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C.E. Laureano | Building A World from "What-If?"
Every great story begins with a "what-if?" What if the world were struck with a
horrible plague that killed 99% of the population? (Stephen King's The
Stand) What if a boy was trapped in a rowboat with a tiger? (Yann Martel's
Life of Pi) What if a man was locked away for a crime he didn't commit?
(Alexandre Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo) The dramatic "what-if,"
whether it's just an image or the heart of a conflict, is what propels a story
forward and makes a novel memorable long after it's over.
As a fantasy writer, "what-if" is a staple of my trade. I've had a love affair
with Ireland for as long as I remember: its landscape, its people, its music,
history, and culture. But the idea of writing a historical novel set in Ireland,
especially during the dark ages, that mythical time of heroic literature, was
daunting. So I applied my "what-if" to a fantasy scenario: what if a land
existed just like Ireland... but different? Divided by clan and religion, as the
real island's bloody history attests, but guided by a prophecy that held out
hope for a united future?
And what if all those stories of great warriors, faeries, and curses were not
merely myth and folklore, but pure, unadulterated truth?
The result was OATH OF THE
BROTHERHOOD, the first book in my fantasy trilogy, Song of Seare. My
pseudo-Ireland came alive as the Isle of Seare, home to four warring kingdoms
and their ancient secrets. It's a land where the sidhe have a darker,
more sinister purpose. Where the fearless, god-like Red Branch Knights from the
Ulster Cycle take on new life as a secretive warrior-brotherhood devoted to an
ancient prophecy. A land where magic is entwined in every breath and points its
users to a higher purpose. And a place where a dismissed and discounted musician
could become the hero of an entire people.
In the end, Seare embodied everything I loved about my beloved Ireland: its
history, independence, warmth, and magic. By incorporating the real, the
mythological, and the purely fantastic, I was able to write an homage to the
actual country and give my initial "what-if" a reality in a way that—I
hope—will live on long after the pages of the book are closed.
About C.E. Laureano
C.E. Laureano's
love of fantasy began with a trip through a magical wardrobe, and she has never
looked back. She's happiest when her day involves martial arts, swords, and a
well-choreographed fight scene, though when pressed, she'll admit to a love of
theater and travel as well. Appropriately, she's the wife to a martial arts
master and mom to two boys who spend most of their time jumping off things and
finding objects to turn into light sabers. They live in Denver, Colorado with a
menagerie of small pets.
Connect with her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Giveaway to a commenter includes a copy of OATH OF THE BROTHERHOOD
plus a Starbucks Card.
Comments
24 comments posted.
Re: C.E. Laureano | Building A World from "What-If?"
Love the cover. Sounds like a very good book.
(Sue Brandes 7:03am February 21, 2014)
The synopsis sounds great. Thanks.
(Pam Howell 7:19am February 21, 2014)
unfamiliar with your writings...but love to read anything re: ireland...and this sounds interesting.
(Mal Kaplan 7:38am February 21, 2014)
i love the cover thanks for the giveaway the book sounds
really good
(Denise Smith 8:55am February 21, 2014)
Can't wait to read this book, it sounds wonderful and I love the cover!!
(Bonnie Capuano 9:28am February 21, 2014)
This one sounds so interesting. I am reading Dominion as a
"what-if" but more on real life. I love books on Ireland even
though this is still on my list to visit. A little magic in a
book always works. Appreciate the giveaway.
(Leona Olson 10:03am February 21, 2014)
This novel sounds captivating and very special. Love this
locale and plot.
(Sharon Berger 12:07pm February 21, 2014)
All I can say is - "What if I were fortunate enough to win your book?" Then I could curl up in my favorite chair, with a Starbucks bevarage, my kitties, and get whisked off to your Isle of Seare, at lease for a while. Great post and awesome cover!! Can't wait to read your trilogy!!
(Peggy Roberson 12:39pm February 21, 2014)
Book sounds great,also love the cover. Thanks for a chance to win.
(Linda Hall 12:43pm February 21, 2014)
Book sounds good. Unfamiliar with this author.
(Tina Lechuga 1:02pm February 21, 2014)
Have not read your books but this one sounds and looks really good. I hope I win! Thanks for the chance.
(Vennie Martinisi 1:38pm February 21, 2014)
Love finding authors that are new to me. Gets me going!
(Barbara Wells 2:49pm February 21, 2014)
Oh this sounds like my kind of series!
(Colleen Conklin 3:36pm February 21, 2014)
love the cover and tehn the blurb on it love to read a d blog on it
(Desiree Reilly 4:56pm February 21, 2014)
Sounds like a very interesting book and who doesn't love Starbucks!
(Denise Austin 9:14pm February 21, 2014)
This book sounds fantastic, my ancestors are from Ireland,and
I've always wanted to visit there; a fantasy book with a land
like Ireland sounds perfect! I would love to win this book!!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway :)
(Sara Doyle 9:56pm February 21, 2014)
This sounds like a great premise!
(Janie McGaugh 10:31pm February 21, 2014)
What if.... I have read all of my life. I adore fantasy,
fiction, romance and all genres in between. That being
said, my husband once said that I could write stories
because I read so much. I was dumbstruck because I do not
have the detailed dreams for the what if... question.
Authors have a story begging to be told that not every one
has. I truly admire the drive and skill that it takes to
put your vision into words.
(Marcia Berbeza 11:16pm February 21, 2014)
Oooo Very interesting! Love the cover too!
(Glenda Martillotti 11:25pm February 21, 2014)
I love the book cover. I also love that the story is in Ireland. Ireland has been a magical country to me but I have never been there. Love to read about their myths and legends.
(Kai Wong 4:48pm February 22, 2014)
What an exciting book! Intriguing cover. Thanks for sharing.
(Bonnie H 11:48pm February 22, 2014)
I can see how WHAT IF?... would be invaluable.
(Mary Preston 5:27am February 23, 2014)
Thanks for imagining a new "What if?" With Ireland as a
backdrop, I bet you'll be turning over new rocks, graves and
changing history - if that's possible. It reminds me of a
kids asking, "How come?"
(Alyson Widen 5:36pm February 25, 2014)
the cover really catches your eyes, looking forward to
reading this book :)
(Sarah Hansrote 4:37am February 28, 2014)
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