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I recently had the opportunity to speak with Fantasy Author T J Green about her book and writing. T J Green was born in England, but moved to New Zealand 10 years ago. She currently lives near Wellington with her partner and her cats Sacha and Leia. When not writing she does lots of reading, gardening and yoga.
In a previous life she’s been a singer in a band, and has done some acting with a theatre company – both of which were lots of fun. On occasions she and a few friends make short films, which begs the question, where are the book trailers? Coming soon…
Tom’s Inheritance is T J Green’s first book, the sequel is called Twice Born, and was released in February 2017. She is now working on book 3, and also a few short stories which further expand the world of Tom in the Other.
Other projects include a book set in the real world – whatever that is – but there will be unusual things happening.
**** Bonus*** Tom’s Inheritance is available for free through Bookfunnel !!! – The Fey, the Lady of the Lake, and a summons to wake King Arthur
Please Introduce us to your Blog. What is it all about? What sorts of posts do you lean towards?
My blog is http://www.tjgreen.nz and primarily it’s a website about my writing and current projects. I talk about my characters, and background info that has influenced my books. I also read lots, so I review books of all kinds under the Reading Room. I host the occasional guest blog too.
What Inspires and stirs your creativity?
All sorts of things. I’m drawn to mysteries, fantasy and myths, and love the way that we all tell stories about our everyday life.
What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?
No particular message, but I hope whatever I post is interesting and informative.
How has your blog helped you as a writer/Indie Author? What things have you learned along the way that you never anticipated?
I’ve found I have more to write about than I thought I would – I wasn’t particularly keen on having a website initially, but knew I needed one. I’ve found I really enjoy it. I also love reading, so writing book reviews and helping out fellow indie authors seemed a natural progression – although not all the book I review are indie- published.
Writing a blog regularly is good writing discipline too.
Tell us about your book(s):
I have two books published at the moment, and I’m writing the third. They’re all part of an Arthurian Fantasy series. Tom’s Inheritance, the first book, is about a boy called Tom who goes looking for his missing grandfather and ends up in the Other. He finds he’s been summoned by the Lady of the Lake to wake King Arthur from his long sleep on Avalon. It’s a reboot of the Arthurian legends, set in the Other. There’s some old Arthurian characters and lots of new ones!
Twice Born is the second book, and it’s a mystery and adventure. Tom and King Arthur look for Nimue, a missing witch, and find out Merlin is involved. And there’s dragons too!
Book three – tentatively titled Galatine’s Curse, is all about Tom’s sword and it’s very strange history, which plunges them into another adventure.
What Inspired you to write your book?
I wrote a short story – which you can get if you subscribe to my newsletter – and from that the story developed. I always wanted to write a modern fairy tale, and it just evolved.
From what Point of View do you prefer to write? Is there a reason?
I like close third person point of view, I find it gives me more freedom in writing. First person is too restrictive, but I’m sure at some point it will be a POV I’ll use.
What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?
Mystery, fantasy, adventure, magical realism, but I enjoy writing non-fiction too.
Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?
I’m really a discovery writer. I start out with a loose idea and go from there. At some point I have to plot, but the act of writing helps it unfold.
Do you have a favourite or least favourite character? And Why?
My favourite character is probably Beansprout – Tom’s cousin – she’s feisty and fun, but Bloodmoon is a character in my second book, who comes back for book 3, and he’s great! There’s no least favourite – yet!
Share an insight or secret about your book(s).
Tom is the name of my 7 year old nephew – I named the lead character after him. He quite likes it!
What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?
Keep writing, don’t give up. Learn how to market effectively – still working on that one! And always hire a professional editor and cover designer – unless you’re a whizz with graphics.
Would you like to share an excerpt from the book or a poem or two to give readers an idea what you offer?
Excerpt from Twice Born – Chapter Three –
They had been looking for nearly an hour, taking their time drifting through the warren of buildings, before they had any joy. Walking down the start of one of the Holloways, they saw a vast tree to their left, pressing against the bank at its back. There was a narrow cleft in its trunk, above which a small sign announced The Hollow Bole. Peering upwards through the leaves they saw small windows scattered along thick and misshapen branches. Ducking to avoid hitting their head on the low entrance, they stepped into a small hall hollowed out of the trunk and followed the narrow spiralling stairs upwards into the gloom. They emerged into a larger hall built into a broad branch overlooking the Holloway and the edge of the square. There were no straight edges anywhere. Instead, the chairs, tables and balcony were an organic swirl of living wood.
A dryad, green skinned and willowy, stepped out of the shadows and said, “Can I help you?”
Thinking they were alone, Tom jumped. Arthur remained a little more composed and said, “I’m looking for an old friend who passed through here, probably a few weeks ago now. Can you confirm if she stayed here?”
“And what do you want with this friend?” the dryad snapped.
“She hasn’t arrived where she should have, and I want to find out if anything has happened to her,” Arthur said, trying to keep the impatience out of his voice.
The dryad went silent for a moment. “It depends who it is. Her name?”
“Nimue. Our mutual friend Vivian asked me to find her. She’s worried.”
The dryad was startled. “Nimue? The witch?” She spat out “witch” viciously.
Now Arthur was startled. “Yes, Nimue, one of the priestesses of Avalon. Or witch, as you choose to call her.”
“They are all witches on Avalon,” the dryad replied disdainfully. “Yes, she stayed here for a few days. And then she left. I don’t know where,” she added, to avoid further questions.
Please tell us About YOU: If you had to describe yourself to someone who has never met you, what might you say?
I’ll quote my twitter page, it’s a good summary – Author of Tom’s Inheritance and Twice Born – Arthurian Fantasy. Reader, blogger, book reviewer, mildly addicted shopper, gardener, cat lover, yoga obsessive.
If you could meet one person from the past, who might it be and why?
Lawrence Durrell – my favourite author ever! I’ve read all of his books, many times.
When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?
Reading and gardening.
Describe Your Dream Getaway Destination. Have you ever been there? What makes this place Irresistible to you?
I love Asia. I love the people, the markets, the weather, the food, and the shopping. Bali is a big favourite!
What “Charity” or “Cause” do you feel passionately about & Why?
I’m a big advocate for women’s rights, and to end violence against women. I also find it very disturbing that women’s access to family planning is being reduced, and that women’s choices are being eroded. Too many people think it’s acceptable – it’s not.
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Please be sure to stop by and visit T J at her social places:
Website: http://www.tjgreen.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tjgreenauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tjay_green
Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/Mount0live/boards/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountolivepublishing/
Contact: tjgreennz@gmail.com
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~Morgan~
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