A.L Butcher an interview

 

Alexandra Butcher Author of The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles and other fantasy stories.

www.libraryoferana.wordpress.com

A. L. Butcher is the British author of the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles fantasy series, and several short stories in the fantasy and fantasy romance genres.  She is an avid reader and creator of worlds, a poet and a dreamer. When she is grounded in the real world she likes science, natural history, history and monkeys.  Her work has been described as ‘dark and gritty’ and her poetry as evocative. 

Blog  ~ Goodreads ~Twitter:@libraryoferana   ~ Facebook

 

 

·         What is your book about?

Currently I have 3 adult fantasy novels in the LightBeyond the Storm Chronicles series, and two short story books – the Tales of Erana – which are set in the world of the novels. Not to mention several other shorts in various anthologies with the Indie Collaboration, Stencil Press, and the Goodreads Smashwords group, and not least Of Blood and Scales in Heroika: The Dragon Eaters.

 

·         What inspired you to write this particular story (and/or series)?

The Light Beyond The Storm Chronicles loosely evolved from an RPG character, a background I’d written and something else I’d been working on. It’s a mix of genes, as it were. The follow on books come from there. The short stories feature lore and legends, plus minor characters from the world.

My story in Heroika features a mercenary, a priestess, a desperate mother and the fight to save a kingdom. The characters are different aspects of heroes – The merc will risk his life for his land and the woman he loves and her child; the priestess for her honour and the chance to be free in a land which despises her faith, the mother will consider committing blasphemy to save her child and fulfill the promise to a dying man and all them risk death to stop a civil war. Each must make a sacrifice – belief, honour, blood, and even life.

As to what inspired me, well I’d say it was the challenge of writing for this antho in the company of authors involved, the definition of heroism and the fascinating idea of the Dragon Eaters. Those who do what must be done despite the odds against them, those who survive and fall for what they hold true.

 

·         Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?

Not really. Usually I have an overall idea – and I let the plot and characters sort it out. I know where it has to go, and hopefully it gets there.  That said I write what I like to read. Does it work for me? Does it work for my beta readers?

 

·         Was there any research involved in your work?

For the novels I do a fair bit of research. For example weapons and armour, herb-lore and flora and fauna. I also had to research whether salamanders were edible. Let’s put it this way, unless your name is Bear Grylls they ARE, but you’d probably wish they weren’t.

 

·         Share the biggest hurdles in the marketing process.

I dislike marketing. When I am out shopping it annoys me when a pushy salesperson approaches and tries to talk me into buying their product. I know it’s just their job but still. However in this business one must be a salesperson so I do have some sympathy.  The biggest hurdle is finding the line between annoying spam and promoting one’s work. Some readers, particularly on sites like Goodreads, do not like authors promoting in any form. Finding what works – (if anything). That’s hard.

For me I do quite a lot of interviews such as this one – it’s a good way to network and I’ve made friends through the process, and of course new books. I reciprocate interviews on my own blog. I use Twitter – but mostly for non-promo.

 

·         What project(s) are you working on now?

I’ve just published The Stolen Tower – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles Book III so I’m working on the next book – at least in the planning stage, plus a couple of short stories.

 

I’m also currently studying a course on mythology, I find it fascinating to track heroes from ancient times to heroes today. What features are shared? What differences are there? Is mythic storytelling at the basis of our cultures?  I’ve read the Odyssey before, some years ago, and it’s a wonderful story – the ultimate adventure, the ultimate journey.

 

·         Is there anything else you would like to say to your readers?

Enjoy the ride. Books are what makes us free. A book can take you to new world, they can make you laugh, they can make you cry, they can teach you about others, and yourself. Books are one of the greatest of humankind’s inventions. Storytelling makes us human.

 

·         Where can readers find you and your book(s) online?  (See attached).

 

Author Bio:
A. L. (Alexandra) Butcher is the British author of the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles fantasy series, and several short stories in the fantasy and fantasy romance and horror genres. She is an avid reader and creator of worlds, a poet and a dreamer. When she is grounded in the real world she likes science, natural history, history, mythology and monkeys. She has a background in history and politics which are sometimes reflected in her work. Her books have been described as 'dark and gritty' and her poetry as evocative. 

The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book I

In a dark world where magic is illegal and elves are enslaved a young elven sorceress runs for her life from the house of her evil Keeper. Pursued by his men and the corrupt Order of Witch-Hunters she must find sanctuary. As the slavers roll across the lands stealing elves from what remains of their ancestral home the Witch-Hunters turn a blind eye to the tragedy and a story of power, love and a terrible revenge unfolds.

Available as an e-book in all the Amazon stores, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, Apple, and the Smashwords associate stores.

AMAZON   ~ Smashwords ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iTunes  

 

 

Also available as a paperback and Large Print on Createspace and Amazon.

AMAZON UK  ~ AMAZON

 

TheShining Citadel – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles –Book II

Who rules in this game of intrigue where magic is forbidden and elves enslaved? Journey where beliefs shatter like glass, truth is unwelcome and monsters from ancient times abound: share the romance and revenge, magic and passion, and the wages of greed in a world of darkest fantasy. (Please note the 18+ rating.)

TheStolen Tower – the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book III

What stalks the land cannot be, but is.

Where magic is outlawed a troll Shaman calls from her deathbed to her heiress, Mirandra Var, daughter of the storm. Mirandra vows to find her missing kin, sort friend from foe, and claim the dangerous secrets guarded by unthinkable creatures. If she succeeds, she will become the leader of her tribe. If she fails there will be no tribe to lead.