Ask the Author: Byrd Nash
Answered Questions (20)
Byrd Nash
Right now I'm wrapping up a contemporary Magical Realism standalone book called Breathings of the Moon. As soon as I get a cover I'm happy with I'll be putting it up for pre-release with a date. For those that loved A Spell of Rowans, you'll love Zoe Underhill.
The second in the Revisited Mystery Classics: The Old Man in the Corner should come out in early fall. There will be a new story written by me using the characters found in Baroness Orczy's stories.
Also, this fall I'll start plotting out a 6 part series about a woman who seeks revenge against the people who imprisoned her in an insane asylum. Fans of Elinor Chalamet take note! This will be the series for you.
The second in the Revisited Mystery Classics: The Old Man in the Corner should come out in early fall. There will be a new story written by me using the characters found in Baroness Orczy's stories.
Also, this fall I'll start plotting out a 6 part series about a woman who seeks revenge against the people who imprisoned her in an insane asylum. Fans of Elinor Chalamet take note! This will be the series for you.
Byrd Nash
Hi Sheri - good question! I had intended for it to come out in late summer but it looks like early fall now. Book 5 and 6 are very much to be read together so I did need to work out most of 6 in order to finish 5.
When I started writing on it, we suddenly moved three states away, bought a new house that needs renovation, and my spouse changed jobs. But never fear things are settling down now and the book is well on its way being finished. I will list it very soon on Goodreads with an official release date as soon as I work out the proofing schedule with my editor.
When I started writing on it, we suddenly moved three states away, bought a new house that needs renovation, and my spouse changed jobs. But never fear things are settling down now and the book is well on its way being finished. I will list it very soon on Goodreads with an official release date as soon as I work out the proofing schedule with my editor.
Byrd Nash
Being a fantasy world, loosely based upon our own, the 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝟏𝟖𝟖𝟎-𝟏𝟗𝟏𝟏, 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐩𝐨𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐄𝐫𝐚. The city of Alenbonné is a combination of a fantasy Paris and Amsterdam around the turn of the century.
For Anglophiles, this is Late Victorian merging into the Edwardian period. Think Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, and Dickens.
𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 in industry, science, medicine, and the role of women, but still holds that allure of old-fashioned manners.
Tristan Fontaine and his peers represent the old world; Elinor Chalamet and her companions the new.
For Anglophiles, this is Late Victorian merging into the Edwardian period. Think Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, and Dickens.
𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 in industry, science, medicine, and the role of women, but still holds that allure of old-fashioned manners.
Tristan Fontaine and his peers represent the old world; Elinor Chalamet and her companions the new.
Byrd Nash
I've been asked this several times so wanted everyone to know when the ebook series completes, there will be 3 print book issued. Print book 1 will contain Ghost Talker and Delicious Death; print book 2 with Spirit Guide and Gray Lady; and print book 3 with the last two ebooks. This will give you some nice thick books!
The print books will also include illustrations (similar to what the original Sherlock Holmes stories had) so I'm looking for an artist right now who can do the interior graphics.
If there is enough interest I'll consider doing audio books of the print books. Let me know!
The print books will also include illustrations (similar to what the original Sherlock Holmes stories had) so I'm looking for an artist right now who can do the interior graphics.
If there is enough interest I'll consider doing audio books of the print books. Let me know!
Byrd Nash
Hi Micielle - if you are asking about Ghost Talker, my plan is to combine it with the next novella, Delicious Death and make that into one volume. So for the entire series there will be 3 print books with 6 stories. Thanks for asking!
Byrd Nash
I did want to explain more about the trigger warning for A Spell of Rowans for my readers. Overall, the story is focused on telling the dysfunctional relationship between a narcissistic mother, and what she did in the past to her children.
I know from feedback from readers that this book can be very emotional for some, while others wonder why I have a trigger warning at all! So in an excess of caution I decided to put a trigger warning on the book description.
