innovate-issue-005

Question 4Which other authors do you consider to be an inspiration and for what reason?C.S. Lewis is another author who I believe has had an impact on my writing. Along with Tolkien, I have learntfrom Lewis how to create fantasy lands that can become as tangible and believable as reality.Juliet Marillier is a huge inspiration for me, especially in the last few years. Her work is flawless and hercharacters so multi-faceted and relatable that it is breath-taking. I think I have learned a lot about characterdevelopment and ensuring that the characters stay true to who they are from her. Another couple of authors Iwould love to mention are Janette Oke – one of my main childhood authors and Christopher Paolini. Theirdedication to detail and skilful weaving of a story have been huge stepping stones for me to start becoming theauthor I wish to be.Question 5Are you inspired by any landscapes or buildings, or even towns and cities?I am mostly inspired by nature; fields and waterfalls, forests and mountains fill my head with thoughts andstories and fairytales. Nature has the widest selection of unbelievably beauty, freedom and colour and I believethat the landscapes in my stories, the descriptions are a very important part.Question 6Which was the first book you published and why?Relate to Question 2? I published it because at that time I had come across so many YA books that were almostunhealthy to read. I wanted to present something that linked back to the old stories of valour and honour and atthe same time have an adventure that does not necessarily have to include aspects that are immoral oruncouth.Question 7Have you been surprised by a negative reaction to any of your work?I have been incredibly blessed to mostly have such uplifting and wonderful reviews of my work although therehave been a couple of sour apples in the barrel. One reviewer gave me a single star commenting that I missspelledmy main character’s name throughout the book (his name is Rayn and the reviewer said I miss-spelledRyan). He removed the review after a while, so maybe he was just having a bad day.Question 8Other than authors (and friends and family) who are your heroes?I have great respect and am actually in awe of several historical figures whom I would definitely considerheroes. The main ones being firstly Jesus Christ, then William Wilberforce, Joshua (from the Bible) and WilliamWallace. They have all been huge parts of my finding out who I am and confirming the morals for which I stand.There are also a couple more recent figures whom I would consider my heroes, namely Damien Mander of IAPF(his mission in life is to help save the rhinos and elephants of Africa from total annihilation at the hands ofpoachers) and Angus Buchan who is a man of God who is doing amazing things in Southern Africa to bring theland back to God. Heroes as a whole are also the firefighters and game rangers who risk their lives to protectthe innocent and they have a big place in my heart.Question 9If you could go back in time to learn the truth about one historical mystery or disputed event whatwould it be?This is such a brilliant question that I have taken some time to answer. There were a few trivial questions that Ithought would be fun to know, and besides the usual suspects of the Pyramids, Easter Island statues as well asAtlantis, I thought I would go with something less obvious but just as interesting. I think what I would choose inthis situation is to find out the truth about someone who has been portrayed as two completely different peoplein history; Richard the third. I am fascinated by the accounts of him, one being Shakespeare’s harsh portrayal ofhim as a cruel, deformed king who was unafraid of sacrificing others in his search for kingship. On the otherhand there are historical reports of Richard being a brave an honourable man, sustaining numerous injuries inhis final battle as he fought alongside his men. I would love to believe in the honourable side of Richard the thirdand would love to go back in time to see if this is the case.Thanks so much for having me!