Genesis (Prophecy Rock Series, Book 1) by T. Sae-Low
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Disputed Lands, Prince Aric sits third in line to the crown of Vicedonia. Seeking to escape the overwhelming shadow of his elder brother, and to prove to his father, the king, that he is indeed a worthy successor, Aric embarks on a path into the darkest corners of Eos. On his journey, he will encounter the sinister magic of the Dark Forest, the epic battlegrounds of Lake Raphia, and discover the harsh realities of what it truly means to be king.
In the first book of the Prophecy Rock Series, fates will collide in this epic tale of action, loyalty, and love, where the ultimate meaning of true sacrifice will be discovered.
Interview:
Where are you from? Tell us a little about yourself!
My name is T. Sae-Low and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Iām the youngest of three siblings and the only one to be born in the states. My parents emigrated from Thailand in the late 1970ās when my older brother and sister were still very young. My parents moved to the Koreatown district of L.A. where we lived for about eighteen years. It wasnāt up until high school that we finally moved away from that small one-bedroom apartment. I went to college in San Diego and moved back to L.A. after receiving my degree in history and education. I moved around a variety of different industries post-college before settling on a teaching career. Iāve been teaching at a private elementary school for the past few years now.
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Tell us about your book? How did it get started?
My debut novel is entitled Genesis and is the first book of the Prophecy Rock Series. The foundations for the novel began in early 2012. Iāve always wanted to write a novel that incorporated my many literary passions and hobbies, but could never really find the time given the business of work and life. However, I made it a goal to truly follow through with it in 2012. I began immediately to outline the first book, as well as the series, and completed that by April. I finished the manuscript through the summer and continued revising and editing it all the way till the end of the year, until I felt it was complete. I published it in January 2013 and now itās available for great readers to enjoy!
The story of Genesis revolves around the lives of two teenage boys as their respective empires are entrenched in an epic war with one another. The two main characters, Raden and Aric, have very different and seemingly opposing storylines that I feel offers the reader a greater perspective on the raging war and how war affects the inhabitants in the world of Eos. Eventually, Raden and Aricās storylines converge and the story really comes to an interesting turning point. Set against a backdrop of fantasy, magic, and ancient prophecies, Genesis is a fast-paced and action-packed novel filled with memorable characters and moments. Readers of fantasy and young adult genres, regardless of age, will thoroughly enjoy the book.
How do you create your characters?
My inspiration for my characters comes from a variety of places. I was a history major in college, and thatās because I really love reading about great historical figures and how they overcame the adversities that they faced. I think reading about these real life figures is both inspirational and motivating. So some characters have attributes that I see in people like Martin Luther King, Jr., Ghandi, and Confucious. Other characters are partially inspired by people I know, or children that I teach. I really enjoy creating these characters from scratch by adding little bits of character traits, humor, and love from here and there and turning all that into a uniquely designed personā¦or dog as youāll see in the book. The character of Oli in the book is based off of my own little furry companion named Oscar. Inspiration really comes from anywhere, if it makes sense Iāll incorporate it.
What inspires and what got your started in writing?
My inspirations really come from everywhere, but I think reading other great works of literature pushes me to create. Ever since I was a child, I was always creating stories here and there. I had tons of comic characters filling up my notebooks with their many adventures. I think that natural inclination to create stories gradually developed over the course of my life, up until the present where I feel writing is my ultimate expression of creativity and thought.
Where do you write? Is there something you need in order to write (music, drinks?)
I typically do most of my writing at home in my quiet room. I feel like I need the quiet to really concentrate and completely immerse myself in the world Iāve created. Depending upon the scene Iām writing though, I may listen to a certain type of music to help create the atmosphere and bring those emotions forth. I tried drinking some coffee once to keep my mind stimulated, but I just felt too jittery to write! I usually relax with some hot green tea to soothe me over.
If Iām outlining though, I can write anywhere, coffee shop, cafĆ©, etc. I also take the train to work and I come up with a lot of my ideas while commuting. I love people watching and like I said, inspiration can truly come from anywhere.
How do you get your ideas for writing?
Most of my ideas come from reading. Not just books that I enjoy, but also from articles in the news, or something Iāll hear on the radio. I listen to a lot of news radio and keep up with current events. I think history, even history in the present that we currently are part of is chalk full of wonderful stories.
What do you like to read?
I enjoy reading a variety of genres, but my favorites are fantasy, young adult, anime, and spiritual/esoteric types of work. One of my favorite books is the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Currently, Iām enjoying reading a lot of the classics such as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Paradise Lost.
What would your advice be for authors or aspiring in regards to writing?
I would tell anyone who wants to become an author, but feels itās too daunting of a task to take things one step at a time. I found that the writing process for me happens in phases. A story gradually builds and it usually wonāt happen all at once, so you have to stay committed to writing a little bit every day. It doesnāt have to necessarily be a new manuscript that you are working on, but keeping a journal of all your ideas handy is a good way to keep yourself on track. Also, give yourself deadlines and stick to them, otherwise your writing will continue to languish away, and nobody wants their stories to sit in a drawer!
Anything else youād like to share?
I just want to say thank you to Denise and The Pen Muse for this opportunity to talk and discuss my new novel Genesis, and to talk about writing in general. Itās never really work if you are talking about something you love and are passionate about. To readers and authors alike, continue to be inspired, write, and create without hindrance. Thanks again. Please be sure to check out Genesis, Book one of the Prophecy Rock Series available on Amazon!