dAuthors Volume IV : Gypsy Scar

To get to know more about the author and her novel, I took the time to ask her some questions that were both generic to many writers, as well as others that were more specific to her story.

When did you begin writing?

I've been writing since before I can remember. I use to write poetry when I was younger. Among other short stories, I still have a student compilation book from one of my very early grade school classes with a short fiction story of mine printed in it.

I started writing my first novel when I was about 11 and I still have the idea on the back-burner for a future release for children/adolescent readers. The concept never left me, but I have since moved on to more complex and dramatic plots as I have aged.

Where did the idea for your novel come from? Were there any particular inspirations?

I've always loved pirate adventure stories and I'm a huge fan of fantasy fiction that takes place in the olden days. The Three Musketeers and Robin Hood are big favorites of mine. Of all of the books I am currently working on, this is the only one with an anti-hero main character. As far as his roguish appeal goes, there's probably a tiny sliver of Jack Sparrow in Draco somewhere, though he has proven to be distinctly different in the way he handles dangerous situations.

Who is your favourite character from the novel and why?

My favorite in Gypsy Scar is a character who has not come into play just yet - a young clairvoyant named Christine. She is a very intelligent and strong willed character that may or may not have the power to sway Draco from his malevolent ways.

Who do you think the hardest character to write has been?

I have to say in all honesty, that Draco has been by far my most difficult character to write about. He is stubborn and has many personality quirks. There have been times while writing where I did not fully agree with the way he chose to handle a situation, but as a writer, it's up to me to tell his story the way it WANTS to be told. I believe it's more organic and authentic that way.

Your story centers around the time of piracy. What began your interest in pirates (if any)?

My love for pirates began in 1990 with the LucasArts game series Monkey Island. I fell in love with the bumbling young character Guybrush Threepwood and his hilarious adventures in trying to become a "mighty pirate". I've loved pirate stories ever since, with the first movie installment of Pirates of the Caribbean being another favorite. I'm not too big on modern day pirates, though.

Draco and Jacques are such an odd and at the same time, hilariously adorable duo. What is your favourite scene of them together in the novel?

When I had set out to write the book originally, Jacques wasn't even part of the picture, but as soon as I started visualizing the story, he popped in. Most of my readers really adore him and so do I. He is the rock that grounds Draco. I love his politeness and how he takes everything in stride. I don't really have a favorite scene of them together in particular, but one of the ones I probably smiled at the most was their meeting and introduction in chapter 1, right before Draco collapses in a drunken stupor. It was simplistic, brief and laughable, the type of odd friendship/meeting story you could tell your kids.

Is there a certain lesson that you want to teach in the novel?

Yes. The main idea in Gypsy Scar is the question of whether or not you are destined to your preordained fate, or if you can truly alter the person you were meant to become.