Because Rowans takes readers on an emotional journey, it is easy to become sad or upset with what was done to the characters when they were children. For those who have seen the cruel side of families and mothers, it can evoke a lot of emotions and possibly bring back unpleasant memories.
However, the book is neither gory or graphic. I have seen much worse on television and would rank the story at best a PG14. The trigger warning is there for my sensitive readers who may have their own demons to deal with.
I know from feedback from readers that this book can be very emotional for some, while others wonder why I have a trigger warning at all! So in an excess of caution I decided to put a trigger warning on the book description.
Because Rowans takes readers on an emotional journey, it is easy to become sad or upset with what was done to the characters when they were children. For those who have seen the cruel side of families and mothers, it can evoke a lot of emotions and possibly bring back unpleasant memories.
However, the book is neither gory or graphic. I have seen much worse on television and would rank the story at best a PG14. The trigger warning is there for my sensitive readers who may have their own demons to deal with.
Byrd Nash
That's an interesting question. The only thing that immediately springs to mind is that in doing genealogy I discovered that my paternal grandparents had announced getting married on three separate occasions in the newspaper (in three different towns). I'm still researching to discover why that was.
But the biggest mystery is my my husband doesn't like mustard, pickles, and mushrooms (not together). :D
But the biggest mystery is my my husband doesn't like mustard, pickles, and mushrooms (not together). :D
Byrd Nash
For those unfamiliar with the genre of Magical Realism, it might confuse you why the magic is not explained in A Spell of Rowans like you find in other fantasy books.
That is because the intent of Magical Realism is to portray supernatural abilities in realistic tones and use it as part of the everyday world.
Something "to strange to be believed" happens along the mundane such as shopping for groceries or dining out at a restaurant. It is a matter-of-fact presentation of fantasy along realism which allows the author to place even a greater focus upon the main story of adults who are dealing with complex relationships.
Readers might be more familiar of this concept with the book/move Like Water for Chocolate or One Hundred Years of Solitude. Magical Realism often has an element of social or political points, and in Rowans, I wanted to use it to explore how a parent's narcissism impacts the mother-child relationship.
From the beta and ARC readers, they felt a lot of emotions and I think the genre plays into why. Because Magical Realism takes place in the "real world" it makes the reader let go of pre-conceptions like "I am reading a fantasy and the characters are not real" and gives an intimate and heightened reading experience for the reader. You are IN the moment!
All three of Rachel Rowan's children possess a talent: empathy, psychometry, and glamour. However, while I do not explain where these powers come from, how the characters use them is consistent throughout the book and makes logical sense.
That is because the intent of Magical Realism is to portray supernatural abilities in realistic tones and use it as part of the everyday world.
Something "to strange to be believed" happens along the mundane such as shopping for groceries or dining out at a restaurant. It is a matter-of-fact presentation of fantasy along realism which allows the author to place even a greater focus upon the main story of adults who are dealing with complex relationships.
Readers might be more familiar of this concept with the book/move Like Water for Chocolate or One Hundred Years of Solitude. Magical Realism often has an element of social or political points, and in Rowans, I wanted to use it to explore how a parent's narcissism impacts the mother-child relationship.
From the beta and ARC readers, they felt a lot of emotions and I think the genre plays into why. Because Magical Realism takes place in the "real world" it makes the reader let go of pre-conceptions like "I am reading a fantasy and the characters are not real" and gives an intimate and heightened reading experience for the reader. You are IN the moment!
All three of Rachel Rowan's children possess a talent: empathy, psychometry, and glamour. However, while I do not explain where these powers come from, how the characters use them is consistent throughout the book and makes logical sense.
Byrd Nash
Writing for each author is so different since it springs from our creative minds. I've found a routine really helps in getting words down on the computer. On the other hand, I also need some flexibility in what I'm doing if the words aren't flowing.
I try to spend 2-4 hours about 5x a week in writing. When things aren't working out with a plot, I switch gears to researching or doing graphics, such as book covers. The last two week I've been expanding my Photoshop skills with tutorials and workshops.
