Debra Killeen graduated from University of North Carolina in 1985 and spent 15 years as a pharmacist in numerous settings, hospital, retail and infusion of the house. They never found the right fit. Then, having reached their limit with managed "care," said the transition to careers in clinical research and writing novels. "An unlikely Duke" is her first novel, but she has plans for many more. Debra lives in Chapel Hill, NC, with her sister Diane, and five exceptional cat Mandy Scott FinnIsis and Osiris.
Tyler: Thank you, Debra, for joining me today. To begin, you will tell us what "an unlikely Duke" is it?
Debra: Thank you, Tyler. And 'a pleasure for me to talk to you.
"An unlikely Duke" is about many things, has a few problems, Including loyalty and friendship, the latter found in some unexpected places and the importance of assessing a person not by his appearance. The idea is, I take two characters from our world, also known as "thereal world "and place in a medieval world that our Europe, where the works will be similar to Magic, and under strict control of the church. This control of the church is to play a role in future novels in this series and another series this same world that I'm going to write.
Tyler: Why did the story, rather than in another world?
Debra: Although I loved reading historical novels when I was in my youth and 20, I would flee from it. However, I have to loseMy love of history. I almost studied history at university, my two favorite subjects in school were history and chemistry. (I'm not sure what that says about me!)
In any case, the development of another world, the nature of an alternate reality of ours, is a challenge, but also gives me the freedom to change things. Look at it from a 'Well, if the Norman Conquest had not taken place "or" What if the result would have been different? " Although I need a relatively faithful to a general timePeriod, for example, I would not use cars or telephones in a medieval society that I can to my imagination wander. Especially in view of the Magic-magic, even if my system has rules.
I loved her imagination in childhood, adolescence and college - I started with fables and mythology, Lloyd Alexander, Anne McCaffrey, Andre Norton, Ursula LeGuin, Tolkien, and Katherine Kurtz, to name a few writers. I still have a copy of "The Phantom Tollbooth" on my shelf, so that ifElias takes his order Myrridia am. Sun invents a new world opens up many possibilities for stories.
Tyler: This is fascinating, Debra. Both are creating a different world and fascinated with the rules for drafting. Can you tell us a bit 'on the difficulties of such an institution? For example, I loved Oz L. Frank Baum novels when I was a child, but every so often I would find where he contradicted himself on the fact that peoplecould die in Oz or if she used the money in Oz How do you keep everything in place in your magical world, you had a timeline or a story that occurred before the beginning of the novel as a reference to create for themselves?
Debra: Creating a new world, certainly has its challenges. You have an idea of the city's geography, climate, state of the art, political systems, social systems, levels of health care and many other things. I have a partial program of thisWorld, whether in the form of notes and a piece of cardboard with a large poster showing calendar events. I'm always going to block the timeline. Inevitably, inconsistencies emerge, however, because we are all human beings. So far I think I managed not to have someone in the eye or hair color change, but it's still early!
Furthermore, I strive for great characters different names, except in cases where they give the work the same name as the king appointed their first-bornfor themselves, or in the case of Christian, who called his son Reginald to his king. This happens often, at least they were when the king or lord of the people. Not so much if he did not! Or different forms of the same name, the daughter of Helen Eleanor, that is, for example. first middle name is the same as Robert's grandfather.
In all, I think the world of creation, both challenging and fun. Another thing about names, I try, most of the medieval Near exact name. I am notJump to a child or names of Britney Tyler, if I find a historical source. However, the biblical names are definitely fair game, and the saints. I want to write interesting names 'i' of research on them and some characters Have personal meaning and can provide an indication of most of my friends-ah, so this character be bad, or good will, just by name.
Well, everyone said that the modern, with two characters in the mix, I amThrow in things that would be anachronistic. Their speech patterns are different from those of the other characters in the delivery room, for example. Plus modern phrasing. Often in my early drafts, the characters slip Myrridian with a modern word, but my readers often begin soon. Seeking old style in a nutshell, as you said, but without exaggeration. I do not go to the point of having the characters speak in "dir" and "you", I think it would be very annoying for 'Readers. But the occasional "maybe" or "I think it helps add to the setting.
