Friday, May 25, 2018

Character Interview With Ilona From The Ancestors' Secrets Trilogy

The Ancestors' Secrets

Magical realism, alternate reality fantasy trilogy 

Character interview with Ilona

A middle-aged man drops down on his knees and bends his head to the side exposing his neck as if offering his life to the woman standing in front of him. “My name is Zoran, and I’m the Scribe of the Hunor clan. I’m honored that you have agreed to meet me and answer my questions, milady.”

Ilona:
“Oh, please get up, sit with me in the living room and call me Ilona. I’m still not used to having a title besides being a doctor. I’ve been oblivious to the complicated structure of our secret society with its strict rules and deadly laws until my 29th birthday. It is all new to me. What is the job of the Scribe in the clan?”

Zoran:
“Thank you, mi… Ilona,” he sighs and follows her to the couch taking a seat. “Well, my job is to monitor the Collective memory and keep a detailed file of the important people in our tribe, and I read everyone’s diary who is connected or interacted with that person. It makes it easier for the Elders and Royals to find every detail about them.”

Ilona:
“Oh, the clan’s secret, the instant internet which people don't have excess until they turn forty. When were you born, Zoran?”

Zoran:
Clears his throat and fidgets on his seat. “Um… I’m supposed to ask you questions, but I was born in the fourth century when Elana, the great Healer lived.”

Ilona:
Gives him a warm, encouraging smile. “Oh, so your ‘live-for-centuries-gene’ had been activated, too. Elana is an amazing woman, but sorry, go ahead, ask me your questions.”

Zoran:
“Thank you, and yes. If I take care of my body the way I’m supposed to, and I don’t have an accident or someone would kill me, technically, I could live forever. May I ask what you would consider being your greatest strength?”

Ilona:
“I would say that it’s my bulldog personality. When I’m faced with a secret, I bite on it, metaphorically speaking, and won’t give up until I find out and make sense of it.”

Zoran:
“If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?”

Ilona:
“I would love to live a simple life in the 4th century and ride a horse into the sunset, feeling free,” she says sighing. “But, I know I’m needed in the present and I’m going to try to make life better for everyone, here.”

Zoran:
“What is your biggest regret?”

Ilona:
“That I couldn’t prevent the death of my parents and save Ema from her life-altering experience.”

Zoran:
“But without those events, we wouldn’t be here today. May I ask, if you could choose one magic power, what would it be?”

Ilona:
She looks out the window and laughs softly, “I activated and obtained many unimaginable powers while searching for my Destiny Box, but if I could choose to have only one, I would choose my healing power.”

Zoran:
“What is your biggest fear?”

Ilona:
“Useless life and meaningless death. I want to make a difference and I want to make life easier and better for everyone. People deserve security and happiness. Okay, enough of the serious questions. Ask me something else.”

Zoran:
Scratches his head feeling embarrassed, “I didn’t prepare for that, but do you have pets?”

Ilona:
Laughs, “Yes. Gypsy is my dog, he’s such a gentle giant and he’s a softy when he’s playing with his best friend, Tui, Bela’s Chihuahua. They have at least 140Lb weight difference between them, but they’re bestest friends.”

Zoran:
"Have you any pictures?"

Ilona:
"Yes, right there on the coffee table."

Zoran:
"Oh, that little one is so cute!"

Ilona: 
"Don't let her fool you, she's a menace. But, you can ask one more question, and I must make this interview short. I have an engagement. Please, stay and visit with Elza and Rua."

Zoran:
“Can you tell me about your love life?”

Ilona:
“It’s complicated, and it still puzzles me how naïve I was. I let myself be mesmerized and let my mind be clouded… Anyway, it's all clear now.”

Zoran:
"One more question if I may. Do you see yourself as a hero and savior of the millions of people of our clan?”

Ilona:
Stands up ready to leave. “Absolutely not. I did what I felt was right. I chose my destiny and I will always follow my heart and instincts to make life better and to do no harm.”

Zoran:
“Thank you so much for talking to me, I’m truly honored.”

