Ask the Author: S.K. Levy
Answered Questions (8)
S.K. Levy
Hi Darren, thanks so much for the question! I don’t base any characters on people from my life, but I did borrow quite a few names. Some characteristics from friends and family most probably arose as traits in characters, but all were unintentional. In regards to mythology, I didn’t research anything other than First Nation Australian beliefs and spirituality, as the Reigntime creatures were supposed to have been alive before any humans walked the earth. My thought process was that they would have “influenced” the first humans they interacted with, so I researched the various ontologies in First Nation spirituality so that my Reigntime creatures’ values reflected those of our First People. Other than that, the most research I undertook was for my language. I wanted to create something new and different, and give a fresh take on fantasy, so instead of writing about fae/elves/wizards/vampires, I invented a new type of creature, all of which came from my imagination. I always wanted Reigntime creatures to value nature, animals, and the earth, and it tied in so well with First Nation Australians belief system and their connection to nature. I like to explain the way that I thought of my story like this: I opened a door in my mind that I hadn't realised was there, and stumbled into my imaginary world where almost all of the characters and plot already existed. I just had to figure out how to create a new supernatural creature! I hope that answered your question!
S.K. Levy
Hi Shirin! So far there will be four books in the series, and a potential novella of short stories from a few character POVs that you'll meet in book two. Sadly, it's only available in paperback right now, but hopefully when it builds momentum it will be available in hardcover too. Book two should be released April-ish 2017, but I'll have a release date soon. Thank you so much for the question!
S.K. Levy
I get to live in my imaginary worlds. I get to live where magic is everywhere, where my beloved characters are brought to life, where I can create positive role models for young adults, where I can discuss issues that are important to me, where I can address inequality and racism and homophobia and climate change and escape some parts of my reality that I don't enjoy. The best thing is that writing makes me so happy. And my goal in life is to be kind to every creature, and happy.
S.K. Levy
I'd had a few characters and ideas swirling around my head during the day, and I'd mostly dismissed them, thinking I'd give them some thought later on when I wasn't busy at uni. As I was laying in bed that night I allowed the characters to speak, interact and exist - which I'm sure sounds very strange! But it's the truth, my characters are very vivid, headstrong and real for me and most writers. I started telling the story in my head and after a little while I thought, "I should really write this down." I ended up writing the prologue in a notebook that night and it's hardly changed all these years on!
S.K. Levy
My head is mostly chaos. I have so many stories and characters running around up there that inspiration is never lacking - my motivation sometimes is though. I think that travelling has helped so much... every time I come across a beautiful landscape or something in nature that takes my breath away, I think, "I need to write about this feeling, I need to share this beauty with everyone," and that tends to inspire me to write.
S.K. Levy
I'm currently working on the second book in The Reigntime Series! I'm about a third of the way through right now, and I'm hoping to have it finished and on the shelves in a year - fingers crossed!
S.K. Levy
Believe in yourself, in your story and in your characters. That way, everyone else will too.
S.K. Levy
I go and do something else - exercise, read, talk to a friend, watch an episode of a TV show - anything to give my mind a rest. Usually when I'm faced with writer's block it's because I'm exhausted, or in a bad mood, or sometimes I'm just hungry! If I give myself some time to recharge and get my endorphins flowing, I find my mind is much clearer, I'm more focused, and I'm happier, so my writing flows again.
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