It came from a recurring dream that I had over a 5-year period. Once I started writing about it the dreams stopped, so it feels like God gave me the dream for this very purpose.
Chantae Oliver – 9 September 2019
The Back Flap
18-year-old Rhiannon, the last fairy princess, has spent the last 8 years going through the motions of her life after witnessing the murder of her parents.
Traumatized from her inability to help them, she freely allows the High Council to make most decisions for her.
That is, until, the person who killed her parents is found and she is given a chance to use her unique and developing powers to get revenge.
After spending so long avoiding any decision making, Rhiannon now faces a moral decision that she can’t evade.
About the book
What is the book about?
The Dream Weaver is book one of a series and introduces us to the main character Rhiannon. Despite being the last full-blooded fairy princess, her life has been everything but a fairy tale. She witnessed the brutal murder of her parents at a young age, is betrothed to be married after graduating high school, and has lived under the control of the High Council ever since her parents’ deaths. One night, however, it is discovered that she has powers that were once thought to be extinct. With them, she is given the opportunity to avenge her parents. The choice she makes will change everything.
When did you start writing the book?
I began writing in 2017.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took 2 years to reach completion. Between pregnancies, motherhood, and moving – life got in the way sometimes.
Where did you get the idea from?
It came from a recurring dream that I had over a 5-year period. Once I started writing about it the dreams stopped, so it feels like God gave me the dream for this very purpose.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I mainly struggled with believing in myself and accepting that this is my purpose. To write.
What came easily?
The characters! At this point as I write the third book in the series, it’s like they’re writing the story now.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Some personalities and even one character’s name come from real world people – but overall, they’ve evolved into their own entities.
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?
I really enjoy the writing styles of Cassandra Clare, Nicola Yoon, and Angie Thomas. They all have a certain fluidity and lyrical quality to the way they write even though their subjects are all so different.
Do you have a target reader?
I would say my target readers would be 13 and up – any sex. My characters are extremely diverse in every sense so I feel people from all over the world can find someone to connect with in the series.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I’m a pantser/plotter mix! If I hit a wall, it always helps for me to outline because it gets my mind refocused on the continuation of the storyline. However, once I hit the groove, that outline tends to be thrown out the window!
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I usually outline the entire book and put it on a cork board. This way, even if things get changed as I write, I can make notes and add them to the board. I do this to keep track of new details and ensure consistency in my stories.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
A little of both. If I’m really in a groove I tend to just plow forward because once I turn on editing brain, the creative side gets quiet.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I have many people in my life who come together and help me edit.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping? A
Absolutely! I have an entire playlist that is for writing this series. The main song is Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mack for obvious reasons.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I did only once. I actually didn’t even wait for that response before I chose self-publishing.
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 realized that I needed this opportunity to get my feet wet in publishing and see if I really have the drive to do it. Now that I know I do I’m excited to move forward with more self-published works and use this drive to market and create.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I got it professionally done by the superbly creative Logan Keys.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
A little of both? It’s a learn as you go process.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Start getting your social media presence up now! There is no community like the writing communities across every platform who will cheer for you louder or give you better advice. Reach out to them!
About You
Where did you grow up?
All over! I’m a military brat and now military wife.
Where do you live now?
USA
What would you like readers to know about you?
My goal is to represent multiple cultures, sexes, orientations, and beyond in my books. I want to give people the chance to fall in love with characters that look and feel like them.
End of Interview:
For more from Chantae visit her website, follow her on Twitter, and like her Facebook page.
Get your copy of The Dream Weavers from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