Tyler: Debra, what about Christopher, from our world, switches places with Christian, the Duke of Myrridia, intrigue you?
Debra: My original idea for the book begins with this scene: a figure of political significance is under threat of assassination. This death would have serious consequences and should be avoided. However, it would take someone from another world, to stop death. As theHistory developed later turned out that this figure, Christian, are actually dead, and instead would have immediate effect, "do its" substitute, and try to find the murderess. Of course, part of the fun for me as a writer is that Christopher is nothing like a Christian, and he is ready, all the tasks of a duke, at least not at first. And as things develop in history, the people are not exactly friends with ChrisChristian had a heart.
Tyler: There are many classic stories of identity or confusing people, like all other venues as "The Prince and the poor state." You have these stories to mind when you wrote: "In the unlikely Duke"?
Debra: Yes, I've always been a weakness for this kind of stories, actually. I love "The Prince and the Pauper (Twain is one of the greatest American writers, in my opinion), and many other stories about the sameSubject. It 'was a novel by Mary Stewart wrote some time ago called "Ivy Tree" and Shakespeare's "A Comedy of Errors" uses twins to hilarious effect. In "Duke" I particularly liked the approach here that two people look the same, but are very different under the skin. There is also the fun with the other characters deal with cause unexpected behavior.
Tyler: Debra, what they were doing or your favorite children's novels for young adults, if you were a child, andThey think you are interested in your writing career or writing "in the unlikely Duke"?
Debra: I'll give you a very short list, I was an avid reader since I learned. Dr. Seuss was an early favorite, "The Cat in the Hat" and "Green Eggs and Ham." Prydain by Lloyd Alexander's novels, "The Phantom Toll Booth," everything by Ray Bradbury, Asimov's Foundation trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy of Earthsea, Agatha Christie's Poirot mysteries, NancyDrew and Encyclopedia Brown, among others. Let me stress, this is far from a complete list!
Of course, those books have influenced me. Although I did not expect a writer back in college days or the beginning of his pharmacy career, I have to keep my love for reading. My dream would be like Ray Bradbury, to write the man is a poet. When I read the story of an original idea a few years ago I started writing, I realize that it would turn into five books, nor do I intend to publish. This is dueThe early feedback from my readers. And now, I can not stop writing, I can steal time here and there, but I always come back. The characters have not completed their stories. Moreover, they continue to be an exciting read for me, when people buy the book, and then tell me what fun.
Tyler: Thank you, Debra. This is a great list, including many of my childhood favorites. I realized at the end of the 'unlikely Duke, Christopher has completed his mission. HeDecide to return or remain in his world Myrridia at this point?
Debra: I would prefer to leave open the question of potential readers to discover for themselves. I agree that Christopher has completed his mission.
Tyler: Can you tell us a bit 'on the' love story aspect of the book?
Debra: Wow sort, like that out! Love is a powerful force in the lives of many people. The 'love story aspect is only part of the main plot, but certainly helps to drivesometimes. It also helps to explain the actions of the two characters involved. Also helps to drive home the idea, not an assessment of a person by his appearance. It raises the question whether these signs were intended to take?
Tyler: Debra, Our reviewer, Tabytha Joy was very glowing in its review of your book, they say should be a must read in school and was very good, like "Harry" Harry Potter. What other responses you received from readers?
Debra: Iwas overcome Tabytha's Review-I has been a positive evaluation, in hope, but went further.
One of my colleagues said that he felt the original story, not a lot of fantasy in stores now, and read a bit 'too much over the years. A reader said he liked "better than Harry Potter." A few readers have said that imagination is not their thing, but he felt the letter was good. Many readers said they feel the rhythm is right and thatlove the story. Most readers said that the next book in the series, which is very gratifying to read that you want.
