Hello, Rosalie Skinner

 Thank you so much for being here, Lady Rosalie Skinner.

1: What genre do you write?

I write Science fiction Fantasy.

2: How long have you been writing?

Since 1988. When I found I had exhausted the local libraries and my favorite authors didn’t write fast enough. I decided I would write my own story.

3: What do you like the most and least about writing?

When I write I tend to become obsessive, that’s the least desirable trait. The best, well hearing back from readers who want you to write more, is the biggest thrill of all.

4: What do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?

When not writing obsessively, you mean? Then I am happiest being a grandmother.

5: Which authors do you like to read?

I tend to avoid reading Fantasy authors while I am writing, but I will indulge in crime, Michael Connolly, Harlan Coban, and for a little history I read Bernard Cornwall.

6: What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

Hmm, that I am about to become a published author with Museitup Publishing and I am to host a Fantasy writing workshop at the Museonline Free Writer’s conference.

7: Tell me about your current novel, where I can find it?

This month will see the second book in the series The Chronicles of Caleath released. Exiled: Winter’s Curse can be found on the Museitup Publishing website or a link is also on my website at www.Rosalieskinner.com

8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Never give up. Keep writing. Keep reading. Listen to advice, grasp the concepts and apply them as you feel they enhance your writing. Let the advice that doesn’t seem to apply stand and simmer. One day it may be helpful.

9: Do you base your characters on real-life people?

Not intentionally. The courage though, to face life’s adversity came from watching someone close face the changes that came from coping and learning to live with a chronic debilitating disease. One character is named after, if not based on a real person. A dear friend who asked to be in the books, the last time I saw her, is now a character and appears in several of the books in The Chronicles of Caleath. She will also appear in the next series.

10: How did you come up with the idea for this book?

I have always loved the fantasy genre and science fiction too. So that was a base to work on. Then I have taken aspects of life around us and applied them to Caleath’s world. We live in a strange environment, I guess that’s where I found most of my ideas. In Caleath’s world people are learning to live with virtual reality games, real life TV shows, big brother watching for entertainment, drugs, environmental problems, relationships that don’t follow Hollywood parameters and the hiccups life throws down as challenges to living. Then I add a lot of imagination and fantasy ideas too. Pirates, dragons, whales, magic, damsels with attitude and heroes on horseback.

11: What are you currently working on?

I have a WIP. The second book in a new series that follows the Chronicles of Caleath. It is on standby at present as I work toward the release of the eight books in the first series. With editing and promoting I am kept pretty busy.

12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

I can be contacted through my website, or blog. I love to hear from readers and other authors.

13. Where can we find you? Website? Blog?

Website: Rosalieskinner.com

Blog: Ramblings from Lady Rosalie http://rosalieskinner.blogspot.com

Thank you Roseanne for hosting me today.

EXCERPT: Exiled: Winter’s Curse

Unedited

Despite the unexpected appearance of a threat in their midst, the experienced bandits reacted with lightning reflexes. Men swarmed from the cave, drawing bows and steel. They took no chances once they identified their quarry.

Caleath spent precious moments removing bowmen from the fray.

With the instinct of a Rampartian cat, he leapt to the ground, before he drew steel. His Karadorian blade ran red with firelight and dark blood as he brandished the weapon.

The encounter raged unhampered by convention. A bloodthirsty melee ensued where drawn blood drew savage reprisal. Caleath thrust and parried. Striking high, blocking low he lunged forward to take out one adversary while blocking another.

He withdrew his sword to counter-thrust past a badly executed onslaught. Relentless, desperate attacks, driven by anger and fear, caused lethal misjudgment. Another antagonist fell before Caleath’s tireless blade. When the sword snagged under the dying man’s weight Caleath feinted. He snatched the wrist of an unguarded arm flailing toward him.

With a wicked twist, he snapped the arm back. The sound of fracturing bone echoed with the scream while Caleath hefted free his sword and silenced the bandit’s agony.

Two brigands maintained their assault. Caleath caught a fleeting image of a third, somehow lost from sight. His adversaries worked as a team, moving with experience and care to engage him.

From nowhere a silent missile struck Caleath, missing his temple by a hair’s breadth. He tried to turn but black pain exploded in his skull. The young survivor from the village, safely out of reach of Caleath’s sword, smiled and lowered a slingshot.

Caleath staggered against the bole of the fig. Fighting to stay conscious, he watched two brigands step forward to finish the fight.

Unable to raise his sword, Caleath closed his eyes and waited for death. He heard the unforgettable whistle of arrows. He didn’t feel the quarrels strike. Darkness caressed him. The abyss offered sweet oblivion and he sank onto his haunches.