If I had to describe myself, it would be in a word that has many meanings with a complexity which falls off the tongue.
A word made up of many elements, is deceptive in appearance, and creates an illusion from the imagination.
My word would be Phantasmagoric. ~Summer Ross

Friday, June 8, 2012

Author interview- Rebecca Hart

I have a wonderful treat for you all today. Come play in Rebecca's world for a time, let's talk about Selkies and The Call of the Sea...

Welcome Rebecca! I'm so happy you could join us today and talk about your book. I have several questions that burned in my mind as I read your novel...
 
In your book Call of the Sea, Who is your favorite character and why?

That's so hard for me... There are bits and pieces of myself and many of the people I care about in each one of them. I guess if you put my hand to the fire and forced me to choose, I'd go with Ellie. She has more of my personality, and I identify most closely with her.

I liked Ellie best as well. How much research did you put into Selkie before writing your book?

It was really hard to research the selkie myth. It surprised me how little known they were, and how sparse the available information regarding the mythos. To be honest, it helped to find little more than the basics when it came to the legend. I was able to really form my own ideals and "rules" with respect to the way it all worked.

Why did you choose the word Privateer instead of Pirate?

Because they really were two different things. A privateer had a Letter of Marque, and with it free legal right to attack ships of enemy countries and take anything you could. Legal piracy, so to speak. A privateer was seen as a patriot, while a pirate was only out for themselves, and their crew.

I hadn’t realized there was a difference between them. Thanks for teaching me something new. Now, your book focuses a great deal of energy on the actual 'call of the sea' as a writer is this something you yourself experience?

I love the ocean, but I can't say I feel the call of the sea, personally. I think it's my calling to write down the stories that float about in my head, and I think it's my destiny to visit Ireland. Would those count?

It absolutely counts Rebecca! Because your book subplots into the myth of the Selkie, which myth inspired you?

Definitely the myth of the selkie, itself. I've been interested in it for years. Maybe because everyone knew and talked about mermaids, but I'd never heard of a selkie. Plus, it was an Irish legend, which helped pique my interest in it. Everything I read mentioned there being male selkies, but none of the stories written ever seemed to feature one. Since I'd already gender twisted the pirate role with Ellie, it made perfect sense to me to do the same with Daniel. He was the perfect match for her.

I completely agree. So, what's next for your writing journey?

I really hope it finds me publishing the fantasy series I have in the works. I've had it on the back burner for a long time now. Ellie can be a bit stubborn and quite loud when she isn't getting enough attention. She has quieted down now that I've given her Daniel to deal with, so I'd like to focus on getting the first novel finished and polished.

and finally some fun one word questions:

What is your favorite word?

pirate


Do you prefer winter or summer?

Summer

Thanks for joining us! You can order Rebecca Hart's book Below.

Order HERE
 

12 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I didn't know the privateer was legally able to attack ships. Good interview, ladies!

Summer Ross said...

Thank you Alex.

Cherie Reich said...

Wonderful interview! I think selkies are fascinating, and I'm glad to see more people are delving into the myths of them. Congrats on your book, Rebecca!

Christine Rains said...

Fantastic interview. I didn't know that there was a difference between a pirate and privateer. Thanks!

Old Kitty said...

Off I go to google what the selkie and their myths are!!

Thanks for the interview, Summer and all the best to Rebecca Hart!! Take care
x

Christina Lee said...

Very cool (And I just leaned something new-privateer)!!!

Golden Eagle said...

Great interview! :)

I've heard of privateering before, but I didn't know the exact difference between it and pirating. Thanks for the definition!

Carol Kilgore said...

Fun interview and informative, too.
Happy Weekend!

Lisa Gail Green said...

Great interview! I never knew the difference between privateer and pirate either. I like the gender twist too, sounds intriguing. :D

Stina said...

I beta read a book last year about selkies. I hadn't heard of them until then. The myth is really cool.

Aidyl Ewoh said...

My, it sounds like an interesting book!
~Aidyl

LTM said...

I think it's totally cool that you found a sort of little-known myth (selkie), and now you're educating us all! That's my favorite kind of story to read! Best of luck w/the book. It sounds awesome. :o) <3

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