Hello readers. This month’s blog I will be interviewing a Christian Fantasy writer Octavia Mason, the author of The Kingdom of Light. We met through Instagram and became friends. We stay connected and engage with other fellow writers. Now let's give our guests a warm welcome.
Can you tell us about yourself?
Octavia: “I fell in love with storytelling in high school when “forced” to take a creative writing class. Ever since then, writing poetry and novels has become a beautiful escape. This love for writing is why I give practical writing tips to beginner writers on my YouTube channel.
I’m also a romantic at heart, but don’t tell anyone. I love to love romance books and have a hearty ebook collection to prove it. When I’m not fawning over love stories, I’m getting my hands dirty with creating digital art and somewhat nursing my plant, Birkie, back to health.”
Haha, I get it. You are not alone. We all have secrets don't we? I will keep your secret safe ;) Yes, I agree. Writing is a lovely way to express our creativity. And I like to draw too. I’m glad you nursed your plant back to health. What inspired you to write The Kingdom of Light?
Octavia: “It began when my high school creative writing teacher said the class had to write a short story. I knew then my story had to include people with powers because ever since I can remember, I’ve been intrigued by the average person surpassing the rules of the world by wielding heroic abilities. Then I said, “Let’s take it a step further. Why not create my own species of superhumans who have to fight against an unyielding darkness.” Thus, The Kingdom of Light.”
That is cool. Hey, I have been there. I had one of my short stories turned into a novel. We all have to start somewhere, right? Now, since your series is a contemporary fantasy, why write in that genre?
Octavia: “As most people probably have, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have the superhuman abilities seen on movie & TV screens. What would it truly be like to feel the earth slip from under my feet as I lift to the sky in flight? Or how it would feel to have currents of electricity move through my hands and shoot from the tips of my fingers.
With these questions swirling through my mind, I thought it fitting to create The Kingdom of Light in the real world, where a normal college student stumbles upon powers that transcend her into a reality only dreamt of.”
Ah, that would make sense. I imagine writing the series with superpowers is a challenge. Since you shared what led you into writing this genre, what book do you like reading?
Octavia: “Since childhood, sci-fi and fantasy have been a world that has captured me. Reading novels with these genres is only natural and provides such a beautiful journey for me. As mentioned earlier, I love romance, which is why I have a plethora of Christian Fiction Romance on my Kindle.”
There is no rule you can’t write more than genres. I don’t stick to one genre either. While I enjoy writing contemporary romance, in my heart, I like writing fantasy too. You have published several books, what is your favorite process in publishing?
Octavia: “My favorite process in publishing is creating the covers of my books. Each book I’ve published and will publish is designed by me. From painting to illustration, I can do it all. So, I take great joy in being able to take my story and craft it into a book cover that tells the world with one glance what they will receive when flipping through the pages of my novels.”
Awesome! Creating your own cover can be challenging but if you have the skill to do it then go for it. I've done some cover myself when I first published three short-stories. But since I lack graphic design, I prefer to hire someone who has that skill. I do like your cover. It is quite captivating and caught my attention! Is there going to be a sequel to The Kingdom of Light?
Octavia: “A sequel to The Kingdom of Light is a current WIP for me, and fair warning, it will not be the last book in the series. There is so much more to the story to be told! My upcoming release will be an anniversary edition to my previous book, Not by Chance. You can expect to see it in September 2022.”
That’s exciting. I can’t wait to read! Before we end, I have one last question. If someone wants to write a contemporary fantasy, what advice would you give them?
Octavia: “The advice I would give is as simple as this: Imagine if it was you—today, at this very moment—experiencing such a fantastical world. Take in all those incredulous, extraordinary powers, abilities, and beings and then form them into a story that not only readers believe but one that begs even you, the creator, to stay in it as long as possible.”
Thank you Octavia for joining us and sharing your journey with us."
Octavia: “Thank you for inviting me to be a guest on your blog! I’ve enjoyed sharing about my writing journey and hope you all will enjoy the journey that is my novels!”
I encourage you to check out her published works. HERE to see her books. You can visit her website www.octaviadmason.com or follow her on Instagram @Octaviamason Facebook @Octaviamason and YouTube @ODMWriting
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