Spotlight on Fantasy Author, Rosalie Skinner

Rosalie Skinner resides on the east coast of Australia when not totally immersed in the fantasy world of her writing.

Rosalie’s love of the ocean, nature, history and horses has enabled her to give her books an authentic air. Her latest achievement has been to ride through the Australian Snowy mountains and see the wild brumbies run. When not watching the migrating whales pass her doorstep she has more humble pastimes.

Other than being a published author, her greatest thrill is being a grandmother. Born over fourteen weeks early her granddaughter’s perfect development and growth are a miracle and joy.

Thanks for visiting with us, Rosalie. Tell our readers a little about you. 

Rosalie: I am a portrait painter, and avid reader, turned writer. Also I am a grandmother, and that’s about it. 

If you had to pick only one moment that spurred you to write professionally, what moment is the most inciting?

Rosalie: That’s easy. I began writing when the local library ran out of books and my favorite authors took too long to write and release a new book. Now I know why it took so long between releases.

What an awesome way to come into your career. Does the majority of your work focus within a single theme? If so, what is it?

Rosalie: The general theme running through the Chronicles of Caleath comes from watching a young adult come to terms with chronic illness. Actually three chronic illnesses. Debilitating but not life threatening. To see a successful future and career dissolve, to watch the courage and strength needed to carry on and despite everything become an inspiration to others gave me all the material and background for eight books. The journey of my hero is very loosely a parallel to the struggle I witnessed.

What are you currently working on?

Rosalie: At present I am working on a fantasy novel set in pre iron age, stone age environment. The hero’s quest is to convince his tribe to pack up and sail across the sea before volcanoes and rising oceans swallow their island. As in the Chronicles of Caleath, there is a mix of sci fi with fantasy.

After eight books in the Chronicles of Caleath series, is it scary or exciting to enter a new world?

Rosalie: Interesting question. I was reluctant to leave the world of the Chronicles. I completed a new story, a breakaway story, but it didn't work out well. For this year's Nanowrimo I decided to take a new path and start in a different world. The story worked. As much as I didn't want to leave Caleath's adventures, or his world, I have found it refreshing and inspiring to explore a new set of characters, situations and adventures. Of course I couldn't resist a mix of sci fi with my fantasy. There are still dragons in the new world. For my granddaughter there is a race of sea people. She loves mermaids. For a new companion for my hero I have a ferret. So, it's a change and has been lots of fun. Now comes the hard part of polishing the story.

What is one of your favorite authorial moments from your career so far?

Rosalie: Readers’ reactions. When the phone rang from a reader had bought the books in paperback, read them and wanted the next one. She contacted the shop and when she discovered the author was local, she contacted me. That was wonderful. Another reader said the dragon scene in Exiled: The Legacy of Lathraine’s Pledge, was etched into her mind. That’s the sort of comment you cherish.

Share with us a five year and ten year goal for your writing career.

Rosalie: Five years from now I hope to still be writing. Ditto, ten years. Of course, being able to sell enough books to focus  on writing would be the ultimate goal.

Do you write what you read? Watch? What are your favorite television shows and movies?

Rosalie: When I began writing fantasy I decided to limit my reading of that genre, just in case I inadvertently ‘borrowed’ ideas from other authors. I could still read and enjoy my crime, historic, and mystery novels and watch all the fantasy and sci fi shows. From Dr Who, to Game of Thrones…you name it I will watch it.

If you had one week away from any and all responsibility what would you want to spend your time doing?

Rosalie: As I answer your questions I am in the middle of a week away on a writers’ retreat. A dream I have long wished to indulge. So, the answer is easy…I am writing, chatting with other authors, discussing plots, characters, all things writing, working on my new novel, and when not writing, swimming. Sound perfect… So far, it’s been great.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Rosalie: I am thrilled to be part of this blog, writing short stories and exploring various themes through the year. Thanks, Kai, for allowing me to join in.

On behalf of our readers, thank you for being a part of Lightning Quick Reads! Readers you can find even more information about Rosalie and her books here: Rosalie Skinner Author, Ramblings from Lady Rosalie
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Come back tomorrow for Katie Carroll's GOALS inspired short story.