Read the trilogy free with Kindle Unlimited subscription

The Ancestors’ Secrets, a magical realism, alternate reality fantasy trilogy.
When a young doctor, Ilona, starts to develop unusual powers, her life and her beliefs change. Mora seeks to gain the power to rule the ancient clan with a strict hierarchy and deadly laws that still exist hidden among us. Ilona has been chosen by the ancestors to stop Mora and save the future of the clan. She has been in love with her best friend but is also drawn to the stranger who appears in her peculiar dream. Ilona must save herself and her family from Mora’s evil plans, uncover ancient tribal secrets, and find her Destiny Box… the box that contains the message of the Ancestors. 
Does she have the strength to fight evil?
Can she keep her sanity when discovering her magical abilities?
Will she accept her destiny? 
Can she find true love?
Will she use her unimaginable powers for good or evil?



A review:
"I was very pleased to read this Fantasy novel because it is much more aligned to my taste in such books, namely real people living in our world, but gifted with special ‘magical’ powers. The first sentences already grabbed my fascination, and the easy flow of the entire book continually held my interest and curiosity. The author has skillfully let the main characters talk in the form of diary entries, and with natural dialogue and careful descriptions of thoughts and feelings, the reader soon feels intimately acquainted with them.
Particularly interesting is the fact that many aspects of this story are based on fact and history, namely the Huns who lived in Eastern Europe some 1500 years ago. It is therefore not too hard to believe that ancient traditions and secret rites could have continued down to our time. The main character, Ilona, is a young doctor educated in the modern world who at first struggles to comprehend the depth and power of her heritage when she ‘becomes of age’ at 29. Fascinating and fun to read is the way she discovers her special healing abilities and in particular, the way she can slow time around her. Even more intriguing is her handsome love interest, Zoltan, who can time-travel, but always within limitations and ancient law.
This first book in the series has been cleverly woven with various threads that continue into future books, and needless to say, I can hardly wait to read the next book and find out which man is Ilona’s true love, what her ultimate great destiny is, and what menace is still pursuing her with evil intentions. This is a book I can recommend to anyone interested in this kind of historical fantasy involving ancient traditions and down-to-earth characters of our own world."
~ Barbara Underwood

COMMENTS

Erika M Szabo via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, Ilona answers some tough questions in her interview with Zoran
+
2
3
2
 
 · 
Reply

Joe Bonadonna

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Very cool to have Zoran interview Ilona. Great job!
+
2
1
2
 
 · 
Reply
 
Thank you Joe, there are quite of you changes in the story since you read it :)
 
+Erika M Szabo -- you're welcome!

Nikki McDonagh

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Great interview with Erika M Szabo's characters from her Ancestors Trilogy.
+
2
1
2
 
 · 
Reply
 
Thank you Nikki :)

Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Erika M. Szabo​ shares her character interview today -- which features main character Ilona and scribe Zoran from her new Ancestors trilogy!! Stop by Our Author Gang and check out the interview and a review of her latest books!
+
3
2
3
 
 · 
Reply
 
Thank you Ruth!

Ruth de Jauregui

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Oh that is so clever Erika! We got a two-for-one interview with your characters. <3
+
3
2
3
 
 · 
Reply
 
Zoran is actually a silent character, appears only in the prologue of book 1 when he reveals his job in the secret society. So, I thought I'll him some recognition and have him do the interview with Ilona :)

Chris Weigand

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Great interview. Interesting characters and an intriguing story.
+
2
1
2
 
 · 
Reply
 
Thank you Chris :)

Lorraine Carey via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Two unique and mysterious characters from this amazing Trilogy.
+
4
3
4
 
 · 
Reply
 
Thank you Lorraine :) Ilona struggles to make sense of the mystery that surrounds her while growing as a person

Lorraine Carey

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Ilona is quite a wise yet mysterious person. What an awesome Trilogy this is!
+
4
3
4
 
 · 
Reply
 
Thank you Lorraine!
 
+Erika M Szabo You are most welcome.

Toi Thomas via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, we enjoy an insightful conversation between Zoran and Ilona from The Ancestors' Secrets Trilogy.
+
3
2
3
 
 · 
Reply
 
Thank you Toi!