Tyler: I understand, the "Duke unlikely" is part of the recommended reading list at least one school district. Can you tell us how it has developed? What do you think of the novel becomes part of a list of recommended reading for young readers?
Debra: that came from my aunt Amazing! The school district is in Florida, where helives. He did a tremendous job to promote the book in her community and she volunteers for the local school. Hit a copy of the book's assistant superintendent of schools was high and read the letter. She was the person who is reading the level established for grades 8-12. I have a couple of readers around the ages of 10-11, who had enjoyed the book, but these are children's books.
The label was created in young adulta twisted way. I was initially for an adult audience, but has asked some of my first readers, if I as a young adult. I did not until I started hearing this from a number of people. As a writer, be careful, if more than one or two people make the same proposal to start! Anyway, I gave some thought, I already had two teenage characters, Robert and Allyson, but how could I be more involved in the story? Then I had an idea ... and after a major revision of the bookand a slight change in the end, voila.
I think there are a number of things, "is a likely Duke" a good book for boys. One is the adolescent characters are part of the core team. I tend to write an ensemble, at least in this series. Another reason is the level of detail. Often feel that the imagination of readers want more details, and I have some cases where you can read stories, mired in the details. Now, again, were early readers tell me that I needed more information topaid and the book was much improved by it. But there are so many that distracts the reader from the story. There are a lot of action, too.
I tend to swear properly in my desk I think they have more influence on the less often used. Moreover, while there may be violence, I do not dwell on all the details. Yes, the characters tend to die in my books, and often violent, but I do not see the need for a violent scene to describe in detail. Leavesomething for the reader's imagination can fill a good job of filling details. Sometimes too good a job! But for teenagers, is possible in almost any situation, and it is still appropriate. For example, a character is attacked almost physically, but I would not be a blow-by blow, when a full description had been attacked. Enough to the point of what is happening.
And 'the length of the book. It runs about 105,000 words, perhaps a bit 'longhut Lenin are YA, but thanks to Harry Potter, who is no longer the case. Normally, publishers try J 85000-110000 or 125,000 words, probably.
Tyler: Tell us what readers can expect in terms of more stories Myrridia? And nothing else besides work?
Debra: Readers can expect more stories Myrridia. This series is for five pounds (I think it is just a pharmacist for many years and counting run Fives). I finishedManuscripts for the next three installments, and I'm in the middle of a review of the latest novel in this series. After I programmed several books.
One series, a trilogy, is also available in the same Myrridia world and include many of the same sign, although it will take place 10-15 years later. Is called a crusade, and I intend to explore, among other things, the idea of religious tolerance, something That the world is still missing Unfortunately.
I also plando a mystery series spin-offs, without betraying too much, I took two characters from the second book in the original series ("A Prince in Need") and put them in the modern world, where they join a team of people have secrets, to investigate a element of the supernatural. Some of these are false alarms, but others will be true. This development was partly influenced by a series of short-lived TV series "Miracles" and "American Gothic was."
Then I have a series planned for mid-gradeReaders, in which the protagonist is a young witch in training, with his best friend and neighbor, a boy jew, who is also the study of Kabbalah. The first book opens (now, anyway) with a fairy suddenly appears in front of this girl and falling in his history book.
After that, I have a couple of other ideas, a novel post-apocalyptic, global warming and a novel modern witch. My psychic told me last year that I have to write 25 books. When I saw them earlier this year, I asked if theNumber had risen. He said: "Do not ask."
Tyler: Wow, Deb! Do not blame your say psychic, know that books are a lot! But tell me 'more of the five books Myrridia September You tell me a bit 'of your process and an examination when it is finished, go to the next, or you are working, or did you just plot out to know, Ultimately the end result?
Debra: Well, I will not reveal too much, but heregoes. The second book is entitled "A Prince in Need" and opens with the murder of King Myrridia. It explores the idea of past sins come back to pursue sinners, and in this case, the sons of one of the sinners.