Something different for me this year is I've started having multiple projects in hand. For example, my novel A Spell of Rowans is at my editor, which can take weeks to a month before coming back to me.
While I'm waiting to hear back, I'm working on two separate short stories: Locked in Love, which is a Rapunzel fairytale retelling; and A Knight's Word, which is a medieval fantasy short story.
All three projects are slated to be published this year, but the dates are still being decided.
I try to spend 2-4 hours about 5x a week in writing. When things aren't working out with a plot, I switch gears to researching or doing graphics, such as book covers. The last two week I've been expanding my Photoshop skills with tutorials and workshops.
Something different for me this year is I've started having multiple projects in hand. For example, my novel A Spell of Rowans is at my editor, which can take weeks to a month before coming back to me.
While I'm waiting to hear back, I'm working on two separate short stories: Locked in Love, which is a Rapunzel fairytale retelling; and A Knight's Word, which is a medieval fantasy short story.
All three projects are slated to be published this year, but the dates are still being decided.
Byrd Nash
I'm working on Book #4 now, which now has a title: Storm of Songs. The book cover is also under development and I hope to reveal it at the end of the summer when it goes on pre-sale.
I've posted a recent blog giving updates on all the characters before book 4 begins. There is a lot of them to juggle and I want to get their stories right, so writing the last book will take up most of 2021, with a spring 2022 publication date planned.
Each of the College Fae books has an ending (no cliffhanger) so it is fine to begin the series now. The big question is who is destroying the Fae courts in the Perilous Realm, why, and how can Brigit and Logan stop them?
Check out the post to learn more about the characters (some mild spoilers if you haven't read the first three, but very mild).
https://byrdnash.com/2021/02/23/whats...
I've posted a recent blog giving updates on all the characters before book 4 begins. There is a lot of them to juggle and I want to get their stories right, so writing the last book will take up most of 2021, with a spring 2022 publication date planned.
Each of the College Fae books has an ending (no cliffhanger) so it is fine to begin the series now. The big question is who is destroying the Fae courts in the Perilous Realm, why, and how can Brigit and Logan stop them?
Check out the post to learn more about the characters (some mild spoilers if you haven't read the first three, but very mild).
https://byrdnash.com/2021/02/23/whats...
Byrd Nash
There are a lot of great retellings of Beauty and the Beast, probably because it has such rich imagery attached to it. And that love, in the end, removes a spell.
My story deals with some of the questions I had about the fairytale such as the weakness of the father character, why was the Beast cursed, and who cursed him. It has a historical setting of the late Victorian period when women were starting to move into the world of employment.
Price of a Rose also has no evil stepmother or stepsisters. Instead, there is a supportive family of three sisters, all different, who in her own way helps the Beast recover from the fairy's curse. There is also an appearance by the fairy who cursed him (but shhhh I can't tell you more).
My story deals with some of the questions I had about the fairytale such as the weakness of the father character, why was the Beast cursed, and who cursed him. It has a historical setting of the late Victorian period when women were starting to move into the world of employment.
Price of a Rose also has no evil stepmother or stepsisters. Instead, there is a supportive family of three sisters, all different, who in her own way helps the Beast recover from the fairy's curse. There is also an appearance by the fairy who cursed him (but shhhh I can't tell you more).
Byrd Nash
Two books that had pooka's in them: The Grey Horse by R.A. MacAvoy (a horse); and War for the Oaks by Emma Bull (a dog), excited my imagination when I first read them. It wasn't only the shapechanging aspect but that they were from another world that existed side-by-side with our own, with a vastly different culture, which intrigues me.
Since then I've read so many stories and myths of fantastical creatures that I knew I wanted to explore them in a book (the College Fae series). So it's been fun to re-imagine them into my own little universe.
Since then I've read so many stories and myths of fantastical creatures that I knew I wanted to explore them in a book (the College Fae series). So it's been fun to re-imagine them into my own little universe.
