May 2018: Debut Novel Inspiration
~ Shereen Vedam ~
~ Shereen Vedam ~
CTR asked:
QUESTION: What inspired you to write your debut novel?
Shereen Vedam said:
My debut epic fantasy novel is called Hidden, Tales of Ryca, Book 1.
I’ve read fantasy since I was a child and its elements have crept into many of my other writing but I’d never had the courage to write a full-fledged fantasy novel until this one. It takes a whole lot of chutzpah to boldly reach for your biggest dreams.
My inspiration for finally writing this book was a friend of mine from university. She had the most unique walk. Her left hip rose higher than the right, and there was a rhythmic quality to her movements. Years later, when I sat down to write Hidden, Gilly came to life, possessing that same extraordinary gait.
In Gilly’s case, her injury was the result of a fall, one she doesn’t remember. As the story evolves, she must come to terms with how that injury occurred, why it happened, and why no one was ever able to completely heal her. In Gilly’s case, her odd walk also affected her self-confidence and her perception about her usefulness to her family, friends and the man with whom she falls in love. Overcoming all of that will be her greatest challenge in Hidden.
Will Gilly finally have the courage to come out of hiding, in every way? Would you, if you had a similar physical challenge?
My friend certainly did. I admire her greatly and hope I did her justice in bringing Gilly to life on the pages of Hidden.
Following Hidden, came Hushed, Tales of Ryca, Book 2. This, too, is an epic fantasy novel about a young woman facing a trauma from her childhood. Tamara is Gilly’s older sister, but because she was caught in a time spell, she ends up being much younger. Whether or not Tamara possesses has the same strength of will and courage needed to face her greatest fears as Gilly does, remains to be seen, and will be severely tested in her own story.
– Website – http://www.shereenvedam.com/
– Twitter – @ShereenVedam
Hidden (Tales of Ryca 1)
[Epic Fantasy Romance]
Come out, come out, wherever you are…
In a moment of crisis, Gillly’s fantasy of safety is shattered. With a twisted leg that’s both a hindrance and a reminder of her tragic past, and her family lost, she had hidden among shadows. For twenty-three years, she disguised herself as an eccentric goat herder and lived alone at the edge of an idyllic village, thinking, Who would notice me here?
Then her use of magic lifts the veil and she and her sister Anna must flee again, for an evil sorcerer, and the malevolent king he serves, are on their trail.
A perilous journey across unknown terrain with family, friends and strangers will lead Gilly and Anna back to the beginning. They’ll discover hidden secrets, earn forgiveness for past discretions and perhaps even find enduring love.
But can either of them stay alive long enough to claim it?
If you like epic fantasies with a flavor of mystery, are raring to go on a dangerous journey where you’ll enter exotic lands and meet strangers who could end up being either a trusted friend or a dangerous killer, this is the tale for you.
Available in Ebook:
– Kindle – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073WFVNX1/
More Authors Dish about their debut novel inspiration.
Read the authors of Day One: https://coffeethoughts.coffeetimeromance.com/ad2018-may-debut-day1/
0 COMMENTS
Yvonne
6 years agoI’ve read fantasy since I was a kid too. These sound intriguing.
Nice they are ebooks, and easy to access.
What would that have been like when we were kids? Instead of waiting for the next trip to the library.
Kathleen Lawless
6 years agoLove hearing where your inspiration came from. Thanks for sharing,
Ev
6 years agoVery interesting to hear the inspiration behind Hidden! Sounds like a great book.
Jodie Esch
6 years agoI enjoyed learning about what was the initial instigator for Tales of Ryca. Sometimes the tiniest event can spark a story or an entire novel. Thanks for sharing. I wish you great success with this
novel.
Helena Korin
6 years agoYour character, Gilly, resonated with me because I was born with severe hip dysplasia, and had
invasive treatments as a baby, which fortunately I don’t remember. I do agree, though, that all our life experiences do play a role in our writing journey. One of my characters was based on my
late mother-in-law who was the classic Victorian personality – an iron hand in a velvet glove.
Irene
6 years agoThis is a really lovely story and background, Shereen. You’ve beautifully captured just how much a writer absorbs and creatively processes life in all its nuances. And as readers, we’re grateful for that! Thank you!
Shereen Vedam
6 years agoThanks for stopping by, Kathleen and Ev.
Helena. glad to hear the hip dysplasia didn’t stop you doing what you love, writing. Your mother-in-law sounds like quite the character. 🙂 Bet you had fun with that story.
Suzan Lauder
6 years agoThanks for a fascinating background story to your book, Shereen!