Mary Anne Yarde

8 months ago (edited)  -  Shared publicly
 
What a wonderful interview!! Your book sound fabulous!!
+
2
1
2
 
 · 
Reply
 
Thank you Mary Anne :)

Rebecca Tran via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Join Erika Szabo as she interviews Ilona from her Ancestor Secrets Trilogy.
 
 · 
Reply

Joe Bonadonna via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on Our Author Gang, Erika M. Szabo​ presents an interview with Ilona, as conducted by Zoran, two of her main characters from her The Ancestors' Secrets Trilogy.
+
4
3
4
 
 · 
Reply

Nikki McDonagh shared this via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
+
2
1
2
 
 · 
Reply

Chris Weigand via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Erika shares an intriguing interview with two of the characters from her The Ancestors Trilogy.
+
3
2
3
 
 · 
Reply

Chris Weigand via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Erika shares an intriguing interview with two of the characters from her The Ancestors Trilogy.
+
2
1
2
 
 · 
Reply

Thursday, May 24, 2018

King Brandan of Mahorg


King Brandan of Mahorg

Christina Weigand



Thanks so much for agreeing to this interview. Firstly, could you introduce yourself?
I am a prince of Crato, King of Mahorg and Master Wizard Brandan.

What is your biggest regret?
Missing out on the love of my family, especially my brother King Joachim and my son (It would be a spoiler if I gave you his name).
What makes you angry?

As a child, what did you aspire to be when you grew up?
Supreme ruler and wizard of all of Ramajadin.

Describe your family.
The first thing I shall share with you is that I am a twin, Joachim is my brother. We are the sons of King Theodric and Queen Lilia of Crato.

Tell us something about the religions and politics of your world.
Each of the four countries, Crato, Mahorg, Grillwood and Imherp is ruled by a king. Crato has an Council  that serve as advisors to the king. Mahorg is ruled by the king alone and recently I have served in that position.

Describe how your system of magic works in your world.
Magic and religion are tied together. Our god is Asha and the rules of magic serve to honor him. Magic performed by the followers of Asha is only performed to as a last measure and only for the purpose of healing the people or the land. And even then healing of people is only done if the illness or injury cannot be healed by human measures and threatens the life of the person. I personally prefer the  magic of Sidramah. I suppose you could call him Satan. His magic has no rules and is fed by negative emotions such as hatred, anger and jealousy. It can be used anytime the wielder feels the need to use it. Definitely my kind of magic.

Describe what it was like for you growing up
Not a pleasant experience that I care to dwell on. Suffice it to say that my twin was the favored son and in my father’s eyes I never measured up. Everything came easily to him while I although not struggling excelled at things that did not appeal to my father, like fighting and dark magic.

Do you feel like you have a handle on your destiny or do you and your author constantly argue over it?
I think it’s a little bit of both. Most of the time I am in control. I recall a time when she wanted to write the story one way and my brother and I didn’t like it. So we went on strike until she threw her ideas out and did it the way we wanted. There was another instance where she had some plans. I didn’t care for them, but knew it had to happen. In the end she compromised and we both got some of what we wanted.


What's more important to you; to live in a world with a family who loves and respects you OR to live in a world where you get to experience one intensely emotional and physical romantic relationship?

Having had an ill-fated marriage that ended in a way that I would prefer not to discuss that a romantic relationship is not high on my list. I spent many years trying to make my family love me only to discover that I really didn’t have to try so hard. My twin brother always loved me no matter what I did. I am sorry that it took me so long to realize that.












Wednesday, May 23, 2018

The Du Lac Chronicles — A Character Interview by Mary Anne Yarde



The Du Lac Chronicles — The Interview
By Mary Anne Yarde


Character: It had to be in a church... Why not a Hall? Or a coppice? Or the coast? 

Interviewer: I am so sorry I am late. (Drops the parchment she is carrying when she looks into his face. She quickly falls to her knees and gathers up her belongings). Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. Please take a seat. (She gets up, puts her belongings on the table and sits down). Right, let's begin. Firstly, could you introduce yourself?

Character: (Pulls out a chair and sits down slowly). You want me to tell you my name? (Grimaces) Perhaps this is not such a good idea.You see, I am supposed to be dead, and if my enemies were to find out I was still alive it could get a little bit… Well, it might get a little bloody and… I really shouldn't be here. I should go.

