Author Interview: JC Cassels

Our next heroine is a fugitive who must prove her innocence--if she can live long enough to do so. Author JC Cassels brings us a story with intrigue and exciting characters.

Author Interview: JC Cassels

Tell us about your book in the Daughters of Destiny box set. Who is the heroine, and what is she like?

Bo Barron is an idealistic young pilot, fresh out of the Academy, and full of noble ideas. She’s also the Ostra Child, about to take her place as the ruler of her people in her father’s absence. Before she can officially become The Barron, she’s framed and convicted of mass murder and treason. 
To save her life, she goes on the run, knowing she can never return home until she proves her innocence. Bo quickly learns she has to toughen up and get streetwise. When her father is kidnapped, and someone sets her up to be assassinated, Bo realizes that she’s merely a pawn in a bigger game and the fate of the entire United Galactic Commonwealth is at stake. 

What went into creating her, and how does she interact with the other characters around her?

Bo was born out of a need to see a strong female lead in a Sci-Fi adventure. When I was a child, most of the women in science fiction, especially my beloved space opera, were little more than props or plot devices, something to be rescued, or something used to motivate the hero. That’s great fun for little boys, but this little girl felt like a hero in her own right. So when I couldn’t find a three-dimensional heroine, I created my own. This was more than thirty years ago.

The Black Wing Chronicles is a series of adventures centering on Bo Barron, THE Barron, Chief of Barron Clan, Commander of the Black Wing, First Minister of Mondhuoun, Representative to the Second Sector Galactic Council. SOVRAN’S PAWN is the beginning of her transformation from ingénue to warrior queen. I started with the third book in the series first, BARRON’S LAST STAND. 

SOVRAN’S PAWN and the second book HERO’S END were originally Bo’s back story and I had to deconstruct her from the Scourge of the Seventh Sector into a frightened young woman whose life has just been upended. The hero’s journey has always been one of my favorite stories.

The inspiration for Bo’s behavior in SOVRAN’S PAWN came from Audrey Hepburn’s runaway princess in Roman Holiday… if said runaway princess were a highly trained pilot and military officer. 
Bo is reserved with other characters, always aware of her station. But when a mysterious man steals a kiss and treats her like a woman and not the Ostra Child she can’t help but be rattled. Despite the lies and secrets that lie between them, he becomes one of the few people she trusts.

Do you believe it’s easier to write a female main character rather than a male one? Why?

I enjoy both, actually. I don’t sit down to write a male character or a female character. I focus on writing a three-dimensional, well-developed character. No two people are exactly alike no matter whether they come from the same family, gender, or ethnic background.

Now do I enjoy writing a female main character? Yes, absolutely. One of the things that drove me into writing to begin with was the dearth of strong female leads at the time. I realized that I could either sit around bemoaning the fact that the only characters being written about were either male characters, or badly drawn female characters, or I could apply myself to writing the best damn heroine I could imagine. I chose the latter.

That said, I also enjoy exploring an interesting male psyche which is why Blade gets his own POV in my series. I did tell you that I enjoy both.

What would you define as a “strong heroine”?

One universal trait of heroes and heroines alike is that never-say-die attitude. Never give up, never surrender. When faced with impossible odds, a heroine never stops looking for a solution.

I also prefer the heroine who doesn’t sacrifice her femininity in the process of becoming heroic. There is a courage and dignity in embracing female strength, and it is very different from male strength. I think feminine strength is worth celebrating. It’s feminine strength that holds societies together, building, and creating.

That’s what I hated about Ripley in the Alien series, and Sarah Connor in the Terminator series. In the process of becoming heroic, both women became masculine. The implication is that female strength is somehow less than male strength and a woman must become manly to be strong. That’s just nonsense. Thankfully the 1980’s are behind us and twenty-first century heroines are smart, sassy, sexy, brave, determined, and haven’t got an ounce of quit in them.

Name some of your personal female heroes (real or fictional).

One fictional heroine who comes to mind is the Doctor Who companion Amy Pond. She’s smart, sassy, incredibly brave, and never once gives up looking for a solution, a way out, or the answer to her problem. She’s bold and confident, yet tender and compassionate. She’s also funny. Another fictional heroine I adore is Phryne Fisher from the mystery series. She’s independent, fierce, feisty, yet compassionate and kind. She’s also pretty brilliant and there isn’t much she can’t do.

I adored Agent Peggy Carter. I would have loved to have seen more of her adventures. I think she was under utilized in the Captain America films and in the television series.

