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| Andi O'Connor, Author THE LOST HEIR |
Fantasy
author Andi O’Connor offers readers a new world, Dragonath, which she created
in her first novel in the Dragonath Chronicles series – THE LOST HEIR. One
reviewer says, “The
Lost Heir is a uniquely engaging story that drives the reader through the story
at a steady pace, but still takes the time to slow down and allow for the
characters to internalize and develop.”
Andi
writes to entertain her readers and to attract those who otherwise might not read.
She also strives to deliver a message regarding the empowerment of women. Andi
is a member of several writing organizations, is working on the second novel
for the Dragonath Chronicle series, and has completed a novel for her second
fantasy series. She is also a ballet dancer.
Q: Why did you
choose to write fantasy—the Dragonath Chronicles—with THE LOST HEIR as the
first book?
Andi O’Connor: Fantasy is one
of my favorite genres to read, so when I decided to write it just seemed
natural. I cannot give an actual reason for why I chose to write THE LOST HEIR
other than the idea intrigued me. I
enjoyed writing short stories as a child, and I thought tackling a novel would
be something fun to do. I never really expected that writing would turn into my
career.
Q: One of the
reviewers of THE LOST HEIR says, “The characters within The
Lost Heir are readily relatable and can be empathized with easily.” How do you
make your characters engaging to your readers?
Andi O’Connor: This is a great question, and one to
which I don’t really know how to answer. I would imagine that my writing
process is quite unconventional. I don’t plan, outline, or make any form of
character sheets. When I begin a novel, I have enough of an idea to get the
words to flow, and I just start writing. The plot and characters develop as I
go along, and I really have no idea what will happen in the next paragraph, let
alone at the end of the book.
So, to
answer your question, there isn’t any form of ‘scientific’ way I go about
creating my characters. Just like in real life, their personalities grow and
develop as the novel progresses, based on the situation they experience. There
are times when I try to put myself in their shoes and think of how I would
react, but most of the time I let them tell me.
Q: Can you
explain the significance of your cover? What are the hands holding?
Andi O’Connor: It is called a
kraylock and is what allows people to wield méno (magic). I don’t want to give
too much away, so you’ll have to check out THE LOST HEIR ;-)
Q: Why do you
like elves? Why do you wish they were real?
Andi O’Connor: Another
difficult question! I suppose it is because elves are quite similar to humans,
yet generally don’t have the faults typical of the human race. They have an
aloofness and air of superiority that I find admirable and intriguing. They
possess an unwavering sense of dedication and loyalty to their purpose and
their people and act with dignity and respect. There are of course exceptions to
the rule. Not all elves in the fantasy world fit into this description, but
these are the elves I am totally enamored with. In a way, I find them to be a
depiction of what humans were supposed to be.
Q: How do you
make your fantasy world credible? Is credibility important in the world of
fantasy?
Andi O’Connor: There are many
things that are different about the world of Dragonath, but there are also many
aspects that are the same, or similar enough to be relatable to the reader,
which I think is extremely important. When creating a fantasy world, it will be
credible as long as it ‘works’. By that, I mean that whatever makes up the
world is explained and consistent, and that the characters react properly to
the characteristics and cultural societies of that world.
To
me, credibility is what makes the fantasy genre so alluring. Fictional worlds
that are believable, with characters that are relatable, draw us into the world.
We can immerse ourselves in the story and are able to convince a tiny part of
our minds that the world could be real. That maybe, just maybe, it exists. And
I think that is the true magic of fantasy.
Q: Do you write largely for entertainment,
or do you also try to deliver a message? To educate or inform?
Andi O’Connor: I have never believed
that books were or should be mutually exclusive when it comes to entertainment
and education. Everything I write has a message or something for the readers to
consider and learn from. I am a big proponent of female equality and the
empowerment of women, and much of my writing deals with that specific issue.
Dragonath
is a society in which women are equal to men. They are not viewed as property,
and it is tradition to keep their surname in marriage and pass it on to their
daughter(s). They are not restricted to stereotypical female jobs, and can do
anything they want as long as they display the appropriate qualifications. As
an example, Andillrian is the first woman chosen for the palace guard. She is an
exceptionally gifted warrior who earns her rank and standing because of her
abilities, not because of her sex.
Of
course, people are people. Not everyone shares the same opinion of female
equality. In THE LOST HEIR, there is such a conflict that develops between
Mionee and Garenth, and I use Mionee’s experiences to hopefully help women
realize that such treatment is not right and that they do not have to sit
quietly and accept it.
Q: Do you include villains and heroes in
THE LOST HEIR? What are the characteristics of each?
Andi O’Connor: Yes, both villains
and heroes are included in THE LOST HEIR. Again, I don’t want to give away too
much, but the characteristics are broad and are meant to show that both heroes
and villains come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes the smallest and humblest
of deeds can make all the difference in another’s life. Nothing should be
downplayed because it may seem insignificant. Just because someone starts as
one, doesn’t mean they can’t become the other.
Q: Who are your
targeted readers? Is your novel largely for youth? Adults?
Andi O’Connor: THE LOST HEIR was originally intended
for adults, but I have had a great deal of interest from young adults. I would
say it is mostly suitable for ages 15-plus.
Q: What’s next?
Andi O’Connor: I am currently
working on Awakening, which is the
next book in The Dragonath Chronicles, and plan to self-publish that by 2015. My second fantasy series is under works, and I have finished
the first book titled Silevethiel. I
hope to get that traditionally published, but we’ll see!
Q: Tell us something about Andi O’Connor.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Favorite movie? Favorite
author?
Andi O’Connor: I’m a ballet
dancer and go to class as many times a week as my schedule allows. I also play
Lord of the Rings Online and read.
About Andi O’Connor
THE LOST HEIR is Andi O'Connor's debut novel. She
is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, the National Writers
Association, The Association of Writers & Writing Programs, and the Boston
Chapter of the Women's National Book Association. In her writing, Andi aims to bring the gift of reading to those who
might have otherwise turned it aside, and she hopes her readers will embark on
the most inspiring and exciting journey imaginable.
About THE LOST HEIR
Always a meticulous planner, Darrak Hunter leads a dull life
until his dreams become plagued with visions of a peculiar and distant
world. Waking up to a brilliant purple sun looming ominously in the
sky, Darrak is met by a mysterious violet-eyed sorcerer who whisks him away
from the struggling Earth.
Thrown into the clutches of a
foreign world where magic is reality and not all is as it seems, Darrak embarks
on a journey where he is forced to come to terms with his past and do what he
can to shape the future. Accompanied by a talented swordswoman, a
prince, and a beautiful young sorceress, he must overcome cunning plots of
treachery and betrayal to discover the strength to stand against a destructive
black magic and an enemy who is a master at deception.
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I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect!
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