Interviewer: No. (She reaches for his arm to stop him from rising). Please stay. you don't have to tell me your name if you don't want to. (She lets go of his arm and picks up her quill.) You said you have many enemies. Could you tell me about the villains that you've encountered?

Character: (Frowns) There was a king who invaded my brother’s kingdom and almost killed him. There was also my cousin who… Actually, I would rather not talk about him. And then there was the son of a dead man who murdered my father and my mother. He and I are going to have a serious conversation one of these days. Not forgetting the Church. They would like to see my body on a pyre. And if they found me here (scoffs). Oh, and my late wife. She didn't like me very much. Nor does my former mistress. And I might have upset the King of the Franks. But in all honesty, that wasn’t my fault. As I said, I have many enemies.

Interviewer: I can’t understand why. I quite like you.

Character: You do? Why? You don't know me.  

Interviewer: I have a good feeling about you. That is all.

Character: And what does that mean?

Interviewer: Nothing. I am sorry. I am making a fool of myself. It is just that... 

Character: It is just...

Interviewer: What would you say was your biggest accomplishment?

Character: (Laughs) Staying alive.

Interviewer: That’s it?

Character: I think it quite an accomplishment considering…

(A long pause, while the interviewer looks deep into his eyes).

Character: Do you have any other questions?

Interviewer: Questions?

Character: I thought this was an interview?

Interviewer: Questions! Yes! May I ask about your childhood?

Character: You would be the first.

Interviewer: As a child, what did you aspire to be when you grew up?

Character: I was destined for the Church. But, umm, I found that I preferred sword practice to prayers. I always wanted to be a knight. I ended up being a mercenary. But, such is life.

Interviewer: What is your biggest regret?

Character: My biggest regret, apart from my entire life? A barn full of women and children. And failing to protect the ones I love.

Interviewer: A barn full of women—

Character: I don't want to talk about that either.

Interviewer: Then let me ask you this. Would you rather kill or die to ensure the safety of the people you care about?

Character: I have done both and I have the scars to prove it. There is nothing I would fail to do for the ones I love.

Interviewer: Do you see yourself as a hero?

Character: No. No. I have done too many things that I regret. Can you ask me something else, please?

Interviewer: I am sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. Have you ever swum naked?

Character: Now that is an intriguing question. Come closer. (He leans across the table as he speaks). Closer. Oh for the love of God woman, closer. Yes, (whispers in her ear). (He leans away from her and grins.) Are you blushing?

Interviewer: No. I am not blushing.

Character: You are going very red.

Interviewer : It is hot in here.

Character: Isn’t it just?

Interviewer: You are incorrigible.

Character: I have no idea what that means, but I like the sound of it.

Interviewer: One more question, (fans herself with her hand) and then you can go back to where ever you came from. Who has creative control? You, or Mary Anne Yarde.

Character: (Laughs) Mary Anne tries, bless her. But, she really has no idea what she is doing, and if it were not for me, I dread to think what kind of mess she would make of the story.

Interviewer: So you are in charge?

Character: Absolutely. Honestly. I don’t even know how Mary Anne became a bard in the first place.

Interviewer: I would like to be a bard (Sighs dreamily).

Character: I think you would make a good one. Tell me a story.

Interviewer: No. I couldn't. (Blushes again).

Character: Maybe another time then. (He stands, takes her hand in his and raises it to his mouth and kisses the back of it). Until we meet again.

Interviewer: (Blurts out) Would you like to go swimming?

Character: (Laughs) Now? With you? I think my betrothed may have something to say about that. It was a pleasure to meet you, my Lady. If you ever find out who I am, think of me kindly and remember not all you hear is the truth. (He leaves).

Monk: (enters the Church) That man who just left... Who was he?

Interviewer: (Has a sudden epiphany) Blessed Mary. I think that was Merton du Lac.

Monk: No. It could not have been. He is dead.

Interviewer: (Smiles a secret smile).

***

"It has been a long time since I've genuinely enjoyed a book. Yarde brought back the love of reading for me with the Du lac series..." Amazon Reviewer.

Read the series for FREE with Kindle Unlimited Subscription.


Advertise with us