The fact is, I like the swaggering, confident heroine (and hero) with a saucy smile who doesn’t take life or danger seriously. Katherine Hepburn played that devil-may-care character to perfection. I think it’s a crime that she never got the chance to play a swashbuckling heroine.

Where can readers find out more about you? Give us the details!

I am all over the place, but I like to hang out on Facebook and I have a website where all of my information goes first.

check out my blog: http://jccassels.com/
follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JCCassels
find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JC-Cassels/131216176902032
or on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5768453.J_C_Cassels

Author Interview: Christa Yelich-Koth

How can a heroine conquer her demons when she doesn't know what they are? Today's interview is with bestselling fantasy author, Christa Yelich-Koth, whose main character has a particular barrier to break through--her own mind.

Author Interview: Christa Yelich-Koth

Tell us about your book in the Daughters of Destiny box set. Who is the heroine, and what is she like?

Daith Tocc is the heroine of ILLUSION. She has the unique disadvantage of having no memories of who she is. In spite of that, and the myriad of lies from those around her, Daith learns not only that she is a competent, insightful, and curious woman, but also that she has special abilities that can give her and edge in her clouded and confused world.

What went into creating her, and how does she interact with the other characters around her?

Daith came quite easily for me. Headstrong and never settling, she always pushes forward, even though she is plagued by fear and doubt. With others, she is a bit cautious, but wants nothing more than to establish friendly relationships, as she feels very much alone and isolated.

Do you believe it’s easier to write a female main character rather than a male one? Why?

I wouldn’t say “easier,” just different. I find I enjoy writing both. With women, I feel like I get to explain more, have them have more inner thoughts and decisions. With men, there is fun in writing impulsive choices and moments of complete loss for words.

What would you define as a “strong heroine”?

A strong heroine is someone who learns to trust in and depend on themselves, but knows that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.

Name some of your personal female heroes (real or fictional).

Real—many of my female friends. So many of them have pursued careers, and not easy ones as that, focused on family if they have one, and still stayed true to themselves. It is such a hard thing to balance and I give them so much credit.

Fictional—I love Calli from the Unaltered Series, Nazafareen from the Fourth Element Series, and Elyse from the Children of the Gods trilogy.

Where can readers find out more about you? Give us the details!

Easiest way is to look up Christa Yelich-Koth. I’m the only person in the world with that name, so whatever pops up, that’s me!

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Author Interview: Sara C. Roethle

What makes a strong heroine? Author Sara C. Roethle shares her view on it (hint: it doesn't have to include superpowers). So let's talk about Sara's main character, Madeline, from her fantasy novel Bitter Ashes.

Author Interview: Sara C. Roethle

Tell us about your book in the Daughters of Destiny box set. Who is the heroine, and what is she like?

Madeline, the heroine of Bitter Ashes, starts out as a bit of a recluse. She’s an empath, but has also managed to accidentally “steal” a few lives (we learn about that later). She starts about a bit timid, but as events progress we learn she is one strong, badass, denizen of death.

What went into creating her, and how does she interact with the other characters around her?

It’s hard to say what really went into creating her. She turned out far different than I had planned. She was supposed to be a little nicer than my heroines from previous books, but I’ve since learned I’m incapable of writing without a bit of snark. Madeline plays nice and leads with her heart until she’s pushed too far, then everyone better watch out.

Do you believe it’s easier to write a female main character rather than a male one? Why?

I actually don’t think that’s the case. When I first started writing I thought I’d only be able to write a woman’s viewpoint, but this series, and others, male POVs have snuck in. I actually really enjoy writing from a male POV, though I prefer stories that center around a female character.

What would you define as a “strong heroine”?

I think a strong heroine is anyone that can stand up for herself and others. She doesn’t have to be a fighter, or have crazy powers…it’s more of a personality trait. It’s the ability to face your fears and do what’s right, no matter what.

Name some of your personal female heroes (real or fictional).

Oooh, this is a tough one. Probably Anais Nin for starters. I’ve always admired how utterly raw and honest her work is. She refused to be shoved into the box of how a woman should think or act. Another one would be Frida Kahlo. I guess I just like women who aren’t afraid to be different, and who express themselves to the fullest extent.

Where can readers find out more about you? Give us the details!

My poorly managed website can be found at: http://saracroethle.com . I don’t update it often, but I do try to answer any emails sent through the contact form! 

