Continuing on from the above post, this is part 2 of our interview with Christine Rose, author with her husband, Ethan Rose, of Rowan of the Wood, an exciting tale for Young Adults with a strong tie to Celtic Mythology. Gary:       Out of all the time periods that you could have chosen and still met Druids, why did you choose 592 AD as a time period for your book? Christine: Part of this book is exploring the subjugation of the old ways by the sometimes violent spread of Christianity at the time. It’s exploring the perception of a different people to whom Christians were the “bad guys,” destroying their ways of life and families. Then looking at the perspective today, living in a society that is predominantly Christian. It’s all about perspective. It’s also a way to raise awareness of the harsh reality of the way Christianity became so prolific.

Ruthie:        Yes, we are blessed to live in a society today, where you are free to live as a Christian, a Druid, a Buddhist or whatever. In fact, in  the first chapter of Rowan the crowd say the Awen chant used by modern druids today for inspiration – what inspired you to add this to the story?

Christine:    Exactly that. We also use the Awen symbol in the Celtic artwork, along with Futharc Runes, Ogham script, and the Green Man which we create for Renaissance Faires and Celtic Festivals.

Ruthie:        Wonderful! Do you mind if I ask a slightly more personal question?

Christine:   No, not at all – fire away!

Ruthie:        Something I guess that every author is asked about their main character, but do you or Ethan personally identify with your character Cullen Knight?

Christine:   Cullen Knight is loosely based on Ethan’s childhood. Ethan, too, was a ward of the court and grew up among the redwoods of Northern California. He lived in foster care, although more of an orphanage run by a monastic community rather than a family, but his greatest solace was found in books. Especially fantasy books.

Gary:            Yes, I think both Ruthie and I grew up between the pages of good books! When you were writing Rowan of the Wood, how often did you find the story taking you somewhere you never expected to go?

Christine:    Quite often really. Once you develop the characters, they take on a life of their own. It’s magical and they sometimes direct you more than you direct them.

Gary:            What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Christine:   Marketing it (laughing)!

All:                (Laughing in understanding)

Christine:   Hands down! Then finding time to write the second book while marketing the first.

Ruthie:        Ah yes, the second book! This book is the first of a series of five. Can you tell us a little about the next book in the series?

Christine:  The next in the series is called Witch on the Water, and it will take place off the Washington coast on an island as well as among the magical redwood forest. We’ll see another love interest introduced for Max.  Rowan and Fiana will of course meet again. Cullen is quite angsty. It’ll be fun!

Gary:            It sounds it! Which Character in your book would you most hate to be left on a desert island with?

Christine:   Fiana. We’d be lunch the first night!

Ruthie:         (laughing) What were you favourite books as a child? and did any of them help to inspire Rowan of the Wood?

Christine:   The Hobbit. The Prydain Chronicles (Alexander). The Chronicles of Narnia. Dune. I think everything we’ve read and enjoyed ultimately helped inspire Rowan of the Wood.

Gary:             They’re all wonderful books! Do you have a favourite fantasy novel apart from Rowan of the Wood?

Christine:     I adore the entire Harry Potter series. It brought magic back into my life during a very dark time. It paved the way to Rowan. Ethan’s favorite is The Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion because of the completeness of the fantasy world it created. He wanted to know the histories behind events and people.

Gary:               I can really relate to that! I had to teach myself Runes and the Elvish script after reading them. They influenced my development so much as well. So what sources of research did you guys use for writing the book?

Christine:    The internet. First and foremost. Also: A Celtic Miscellany (Jackson), Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race (Rolleston)

Ruthie:        Cool. When writing this book was there one thing that surprised you more than any other?

Christine:   (laughing) That we actually finished it!

Gary:           If you had to choose a favourite character from Celtic Mythology who would it be and why?

Christine:    Brigid. Ethan has a thing for goddesses (Big smiles) — after all, he married me! (with a big wink)

Ruthie:        (laughing) Oh yes, every man should see the Goddess in his lady! What have you most enjoyed about being an Author?

Christine:   Oh, defintely the writing. Also, meeting our fans and knowing something we created is entertaining people, especially during this difficult financial time has been really special.

Gary:            I can understand that. How has your life changed since becoming an author?

Christine:   Yes. Ethan is “off the roof;”

Gary:             Excuse me?

Christine:   (smiling) He does construction work much less now, as we’re on the road almost constantly. I’m happy about this because there is less chance he’ll have another run-in with a power saw. We’ve found the artist within ourselves. I now paint Green Men and Ethan is carving wood again. We travel all over the country in our Geekalicious Gypsy Caravan with our canine/feline family, attending Renaissance Faires and Celtic Festivals. Although we’re still in transition from the pre-author life to the author life, it’s a great life overall.

Because of your wonderful podcasts as well as Druidcast, we’ll be telling the Sorrowful Tale of Rowan and Fiana in the ancient bardic tradition, complete with lyre accompaniment, in the very near future. We’ve even composed an ‘epic poem’ as if it were an actual Celtic Myth handed down through the generations.

Gary:            That sounds a wonderful lifestyle and thank you so much for your kind words! Before you go, can you tell our readers and listeners where they can find the most up-to-date information about you guys and Rowan?

Christine:   Sure. Pop over to http://rowanofthewood.com/newsroom and you can find pictures, bios and all sorts of cool stuff!

Ruthie:       Christine, thank you so much for taking the time to come to our fireside – it’s been lovely!

Christine:  You’re welcome – thank you for having me!

Read the first part of our interview

Originally posted 2009-04-15 09:00:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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