Author Interview
Greetings, Map Burners!
Fellow Map-Burner and friend of the community Susan Laspe just released a new book last month! (As usual, I’m behind the times.) So far I have only read the first book in the series, and it was a ton of fun. I already have the second book, and it’s near the top of my reading list. Despite her busy schedule, Susan took the time to answer some questions about her stories, process, and life in general. Please check out the interview below!
(Also, click here to get the book OR click here to get a great deal on the whole series!)
1. How long have you been a writer?
I wrote short stories when I was little, but didn’t decide to write to publish until about 2016. It still took me several months to get up the nerve to actually begin writing the first story in my head.
2. What is your basic writing process, and what are your favorite parts of it?
I like writing the firstdrafts, especially the scenes I have been really looking forward to writing. Editing is also fun, because I can brainstorm how to make scenes and verbiage even better than the first draft(s).
3. Can you tell my readers the main idea of your current series?
My current series takes place in medieval England and incorporates Roman mythology—think Percy Jackson in the Middle Ages. A goddess turns a knight into a mythical creature—half-man and half-beast—and kidnaps hundreds of people. The enchanted knight must find the sorceress to rescue the people and get his body back by the summer solstice, or else the world will burn.
4. What inspired you to blend medieval England with classical Roman mythology?
I have always liked history, and learned to love Greek mythology at an early age. When I was deciding what to write for this series, I realized that if mythical Greek gods and monsters can exist in present day New York like in Rick Riordon’s Percy Jackson series, then why not have them show up in medieval England? I chose Roman mythology in particular because Rome had a huge part in early British history (ie: Roman fortresses and roads), and thought that would make the most sense for the time period. I also wanted to learn more about Roman mythology, and am happy that I did! Roman and Greek mythologies are quite similar, and it was fun blending the two together into the Middle Ages.
5. Did you research the periods heavily, or take a "common knowledge" or "right feel" approach?
All of the above. I took some common knowledge, and other things I had to research. I didn’t want to get too heavy in the history to bog the story down, unless it was very pertinent to the story, so I tried to keep things more common in general. I hope I did the time period justice!
6. Do you consider one of these to be your favorite historical periods to learn about, or do you have a different one?
Medieval times have always interested me—the clothing, the language, the castles! However, I have been learning more and more about Ancient Greece and Rome, and ponder writing a story that takes place then sometime, too. Other time periods I have been leaning towards are Early Enlightenment (1700s) and Regency (late 1700s-early 1800s). Really, I like so many time periods, it’s hard to choose! :D
7. How did you come up with the naming pattern for the Rise of the Charioteer books?
It was difficult. The original working title had been “The Centaur’s Dilemma,” but after a while I got tired of it and another friend thought it sounded more like a middle grade book. However, as I wrote the first draft, an image of the main character, Padric, riding a chariot (because chariots are cool!) formed in my mind. The idea always intrigued me, and helped form the direction I wanted his arc to go.
8. What inspired or guided you on the character names in the series?
This is my favorite question. One Sunday at church, the pastor announced that he was going to do a Baptism afterward, and pronounced the baby’s name “Paddarick.” I fell in love with the name, and decided I would use it for my main character if I intended to write a book someday. However, I was about midway through writing the first draft of the first book, Sorcerous, when I got tired of calling him “Pad-a-rick” and shortened it in my head to “Pad-rick.” Thus came the name Padric. Talfryn’s name came from someone in the credits of the early New Doctor Who episodes from 2004, and I just really liked that name. Then for Brynwen, I like the idea of the name Bronwyn, but wanted it to go with Talfryn, since they are twins. “Brynwen” just sounded really pretty to me, and could definitely be a medieval name. The other names I got from a Medieval English names book, or slightly made up, like Rawlins.
9. Are there any other project(s) you are working on right now?
As I finish the final touches to the last book in the Rise of the Charioteer series, I’m currently working on the first in a fairytale retelling series.
10. I know you create your own cover art. How do you think visual art compares to writing in terms of difficulty, enjoyment, and so on?
It was quite difficult trying to decide what elements I wanted to use from the story on my covers. Generally, you only get to choose maybe one or two elements on a cover to convey to the reader what you want them to know about the story, and to make it look enticing to them so they will pick it up. The first cover of my Rise of the Charioteer series took at least five iterations. After that, it was easier to decide what the rest of the covers would look like. However, I enjoyed the challenge—it was just getting over the hurdle of deciding what would make a good cover that could catch the readers’ attention. Compared to writing, I think cover design is a little easier because the writing process takes longer—generally several months, whereas cover design may only take a few weeks depending on the media used.
11. Have you planned the book count/ending for your current series, and, if so, what do you think you'll work on next?
Yes, Delirious, which is being published this April, is the fourth and final book in the Rise of the Charioteer series. I have already begun writing a Rumpelstiltskin retelling with an Oliver Twist-twist (see what I did there! 😁), and will work on three or four other retellings that are all somewhat related after that. Then I’ve an idea for another historical fantasy series that will be to the tune of my current series.
12. Will you tell us a little bit about your publishing process? Do you think you'll follow the same path with future series, or try something different?
I currently self-publish about a book a year. I think for the near future I will stick with self-publishing. If there is a time when my books become really popular, I may look into traditional publishing, but only time will tell.
13. What are some of your favorite activities when you aren't writing?
Oh, there are so many! :D I love reading and watching tv and movies. Baking has become a fun pastime since the pandemic began. I also love crafting, including drawing/art, sewing, and knitting. And board games with my husband and friends have become a love of mine over the past few years. In other words: I keep myself pretty busy!
14. What are your favorite genres or creators of fiction, be it in written form, film, or any other medium?
My favorite genres are fantasy and sci-fi, where there is a lot of action. But I also really like historical fiction, mystery, musicals, the classics, and romcoms. I am a sucker for live musical theatre, as well as reading and watching movies and TV shows.
15. If you could visit any location, real or fictional, which would you choose?
In real life, I would love to go to Italy, especially Rome and Sienna—I have read a few stories that take place in Sienna, and now I really want to travel there. A return trip to England would also be magical. If fictional, I would love to go to Middle Earth from the Lord of the Rings or Narnia.
16. Where can readers go to get your latest book or the first one in that series?
Readers can find my books on my website: https://susanlaspe.com and on most online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and a host of others here: https://books2read.com/u/4joyv5
17. Finally, and most importantly of all, what is your favorite dinosaur?
Haha! I love this question! Brachiosaurus and Triceratops are my two favorites—I just can’t decide which I love more.