Byrd Nash
Probably like many, I find myself turning to Comfort Read stories and nothing is more comforting than a Romance.
Dance of Hearts is designed to be something you can nestle down in your favorite place to read and know it will have a Happily-Ever-After and love conquers all at the end.
Dance also blends some of my favorite genres to read - the Regency Romance, while also allowing me to add magic with the fairytale aspect of it.
The story: Melinda Wychwood managed to stay at her family home after her father’s death by working as her cousin’s unpaid housekeeper. But when a childhood friend returns, playing a game of deception, will she be satisfied acting as the dowdy chaperone? Or will her wild fairy heritage and a magical dress finally win her true happiness?
Dance of Hearts is designed to be something you can nestle down in your favorite place to read and know it will have a Happily-Ever-After and love conquers all at the end.
Dance also blends some of my favorite genres to read - the Regency Romance, while also allowing me to add magic with the fairytale aspect of it.
The story: Melinda Wychwood managed to stay at her family home after her father’s death by working as her cousin’s unpaid housekeeper. But when a childhood friend returns, playing a game of deception, will she be satisfied acting as the dowdy chaperone? Or will her wild fairy heritage and a magical dress finally win her true happiness?
Byrd Nash
Hi M.J. When I started writing the first of these stories (Milking Time) it was simply as an exercise to break a writer's block I was having with a sequel on another book. At about the same time I joined a writer's critique group where members were asked to bring something of theirs to read in a 10 minute time block for critiquing.
Things rather quickly snowballed from there after MT received some good feedback. I set myself a personal goal to write a fairytale story once per week (and the longer tales didn't meet this goal - more like 3 weeks) as a writing exercise.
There were other elements in play. I knew from writing a full length epic fantasy that took a lot of time - more like 6 months of writing, editing, editing and prepping for publication. I wanted something I could pull together more quickly and short stories allowed me to do that - gave me the ability to play with creating characters, scenes, and plotting - and also with completing a story.
So all in all it was a great training exercise as a writer in many ways.
Things rather quickly snowballed from there after MT received some good feedback. I set myself a personal goal to write a fairytale story once per week (and the longer tales didn't meet this goal - more like 3 weeks) as a writing exercise.
There were other elements in play. I knew from writing a full length epic fantasy that took a lot of time - more like 6 months of writing, editing, editing and prepping for publication. I wanted something I could pull together more quickly and short stories allowed me to do that - gave me the ability to play with creating characters, scenes, and plotting - and also with completing a story.
So all in all it was a great training exercise as a writer in many ways.
Byrd Nash
I call Writer's Block the Roomba-against-the-sofa-legs. You just get stuck. The best thing you can do is walk away and go PLAY. Go do something different. Watch a show in a genre you never usually watch, listen to music outside of your normal playlist, read other authors (especially outside of your genre or comfort zone), go see a play etc...
The more you exposure yourself to other art forms, the quicker you will be inspired, allowing a break through on your own work.
The more you exposure yourself to other art forms, the quicker you will be inspired, allowing a break through on your own work.
Byrd Nash
Being able to create from my mind my own world. That and being self-employed.
Byrd Nash
WRITE EVERY DAY. The quicker you get into a routine where you set aside time to work on your craft the better. This is a lifelong habit that will make you productive as a writer but also help you through the difficult times when you feel stagnated.
Byrd Nash
I have several different projects I'm playing with to see which one takes off (my blog at my website goes into more detail). The winner right now seems to be a fantasy story about a Fae who has been indentured to humans.
Byrd Nash
The drive to create has been with me forever. I've always had a desire to tell stories even at an extremely young age (like 6?). In middle school, when I couldn't get to sleep, I would dream up stories (which is one reason I often see scenes play out visually in my head before writing them down).
Byrd Nash
I've always loved fairytales, not the Disney ones, but the older versions where women used cleverness to succeed. When I started playing with the idea of working on some short stories in order to break a writer's block, fairytales were a natural to turn too.
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