https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CKG4GJZJ/
What inspired you to set your story in a magical version of Sydney?
The lush landscapes, from the iconic
eucalyptus trees to the vibrant native flowers, provide a vivid canvas where
nature and magic dance together. Sydney's diverse neighbourhoods, from the
bustling CBD to the serene coastal beaches, offer a tapestry of settings and
atmospheres for the story to unfold. The fusion of modern architecture and
historic landmarks adds depth to the urban landscape, creating a visually
captivating backdrop for our characters' adventures.
Sydney's multicultural and cosmopolitan
character mirrors the diverse cast of magical beings in the story, allowing for
a seamless integration of different cultures and magical traditions. The city's
vibrant energy and sense of possibility align perfectly with the story's themes
of discovery, transformation, and the coexistence of the ordinary and the
magical.
And where else can you find a mage
passionately debating with a surfer about the best spell to catch the perfect
wave at Manly Beach?
PS. The book uses Australian English spelling so don't be surprised if you catch the occasional "mate" slipping through the pages. Consider it a free lesson in Aussie slang, but don't worry, I keep the kangaroos and koalas to a minimum.
Rhianne is described as a green witch
and half-elf. Could you explain the significance of being a "green
witch" within the world you've built?
Being a green witch means having a deep
love for all things green and growing. It's about feeling at home in the
embrace of nature and drawing upon the vitality of plants and trees for your
magical practices. Rhianne, though, is a bit of a special case. With her dryad
ancestry, her connection to the natural world runs even deeper, although she’s
yet to fully utilise this ability. This connection allows her to not only grow
and enhance plants but also harness their medicinal properties, using
them to help heal others with a touch of her unique magic.
The gargoyle character is quite
unique. How did you come up with the concept of a gargoyle employee, and what
role do gargoyles play in your magical world?
Family dynamics, especially between
Rhianne and her parents, play a crucial role in the story. Can you delve into
why you chose to make familial relationships such a significant aspect?
Families are a cornerstone of our lives,
and how we navigate those relationships shapes our identities. Confronting the
patterns and defences we've built up can lead to significant personal growth
and transformation. It's often the case that we are at our best and worst with
those closest to us. My own mum, with whom I share a close bond, wasn’t happy
about Rhianne’s mother’s character, but I did promise her their relationship
would develop and change over subsequent books. (I’m keeping that promise as I
write book 3.)
Your protagonist forms a connection with
tech mage Kai. How do traditional magical practices and modern technology
intertwine in your book's universe?
Throughout the story, readers will see how
Kai uses his technological skills to enhance and complement Rhianne's magical
abilities. For example, he can fuse magic and technology to use as battle magic
and to quickly analyse technical data, bringing key perspectives to the
investigation.
The interplay between traditional magic and
modern technology not only adds depth to world-building but also reflects the
idea that magic can adapt and evolve in response to changing times. It
highlights the idea that, in a world where magic is real, there's room for both
ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovations to coexist and contribute to
solving the story's mysteries.
After all, magic is just unexplained
science!
How did you approach developing the
character of Rhianne's incubus best friend? What makes their friendship
special?
I absolutely adore Nel! He's both
protective and has a mischievous, playful nature. In many ways, he's like a big
kid, perpetually pushing the boundaries. Despite his centuries of existence,
it's often Rhianne who takes on the practical and logical role. Nel, on the
other hand, brings the much-needed fun into Rhianne's life. But beneath his
playful exterior, he carries deep emotional wounds caused by his incubus
nature, and Rhianne is determined to help him heal.
I created Nel as a counterpoint to
Rhianne’s temperament. Where she’s a loner and an introvert, he’s a people
person. While she’s a stickler for order, he loves chaos. He helps bring out a
different side of her, injecting some much-needed spontaneity into her life.
Nel's status as an incubus introduces a
fascinating dimension to the mystery and its resolution. He deals in secrets
and information, and people readily confide in him due to his irresistible
allure. This unique ability allows Nel to help with the investigation and adds
a compelling layer to the story's intrigue.
Toto is quite the character! Most of the
time, he appears as a little Maltese dog, but on occasion, he takes the form of
an eagle. There's an air of mystery around him, and he might be hiding a lot
more than he lets on. While familiars are typically witches' trusted
companions, aiding in the practice of magic, Toto plays a unique role. He sees
himself as both a mentor and protector, going beyond the traditional duties of
a familiar. In his own words, “I can be fierce!”
There's a spirited half-gargoyle lawyer
and an enigmatic pathologist in Rhianne's entourage. Can you talk about the
development of these supporting characters and how they enrich the narrative?
These two characters leapt right off the
page, almost as if they had a mind of their own! They were unexpected additions
to the story, but they both play pivotal roles. They find their way into Rhianne’s
heart and trust breaking through her barriers, much to her surprise.
Additionally, they provide intriguing side stories that add depth to the
narrative.
Marissa, the half-gargoyle and halfling,
has developed coping strategies to navigate the prejudice she faces—a challenge
that Rhianne can relate to. Marissa's a tough nut to crack, but she also harbours
a vulnerable side, and her evolving connection with Carl adds a touch of
sweetness to the tale. On the other hand, Isobel, the pathologist, remains
shrouded in mystery throughout this first book. However, she's destined to have
a more prominent role in future instalments. Her role in the investigation,
along with her unique interaction with Nel, promises to be a significant thread
in upcoming stories.
As the story unfolds, there's a mention
of Rhianne's challenge to protect her hidden powers. Without giving away any
spoilers, can you hint at why her powers might be a threat to or feared by
others?
Rhianne's burgeoning magical abilities come
with a significant burden. Her unique blend of elven and witch heritage grants
her powers that are not only rare but also largely unknown. This places her in
a precarious position within the magical and human communities, where prejudice
and mistrust often run deep.
Plus, her father is an elf. Elves are often
viewed as aloof and potentially devious due to their seclusion and the secrecy
surrounding their realm. They are also known to have considerable power, which
further fuels suspicion.
Being a halfling presents inherent
disadvantages, but Rhianne's hidden, potentially game-changing magic could
elicit dangerous outbursts of fear and prejudice from those who don't
understand or accept the unfamiliar. Rhianne must navigate this delicate
balance between her heritage, her emerging powers, and the perceptions of
others, all while striving to uncover the truth and accept herself.
The balance between a murder mystery and
a story of personal discovery seems to be a delicate one. How did you maintain
this equilibrium as you wrote "Poisoned Leaves"?
The mystery-solving process itself was a
bit of an adventure and journey of self-discovery for Rhianne, making it a
rollercoaster of emotions and surprises. After all, uncovering magical secrets
and unmasking a killer isn't your everyday pastime, even in a magical world!
While Rhianne and her eclectic entourage
delved into the dark corners of the case, the story also provided moments of
levity and humour. Whether it was Nel's mischievous antics, Toto's fierce
displays, Alice’s knitting or the unexpected quirks of magical beings, there
were plenty of smiles and chuckles sprinkled throughout.
So, maintaining the equilibrium between the
murder mystery and personal discovery was like finding the perfect blend of
herbs in a potion—challenging but ultimately rewarding. It allowed me to create
a story that not only keeps you on the edge of your seat but also warms your
heart and makes you smile.
"Poisoned Leaves" is just the
beginning of Rhianne's adventures. While it provides a satisfying resolution,
there are more magical mysteries and personal journeys ahead for our beloved
characters in future books in the ‘Green Witch Mysteries’ series. Stay tuned
for more enchanting tales from the world of Rhianne and her entourage!