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Saturday, January 10, 2015

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.

18 comments:

  1. Wow. Horseback riding through Australian mountains, watching migrating whales. Huh. Rosalie, I'll gladly trade you residence, not much going on in Kansas. And I don't even know what a "brumbie" is.

    Nice interview. As a fan of Rosalie's writing, it's always nice to see insight. Keep on rockin' those worlds, R.

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    1. Thanks Stuart,
      The brumbies are probably similar to your mustangs. Domestic horses turned out and now thriving in the wild. They make great riding stock and are tough and hardy.
      I can't complain about where I live. No snow... but that's fine by me. :)

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  2. It was good to get to know a little about you, Rosalie. Your books sound like they're right up my ally, especially your current project.

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    1. Thanks Eric,
      I am enjoying my new project. It's good to be creative again. :)

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  3. Hi, Rosalie! Lots of interesting tidbits I didn't know about you here. :)

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    1. Hi Katie,
      Ahh, so there were things you didn't know? LOL.
      Now all has been revealed.
      Hmm. Perhaps there are still a few things untold. ;)

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  4. I realize you run into all the standard dull drums of life, bills, doctor visits, house cleaning - but I have to say, the picture you paint sounds rather idyllic! Good to know you better, Rosalie.

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    1. Hi Kai,
      Somehow the humdrum can be incorporated in the overall experience of life here. Taking a few minutes to absorb the positive ions while watching the ocean after driving to the shops can restore inspiration and 'Joie de vivre'. Helps to love the sea in all her moods. :)
      Thank you for having me as part of this project. I am thrilled to be here.

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  5. So nice to get to know you better Rosalie and I can't wait to read your stories!

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    1. Thanks Meg,
      It's great to meet you! Looking forward to a great collection of stories to read as the year progresses!

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  6. Lovely interview Kai and Rosalie.
    So happy to hear about your new project Rosalie. I love the idea of the race of sea people and the ferret. Sounds like there'll be plenty of exciting action too. I get the feeling this story will be a little lighter than the tendrils of dark magic woven through the Caleath Chronicles. Looking forward to reading it.

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    1. Thanks Wendy,
      It is much lighter. :) Was lots of fun to write.

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  7. Hi Rosalie! It was fun to see your name in the list of authors here and I'm really excited to read your short stories during the coming months. :)

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    1. Hi Dianne,
      It's a thrill to be part of this blog. I am looking forward to each new post. What a treat.

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  8. Wonderful to get to know you better, as well as your writing, Rosalie! So glad we're part of this blog together :)

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    1. Hi Meradeth,
      It is great to be here and 'meet' everyone. :)

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  9. So lovely to get to know you better, Rosalie!

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  10. Hi Mary,
    I look forward to reading more about each of our authors. :) Kai asked great questions.

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