Thank you, Sara! Readers, you'll get to meet Madeline and nine other incredible female heroes in the Daughters of Destiny boxed set. Release date is March 2017, so keep up with us on Facebook and be among the first to be notified!

Author Interview: H.B. Lyne

Shapeshifter lovers--this interview is one to read! Today we caught up with fantasy author H.B. Lyne to talk about her heroine, Ariana, whose story will be included in the Daughters of Destiny boxed set.

Author Interview: H.B. Lyne

Tell us about your book in the Daughters of Destiny box set. Who is the heroine, and what is she like?
 

Ariana, aka Stalker-of-Night's-Shadow, is a feisty and independent young shapeshifter. She has a mysterious past, a turbulent present and an uncertain future. Something makes her different from all the other shifters, but she doesn't understand what or why... yet.

Although she lives and works in a pack of her kin, her determination to cling to her humanity, and her need for privacy, keeps her from fully embracing her shifter life and is the cause of all sorts of problems.

What went into creating her, and how does she interact with the other characters around her?

Waaaaay back, Ariana was a character I played in a roleplaying game! But she had a different name and abilities then. As I began writing she emerged on the page. I felt deeply connected to her and she is definitely a bit of an alter-ego for me. 

I wanted to give her a rich back story and to explore that in these books. She is unusually independent for a shapeshifter in my world, who normally work very closely with their pack. She does have a remarkable bond with her pack mates, and a love life separate from them (in fact, secret from them!) and she feels things very deeply.

So she has these amazing connections with people. But she also really struggles to let go of her past, hence the title of my series, Echoes of the Past, and that is really the main source of conflict for her. She is constantly torn inside between the human she used to be, and the shifter she is now.

Do you believe it’s easier to write a female main character rather than a male one? Why?
  

It's different. I have a male point-of-view character in this book too, Stalker's pack mate, Fights-Eyes-Open, and writing him is different. I think Stalker comes more easily to me, because in some ways she is me, but she is still a bit of a petulant teenager (she's 19). Eyes is more mature and carries very different burdens. I enjoy writing him because he is just as complex and deep but very different and a break from the teenage angst.

What would you define as a “strong heroine”?
 

Well, what makes a strong heroic character? I don't think gender necessarily has that much to do with it. It's strength of conviction, flaws that they learn to overcome (the long way around), and the ability to inspire others. I think male and female heroic characters need those traits. 

Of course, in a fantasy world with a similar society to ours, one steeped in patriarchy, the differences come in how that hero interacts with the world and the attitudes of those around them. In that case, a heroine needs to be able to overcome the obstacles that are placed in her way because of her gender. In my series, however, the society in which the shifters live, gender isn't a barrier. There is much more equality than in the real world.

Name some of your personal female heroes (real or fictional).

Almost all of the female characters written by Joss Whedon have to come top.

J.K. Rowling, she really inspired me to become a writer. So of course, Hermione Granger has to get an honorable mention.

I also have tremendous admiration for Sia. I love how she has found a way to be successful doing what she loves, while protecting her identity and privacy.

In the music industry that is really bold; to not bow to what must be enormous pressure to conform to certain aesthetic standards and retain her integrity. That is real world heroism, in my opinion.

Where can readers find out more about you? Give us the details!

My website is a good place to start! http://hblyne.com

I'm also on social media: http://www.twitter.com/hblyne and http://facebook.com/authorhblyne

Thank you, H.B.! We look forward to some action-packed shapeshifting adventures with Ariana.

Readers, you can find this story in the upcoming "Daughters of Destiny Boxed Set" which will release in March 2017. To keep up with us and be among the first to be notified, make sure you're following us on Facebook.

 

Who Run the World? These Girls.

Daughters of Destiny: A Sci-fi & Fantasy Heroines Box Set

Whether you're slaying vampires with Buffy, holding your own with Wonder Woman, or saving the world alongside another favorite heroine, one of the best things about them is that they show us how strong, cunning, and magical a female super hero can be.

They are fun to follow! we want to root for them, watch them fall in love, kick ass and take names, and all with a glorious feminine flair. If you enjoy heroines and super-heroines, you're going to love Daughters of Destiny.

This box set contains TEN complete novels, all gripping and intriguing stories with women rocking rebellions, handing out justice, battling shadow gods, and bending the will of kings.

Release date is March 2017, so make sure to follow us and keep updated! Follow our authors, enter our giveaways (coming soon!).

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