. Both these men
have amazing imaginations, and although their styles are quite different they
each bring such inspiring, imaginative, unusual, and, in the case of King, such
‘out there’ ideas to the page. I love that in any story, and I aspire to be as
good as them.
My favourite book, if I had to pick only one, is by another
of my favourite Fantasy authors, Raymond E. Feist. It’s Magician, and
the two that complete the trilogy – Silverthorn
and A Darkness at Sethanon. I believe Magician was instrumental
in taking my imagination to new heights and pushing the boundaries of my ideas
about story, characters, and style. It also strongly influenced my decision to
start writing seriously when my dance career ended.
3. Where
do you get the inspiration for your stories?
Well, my current project is a four-part Epic Fantasy series
that had its birth in my love for Star Wars. I first saw Star Wars when I was
eight years old, when my love for reading and storytelling was already firmly
established in my heart. This movie opened up my mind and stirred my
imagination to begin making up my own stories. I was amazed by the imaginations
of others to create such brilliance like Star Wars and other Sci-Fi/Fantasy
films I saw at that time, and I wanted to be able to do it, too! In short, my
natural creative ability started recreating Star Wars into my own characters
and my own worlds and galaxies! It was thrilling, and that’s where my Sword
Bearers series was born.
As for the rest of my stories (most already outlined and
waiting for me to turn them into books), they get their inspiration from other
books, movies, poems, and, quite often art – especially fantasy art. I usually
focus on the feel of a story, movie etc, and then create my own stories,
characters, and unique situations and worlds. I make sure I steer away from
stereotypes and constantly push the boundaries of my imagination! The birth of
a new story is always the most exciting part for me!
4. Do
your characters come first or the does the plot come first?’
Usually the characters, although as they come into existence
then usually the story does, too. It kinda ‘folds’ around the characters and
they end up creating their world/s. I know it sounds bizarre J but it’s true!!
5. Have
you ever fallen in lust… I mean love with one of your characters?
Oh, absolutely! When, as a woman, you have the opportunity to
create the perfect man then you can bet you’ll fall in lust . . . er, in
love with him!! Yup, two of my male characters are extremely hot – in looks
and in personality. Strong, gentle, kind, powerful, compassionate, sexy warriors
. . . ah, yes, sooo in love!! J
6. When
it comes to your sultry sex scenes – where do your ideas come from?
Well, as a Fantasy author I don’t get too sexy in my intimate
scenes, but I write them in such a way as to allow the reader to use their
imagination. My main character, KC, comes from a place of deep sadness and
loss, so when she meets her mate and their relationship slowly blooms into
passion, and they finally come together, it is physically very powerful and
emotionally charged because he helps her escape her pain and brings her the
comfort, love, and passion and compassion she’s so hungry for.
I don’t necessarily get my ideas from anywhere – I simply
allow the characters and the story to create the perfect love scenes.
7. Have
you ever been turned on by something you’ve written?
Oh, yeah! Relating to my previous answers, those scenes of
ecstasy, and the love of a man who gives all of himself to his ‘heart-love’
(what KC and her mate, Ren, call each other), then I can’t help but be turned
on! *blushing*
8. If
you had the opportunity for a one night stand with one of your characters who
would it be and why?
Later in the series, in Book 3: The Sword Bearer’s Awakening,
the reader meets First General Devad Tanesin in earnest (a character who was
only mentioned in passing in the second book), a man who has suffered great
loss in wartime and in his personal life. Because of his job, he can be hard
and demanding and appears harsh, but as it turns out he has a heart filled with
love and kindness and he’s desperate for love and to share his love with
someone. He is secretly in love with KC (sorry, can’t give too much away J ). He’s a skilled soldier with great authority, and he’s
very, very sexy in every way – an erotica novel’s perfect poster boy! *giggles*
Now, who wouldn’t want to be with the strong, silent, intense (in a good way)
type? Aren’t they the ones with the most passion to give??? He’s definitely my
choice for a one night stand!
9. Tell
us about your current novel.
Book 2: The Sword Bearer’s Journey, came out in January 2012, and continues the story from KC’s
home-world, Theras, into the far reaches of space where she faces new
challenges and dangers and sees other worlds and meets alien races she only
ever dreamed about. She is still pursued by the arch demon, Drakoor s’et,
because as the mighty Sword Bearer she possesses the most powerful weapon in
existence – the Sword of Heaven – a weapon that can destroy entire worlds. The
demon, filled with a great rage and a burning lust for vengeance, wants the
Sword to destroy the Universe and all mortal-kind who he hates above all else.
KC has to learn to accept who she is and accept the burden
that was forced on her in the beginning of Book 1: The Sword Bearers,
when her mother, the Cai’rin (queen) is killed by the demon. It’s a tough life,
and she learns to cope with it in her unique way. She is a natural warrior, but
struggles to accept her birthright.
In her journey she experiences great love and great loss,
passion, excitement, joy, and unexpected adventures! And all the while she
works with her family to stay hidden from the arch demon and prepare for the
Final Battle, the battle that will either see the demon destroyed or KC – and
if she fails then the Universe will be dust!
10. Is it
a stand alone story or part of a series? If it’s a series what can we expect in
the next chapter?
As you know by now this is a series. In Book 3: The Sword
Bearer’s Awakening, KC struggles to accept what has happened to her, and
through her grief has to learn to rebuild her self-esteem and go on with life.
This includes continuing her training with the Sword to face the demon.
The galactic war escalates, and Drakoor s’et is
systematically destroying N’varda, the galaxy where the main story takes place.
He continues to relentlessly search for the Sword Bearer, frustrated that he
still has not managed to lure her into his many traps and obtain the Sword of
Heaven.
The tension builds as N’varda and KC prepare for the Final
Battle. But will she be ready, or will her mindless thirst for revenge destroy
all her hard work and that of her family and allies? Only love can save her –
but will it be enough?
11. What
can we expect from you in the future? Any new books in the works?
Book 3 is coming out before Christmas this year, and I’m
really excited about that! Book 4: The Sword Bearer’s Ascension,
is busy being written and will be available about mid 2013.
I also have a Sci-Fi short story ready for publication called
The Door. Although I’m publishing my Epic Fantasy series through a
publication house, The Door will go straight to Kindle, Nook, Smashwords, etc
quite soon. I’ll let everyone know as soon as it’s available!
‘The Sword Bearers’:
Synopsis for Book 1
Khyri never wanted to rule as queen or carry within her the
renowned Sword of Heaven.
But after centuries of peace, war has come to her planet,
Theras, and with it comes death and destruction. Against her will, and in a
desperate attempt to save all she holds dear, the Sword is forced upon her by
those she loved and trusted.
Betrayed and lonely, Khyri and her family flee across
Theras, and, hunting her in her dreams and in the waking world, Drakoor s’et,
an arch demon, seeks the Sword – and with it, her soul.
‘The Sword Bearer’s Journey’: Synopsis for Book
2
The arch demon, Drakoor s’et, is furious: the Sword Bearer
has escaped him again!
KC and her family flee to Verai, to her uncle, Korin
Beloruuis, the leader of the Alliance of Territories, the only opposition to
Drakoor’s massive forces.
Khyl desperately fights another battle – one of his
brother’s twisted mind – while serving beside him in disguise.
With all of N’varda at stake, KC uses her considerable
skills and talents to fight a war she hopes she can win, but the fury of the
demon is a nightmare she faces every time she closes her eyes to sleep. He
approaches!
Twitter: @monrockliffe
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