Author Interview: S. Ravynheart (Aftershock Blog Tour)

Today I would like to introduce the author S. Ravynheart, co-author of Aftershock (click for review) and the rest of the Rise of the Unseelie series. This urban fantasy book and series has hooked me from the get-go. The fey mythology and fast-paced action is just purely amazing. The characters are so intriguing, and I can only assume that it's because of how Ravynheart and his co-author came about writing these books. It is quite fascinating. To learn more just continue reading. Enjoy!

Jennifer: I'm going to be honest: you're a genius. You've made it impossible for anyone who starts reading your series, Rise of the Unseelie, to stop at just book one. As you can guess, after reading Aftershock: Rise of the Unseelie Part 1, I am itching to get my hands on book two, Scars of Silver. But before I get ahead of myself, can you tell us a little about Aftershock?

Ravynheart: Genius? *chuckles* Thank you. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one excited about the series. *smiles* I've been hooked on it since back when Archer and I first started role playing it out.

 It has been foretold that the unification of the Seelie and Unseelie would mean the destruction of the Sidhe. Aftershock follows Jhaer, leader of the Unseelie Elite, on the day that this prophecy is put to the test.

 After the unthinkable happens Jhaer must pick up the pieces and rebuild, well, everything. He must now pull together the remaining Sidhe, earthborns, untrained and as yet untapped potential, to recreate not just a home for the Sidhe, but a home for all the Fey.

 Aftershock is the first of five books in the Rise of the Unseelie miniseries. It begins as the Unseelie side of the same event taking place in End of the World, but quickly goes its own way.

Jennifer: Oh yes, Archer told me all about the role playing that lead to the creation of this series. It's actually the most interesting reason for writing novels that I ever heard of. This actually makes me want to know more about the author behind the book. Can you tell us a little about yourself? And please tell me your last name really is Ravynheart because that would be awesome. If not, I'm totally stealing it to name one of my characters.

Ravynheart: Aside from being co-creator of The Sidhe project, I am also the graphic designer for us. All of the covers, graphics on the website, the blog banners and all of our graphics were created by me. As for the name Ravynheart, that is actually the name of the very first character I ever role played. Yes, The Sidhe are not the first characters I ever role played, although they were the quickest to flesh out. When we started in December of 2010, Donovan was actually a nameless character. We thought he was going to simply be “current enemy for this scene” then would get thrown away. But he took on a life of his own and ran with it. *chuckles* He became the head of the Unseelie that we brought together, and became the bitter enemy to Lugh, the lead from Champion of the Sidhe. Donovan is me, I am Donovan. When you read the Rise of the Unseelie, you’re seeing how I would react in the situations the story puts him in.

Jennifer: Wow. I can't believe you did all the graphics I've been seeing on the covers and website. You've got talent, that's for sure. So you're a graphic designer who knows how to tell one hell of a story. Now let's get to know you as a reader. What kind of books do you like to read? Do you have a favorite novel and author?

Ravynheart: Actually, I haven't had time to read much of anything lately aside from our stories. I used to read horror and thriller back in the day. I would read Stephen King or Dean Koontz books every chance I got. But I haven't really read much in that sense, in a long time.

I don't really have a favorite novel, except for the story that we have going. By which I mean what you all are just getting a first taste of. I could go on and on about the world, the stories, the characters, but, I'll bite my tongue and not bore you with those details right now. *chuckles*

Jennifer: I love King and Koontz. Great classic authors. So let's get back to your amazing book. What where the best and worst parts of writing Aftershock?

Ravynheart: Well, the best part of writing Aftershock was getting it down the first time. Seeing the story play out right in front of me, not knowing what would come next until I witnessed it. The worst part is always the editing. Coming back later and seeing that I did not catch the real feel, the sights, the sounds, exactly the way I experienced them. Then having to change things around to get the right words, the right emotion for what I experienced when I first wrote it down.

Jennifer: Oh yes, that horrid editing stage. I have to agree with you on that one. So you said that the character Donovan is you. That how he reacts is how you would react in the same situations. Is his personality based off yourself as well? Do you usually base your characters off yourself and the people you know or do you like to create from scratch, letting your imagination run wild?

Ravynheart: Donovan's personality is based somewhat on my own. Actually, all of my characters have a part of me that they are based on. They each have their own personalities, their own wants, wishes, likes and dislikes. But deep down, part of them is based on me. My imagination is allowed to run wild where each characters powers are concerned, but I can't seem to get into a character that doesn't share at least some small part of me.

Jennifer: I have to agree, it is hard to get into a character unless there is something in them that is based on a small part of yourself. So, now for the odd question. Out of all the characters you have created, which one would you most like to have dinner with? What would the two of you talk about and eat?

Ravynheart: I have dozens of characters that I've created through the years, so that could be a difficult question, but I'll stick to the characters from The Sidhe series. The one I would have dinner with would be Donovan, in the Glamour Club, at his personal table just off to one side of the main dance floor. We would have blackened chicken Alfredo while discussing the next big plans for the Unseelie. Talking about whether we thought Trip might actually stay with the group. And about the guys training, or, pretending to train, in some cases.

Jennifer: I know I would love to have dinner with Donovan. I love his tenacity. Before we part ways, can you tell us what we have to look forward to from the rest of the Rise of the Unseelie series without giving too much away?

Ravynheart: The rest of Rise of the Unseelie sees the team learning what it means to be Unseelie and beginning to control their powers. We will also see a key player join the group. The end of the series finishes with a major clash that will throw the doors open for the next chapter in the lives of our young Unseelie.

I just wanted to thank Ravynheart for taking the time to answer my questions. I can't wait to read your whole series to finally see how it all turns out.