THE RUMORS ARE TRUE . . .
THE CREATURES EXIST.
#1. What was the inspiration for this series?
The inspiration for The Tethered World Chronicles blossomed from a love of The Chronicles of Narnia and all of the wonder that accompanied reading it to my children when they were young. I wanted to write the kind of story that everyone could enjoy together, and one that would stay with you after you finished the series. I also have a Narnia spinoff up my sleeve and knew I needed to establish myself as a writer first, before anyone would take such an undertaking seriously!
The inspiration for The Tethered World Chronicles blossomed from a love of The Chronicles of Narnia and all of the wonder that accompanied reading it to my children when they were young. I wanted to write the kind of story that everyone could enjoy together, and one that would stay with you after you finished the series. I also have a Narnia spinoff up my sleeve and knew I needed to establish myself as a writer first, before anyone would take such an undertaking seriously!
#2. How long did it take to finish writing these books?
The first book, The Tethered World, took a year for the first draft. Then I spent the next four or five editing it while I (sort of) figured out the publishing world. After I signed a contract with my publisher, Mountain Brook Ink, I then had only 8 months to complete the next book, The Flaming Sword, and then another 8 months after that to complete the final book, The Genesis Tree. It was intense but I learned that I work well under pressure, and it really built my faith to see the Lord give me the story literally as I wrote it. I do not plot beyond three or four main events that I want to happen from beginning to end so it was a wonderful (and often stressful) experience to watch the story unfold at my fingertips!
#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this series?
Oh yes, too many to name! They’re all my “kids”, you know? But the twins, Brady and Brock come to mind right away. My own son is autistic, like Brock, so I loved incorporating his autism as part of the plan and purpose of the story that unfolded. And Brady became the friend and protector to Brock that I wish my son had. They were a great team together in the story!
Oh yes, too many to name! They’re all my “kids”, you know? But the twins, Brady and Brock come to mind right away. My own son is autistic, like Brock, so I loved incorporating his autism as part of the plan and purpose of the story that unfolded. And Brady became the friend and protector to Brock that I wish my son had. They were a great team together in the story!
#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read these books?
Purpose! I pray that they will see that they are part of a beautiful story that the Lord is writing, and that even in the most devastating of circumstances they are a valuable part of that story. We serve a big God with mysterious plans we don’t always understand, but Who works all things for our good--even when things seem otherwise.
Purpose! I pray that they will see that they are part of a beautiful story that the Lord is writing, and that even in the most devastating of circumstances they are a valuable part of that story. We serve a big God with mysterious plans we don’t always understand, but Who works all things for our good--even when things seem otherwise.
#5. What made you choose some of the specific locations in the books?
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My story is set in both the Pacific Northwest (Portland/Vancouver area) and pockets in the earth. I grew up in the Northwest and love and miss it fiercely (I’m now in Texas)! You might say that my including it in my books was a bit of a love letter to the place that I grew up.
As far as the other area in my story, The Tethered World which exists in pockets of the earth...I wanted a reasonable explanation for the rumors worldwide of Bigfoot, dwarves, leprechauns, and the like. |
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I decided to make them former residents of the Garden of Eden that the Lord moved below ground before the flood of Noah. Through natural disasters like earthquakes, cracks in the ground have allowed them access to “topside” once again, which is why people the world over have folklore and legends about such things.
#6. How did you name your characters?
Most of my characters are named after people I know and love. It was a fun way to give them a nod for being an important part of my life. Sometimes I mixed their names up (i.e. Revonika instead of Veronica), other times I used them outright. I also keep a running list of interesting names I come across so I have many choices when needed.
Most of my characters are named after people I know and love. It was a fun way to give them a nod for being an important part of my life. Sometimes I mixed their names up (i.e. Revonika instead of Veronica), other times I used them outright. I also keep a running list of interesting names I come across so I have many choices when needed.
#7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this series.
I think one of the funniest things has been people’s reactions to my writing fantasy. I’m talking people that KNOW me well, like my husband and close friends. Though they know I’m creative in my decorating or how I dress, they had no clue of the world building and otherworldly imaginations I’m capable of. I’m not one to geek out over books, beyond Narnia, and I don’t decorate with unicorns or dragons or anything like that. The reaction has been, “Apparently I know nothing about you!” or “Where did all of this come from? I never suspected a thing! I suppose it’s an introverted talent of mine, LOL.
I think one of the funniest things has been people’s reactions to my writing fantasy. I’m talking people that KNOW me well, like my husband and close friends. Though they know I’m creative in my decorating or how I dress, they had no clue of the world building and otherworldly imaginations I’m capable of. I’m not one to geek out over books, beyond Narnia, and I don’t decorate with unicorns or dragons or anything like that. The reaction has been, “Apparently I know nothing about you!” or “Where did all of this come from? I never suspected a thing! I suppose it’s an introverted talent of mine, LOL.
Bonus. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Revelations 5:13 is the Bible verse at the beginning of my book. To me it hints at possibilities in the universe beyond our understanding:
Revelations 5:13 is the Bible verse at the beginning of my book. To me it hints at possibilities in the universe beyond our understanding:
-Heather-
Heather L.L. FitzGerald
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Heather L.L. FitzGerald writes from her home in Texas, while dreaming of being back in the Pacific Northwest, where she grew up. She’s been married for 28 years and has four grown children and one grand baby (so far!). Her YA fantasy is available through Amazon or may be ordered through any book retailer. Books include The Tethered World (OCW Cascade Award finalist), and The Flaming Sword (OCW Cascade Award winner, Speculative Fiction), and The Genesis Tree. Connect with Heather: website/blog (free eBook with newsletter sign up), Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram.
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It's Time For A Giveaway!
Heather L.L. FitzGerald is generously giving away
a $10 Amazon Gift Card
a $10 Amazon Gift Card
In addition to the giveaway being held on Tell Tale Book Reviews
Heather is featuring a pretty fantastic giveaway on her website as well!
Heather is featuring a pretty fantastic giveaway on her website as well!
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To enter just click the blue button below and you'll be on your way.
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Images: Pixabay.com. Beacon Rock - USGS/Cascades Volcano Observatory.
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