In the third book, "The legacy of the archbishop," the current Archbishop of Myrridia is killed. (I said that the characters die!) In this novel, I Dark Magic, and one of its players to explore more, and would-be Nemesissuccessor to the archbishop. I had a lot of fun with this, and went back to reread "Paradise Lost inspiration. For about two months ago was in this book, the last of the series will be, but then I realized stories of the characters' Were not complete and would be more two to end the series.
The fourth book contains the resurrection of an evil spirit (from "Prince"), which is the body of an innocent man, the spirit is feminine and masculine, the body, which opens up the fun of othersOpportunities. There is also a character who is a woman but dressed like a Monaco. In this book, I might add Pagan Magic in the mix.
The final book begins with the death of two kings Myrridia's immediate neighbors. One of their age, a child choking another. The heir of twelve, the first, is kidnapped, and his friends go to save it. It 's a bit like a start, but still some wires alternatives in fact discover the magical mixThird and fourth volumes, and binds most of the loose ends.
As for my writing process: first, now I literally plan my time away from my day job, almost an hour. I try to write or research for at least 1-2 nights a week and work at least 3-4 hours on weekends. outlines for this series when I work on the first draft, I tend to work exclusively on it, although it may be the following. Then, when I worked on revisions, I will search for the futureBooks, or minor variations on old manuscripts based on reader feedback. For this series, it was not the end of it until I had fully implemented five pounds can be achieved. Since I knew exactly how it would end.
I often have to work with a broad overview of key scenes. Then I get to fill the other scenes around the points of large plot. Oh, and every now and then surprised me one or the other character, as he says or does something unexpected. Originally it was not Robert goChristian support if it had returned Saelym. But when Christian suggested the idea of a king, knew he was right. It had a great influence on action points behind the story. They are usually at the beginning and end of each novel, before sitting down to write. But then, the journey is half the fun for me.
Tyler: How to influence the real story of your books? set, for example, you mentioned a crusade in other series Myrridia. Want to buildactual events or situations from the medieval Crusades to the Holy Land? What is the next period of the Middle Ages that has been created for Myrridia?
Debra: Well, I have the early 11th century as the moment of Myrridia selected for these books, and is relatively close to 11th Century European. I wanted to work at a time without reinforcement, for example, but still recognizable Middle Ages. Now that I write fantasy, I can be a bit 'outside the historical timeline of our work, ifare needed. Although I was surprised that the wheels turn, as we know them, were rather an invention of the 13th Century. It was an idea. But I would show them to me with silly after the fact for readers keen eyesight.
The Crusades began in our timeline in the late 11th Century, so they are in baseball. I start with a similar premise-Muslims in the Holy Land and must be saved in the name of Christianity are. However, part of what was on this storyUnfortunately, recent events (ie, true story), I want to work, some questions in these books. One is the idea of religious tolerance that has been important for me since I was a teenager. I was raised a Baptist, but I left the church many years ago. I will be good and bad people of all faiths, because let's face it, will be based on more or less real people.
I had a lot of research to do in relation to Islam and the Middle East from ourWorld, I write these characters believable, and give this show a right religion. Then there are the Arabs and Turks naming conventions! It can be a bit 'too much "Arabian Nights" inside I'm still working on the details of a Muslim tradition, magic, without directly thrown in Sufism, though I at the end of May in that direction anyway. It 's too early to tell.
Tyler: Debra, I also understand you, is self-published "in the unlikely Duke" and its sequel, but beforeThis year was again published by Helm Publishing. As helmet came to be interested in your book?
Debra: I met Dianne Helm, owner of publication Helm at DragonCon 2005, where she and some of their authors had a table in the lounge bar. I asked if they accept the books presented, and she said it was and gave me a card. I went to the Internet and found the presentation of guidelines and sent to Duke. " I said in my letter of query that the book alreadyself-published and had put in the recommended reading list for grades 8-12 in Indian River County school system in Florida. Dianne then accepted "Duke" for publication in 2007. "A Prince in Need" is currently considering a helmet.
Tyler: Interesting, Debra. Go to many conventions? How important is for organizations and conferences not published a book or notes? Believe what you publish is traditionally converted from self-publishedcommon?
