My work is for those who boldly venture into the dark and gritty and not for those who enjoy a sweet fluffy read.
Lisa Beth Darling – 12 June 2014
The Back Flap
With nearly four billion souls lost to the ravages of anarchy and the dreaded disease Major Falls, Ares and Raven journey the Mortal World vainly reaching for a sliver of what was only to discover what will be. Unleashed by Apollo, Major Falls—a weaponized version of the flu and rabies– has wiped out every person of watery Mortal Blood.
From the fiery wreckage a new world is slowly arising one where the descendants of Olympians, Celts, Dark Fae, and all manner of Magickal Being will rule. For the last millennium the Dark Kingdom has sent small legions of its Daughters in search of its Lost Queen. Among their number is Lenora, a sharp tongued Dark Fae who joins up with ARES hoping to get close to its leader, Raven. And she does.
The Wolf inside the God of War contracts Major Falls. As Ares and Athena wander the world hoping to curtail further damage by obliterating weapons of mass destruction he slowly succumbs to the sickness taking over his fevered rabid mind. Ares may not live to see the glory of Olympus restored nor fight to keep his Wife. If he does, how high will be the price for Ares’ life? How long will Alena have to keep paying Apollo even once Ares is crowned King of Olympus?
With devastating consequences shattering their lives will Ares ever be able to swallow his pride and forgive Alena when the truth is revealed or will she take her place on the Throne of the Dark Kingdom leaving Olympus and Ares behind forever?
About the book
What is the book about?
Kingdoms of War is the finale to the OF WAR Series centering on Ares God of War, hence the title of the series. Generally speaking, it’s about the most dysfunctional family ever to walk the Earth; the Olympians.
When did you start writing the book?
The series began in 2010 with The Heart of War and when finished in July, 2014 it will contain 4 full-length novels: The Heart of War, Child of War-A God is Born, Child of War-Rising Son and Kingdoms of War , 1 novella; Women of War, and 1 vignette, Christmas Eve on Olympus.
How long did it take you to write it?
Kingdoms of War is a little over a year in the making.
Where did you get the idea from?
I’ve always loved Greek Mythology and one day I just wondered what would happen if Ares fell in love, not in lust or heavy like, but actually in love with someone. What if the Olympians despised her as much as they do Ares?
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Since it’s the last book in the series the whole thing has been a struggle simply because I don’t want to say ‘good-bye’ to these wonderful characters.
What came easily?
In Kingdoms of War we’re dealing with three kingdoms; Olympus, the Mortal World, and The Dark Kingdom—home of the Dark Fae and the ancestors of Ares’ wife, Alena. Surprisingly enough, destroying the Mortal World was the easiest part and probably the most fun.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Every writer writes what and who they know. Of course we dramatize and fictionalize heavily but every work of fiction has at least a nut of truth within it.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Stephen King is my hero I’ve never read another author who can so easily pull me into their world. Plus he mainly writes about Maine and I’m a New Englander so I have a special affection for him on that count. He’s made me bold and inspired the Yankee in me to just go out there and do it my way. Above all he’s taught me to never be afraid of the dark.
Do you have a target reader?
Yes. Definitely adults, I don’t write anything that would be considered YA or NA. But most especially mature adults who understand the world around them and can handle the truth of it. My work is for those who boldly venture into the dark and gritty and not for those who enjoy a sweet fluffy read.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I think every writer has their rituals and I’m no different. Other than my iTunes cranking away I sit here at my desk with 3 candles (always 3), incense, a cup of coffee and something cold to drink—it used to be a Coke but I recently gave up soda along with traditional cigarettes I switched to an e-cig in January. Now my cold drink is either wine or a lite beer. It helps if Toby is within arms’ reach. I write from 2:30pm to 4:30/5:00p, Monday-Friday but Saturday and Sunday are all-day-events.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Not anymore. I used to outline everything and I had tons of little scraps of paper hanging around cluttering up the place. Now I don’t outline anything. I just think of it as trying to cross a raging river by jumping on rocks. Sometimes I make it with ease and sometimes I can’t even see the next rock and I have to take a leap of faith.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I have gotten into the worst habit of editing as I go! I hate it and I can’t break myself of it! It’s very disturbing and gets in my way all the time. I’m forever dancing as I write it’s always One Step Up and Two Steps Back. I have got to stop doing that its interrupts the flow and takes a lot of fun out of the writing process to boot.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I wish I had that kind of money. I’d love to work with a good editor truly I’d give my eye teeth for it. Instead I have a whole troop of beta readers who volunteer to read my work, give feedback, and correct spelling/grammar errors.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Oh yes! My iTunes is always cranking when I write. You’ll find a vast assortment of music on my computer everything from jazz to country but my favorite is Classic Rock. The bulk of my tunes were recorded between 1968 and 1980.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, of course.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I can’t write a pitch or a synopsis to save my soul. My mind just doesn’t work that way and no matter how I tried I could never catch the attention of a larger publisher because of it. There’s only so many rejections one can receive before they either give up or strike out on their own. Being a Yankee I’m very independent and wasn’t about to let my inability to make things short and tidy get in my way. I did catch the attention of several small presses but by that time I was so far down Indie Road there really wasn’t anything they could do for me that I hadn’t already done for myself except take a cut of my profits. Don’t get me wrong I’m willing to take the cut but only for a publishing house that will really get behind me.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I have done all of my own book covers. I hired a designer once. It was a disaster and I was out a few hundred bucks and was the not-so-proud owner of a cover I couldn’t use.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Mostly I’m winging it as I try to find my target audience and doing it on a shoestring budget.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
It’s not a game for the faint of heart!
About You
Where did you grow up?
New London, Connecticut
Where do you live now?
I live in the same house where I grew up right here in New London.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Anything they want to know about me. I’m very approachable so if they have a question they’re just dying to know the answer to all they have to do is ask me. My life is an open book.
What are you working on now?
When Kingdoms of War releases I’m going to be taking an extended hiatus from writing as I need to have carpel tunnel surgery on both of my hands. Typing 100 words a minute for hours on end for 30 years or so does take a toll.
End of Interview:
For more, visit Lisa’s website or blog, like her Facebook page, or follow her on twitter.
In just over a month you can get your copy of Kingdoms of War. Get ready now by reading the rest of the series. Copies of the series, including the final installment once released, are available at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords.