Debra: I work my agreement to increase participation. I have two-year ConCarolinas, Charlotte, NC, in June and DragonCon in Atlanta over the weekend of Labor Day are great fun, but also a great place for other writers, artists, actors, players, fans, etc. The 'Next year I'm already trying to figure out how I can manage and take at least four of them, but it's still early. I will be at a book festival in Vero Beach, FL this November. I will alsoHe attended public schools there. Who has one of these sites is essential to help authors promote their work. Six with the public, in my case, lovers fantasy fiction, or in the case of festivals, readers of all kinds. Conferences can also be helpful, I visited two of them in the years 2004 and 2005. I have a lot of good advice and information, and conferences are great for the serious writer.
The visits are an absolute pleasure for me. I really enjoyed talking withChildren, some of the questions asked! One asked if I ride in a limousine, and another asked when the movie was coming out. Many ask where the ideas or how long it takes to write a book to be taken and things that nature. But it's so beautiful to see, are interested in books, not only mine. (Although not denigrate that!)
I think a lot of published writers shift from traditional self-publishing, and others are happy with the remaining self-published and bindingfull control. There are a number of publishers of print-on-demand, which is to produce a beautiful book much cheaper. That's how I went, and I'm glad I did. He gave me a chance, the first two books on a wider audience, and feedback, and in particular the recommendation that a school system for help (not even in the state where I live!) Did the transition.
Tyler: Debra, what you are getting to publish the difference between being yourself andTraditionally published. Do you think self-publishing helps or hurts a writer wants to be published traditionally?
Debra: I honestly think that to go both ways, and some of the factors, the quality of writing, the level of reader interest in history, and the ability of the author of the book market. Some best selling books have traditionally gone without saying Pub. I think writers should be careful that self-publishingTo use (there are many out there), but for me, I found that previous experience of marketing and advertising needs to do to have helped me with the same time with a real publisher. The writing is first done in private and then be shared with readers when it is hoped to publish the material. Feedback is very important with a group of critical writing is also advantageous because other writers tell you what your family and friends do not.
Apart from that, I'm happy that my "first reader"my sister who graduated in English and also has an exceptional feel for the use thereof. She does not care too much for the kind of fantasy. So when they told me that the story is good, I hope the review. He also turned in a lot of technically good writers in the last 7 + years. And sometimes sees a vital input or let me know if a particular character, do so and so, or not a special way.
Tyler: Debra, I am sure that manyyoung readers out there, not unlike you like a child who loves books for what they want to be writers. What advice would you give them?
Debra: I have the pleasure of some of them and hope for many more satisfied when I write on this road. First, if a child / adolescent wants to write, I tell them to write. Do not worry if the writing is good or bad writing is to write a story or just thoughts or feelings, write, write. Write first for themselves,then for others. I did not think when I started publishing. I was not even sure I could finish an entire novel! Many people can not. And in any case, if you think publishing is what you want to keep. The work to improve your writing better and continue to improve research. I still have to learn a lot. But when you think of writing a game is as good as you can, give it to your friends and family. If they think it is good to find someone whose feedback really trustor a group of critical writing either live or on-live. Writer Feedback is crucial. Persistence and good writing will pay in the end. Oh, can take years and a mountain of rejection slips, but sooner or later find the right publisher. It is better to find the right as the largest publisher. Finally, I believe in you and your writing! Other people also.
Tyler: Thanks for joining me today, Debra. Before going, we should do our readers where to find themFor more information about "In the unlikely Duke" and how they can buy a copy?
Debra: I appreciate this opportunity, Tyler. For more information about "an unlikely Duke" and can not be found http://www.myrridia.net, including my upcoming gigs. The book is available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders and Books-A-Million, helmets and Books-http: / / www.publishersdrive.com. It can also be ordered to independent bookstores, like the chains.
Tyler:Thank you, Debra. I hope you and your readers will enjoy visits to many other Myrridia.
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