Interview on Damned Soul
January 1, 2012
- Here we are today with Chiara Cilli, author of The Queen of the Underworld Series. First, would you like to tell us about your series? Is there anything you'd like to add to the official description?
It's the story of Morwen, the Heir to the throne of the Underworld, of her war with the Gods of Penthànweald, who want her dead because she is destined to become the absolute ruler, and of her intense and tragic love story with the Prince Galadir. It's an unusual fantasy, everything revolves around this evil and merciless creature and her way of seducing even with a glance. The protagonist is not the usual fearless and pure-hearted heroine, but is cruel and fights for herself, not to save the people of Penthànweald. Even when it may not seem like, she is acting only for herself and for Galadir, of course. So, one could say that the darkness of evil prevail in this series.
- How did the idea for the book? From what you've been inspired?
I've always been fascinated by the "dark side" of the characters in books and movies, and I thought: "Why do Evil must always die and Good must always triumph?" So was born Morwen, the embodiment of all the nuances of the evil that I always loved.
- Are there writers who inspired you? For style, modus operandi, settings etc...
The first fantasy novel I read was Eragon, and from there I went into the world of fantasy. Then I discovered Licia Troisi and I started to write in her style for the first three books, then I tacked on urban fantasy readings for adults at the last book of the series and I discovered the superb writing of Keri Arthur. I can not draw inspiration from anything, except to my muses, for the simple fact that no one does evil triumph. It's all there the fun!
- Going back to series, did you base your characters on someone you really know? If yes, in wich ways?
Yes, in every way. For my books I always choose various actors who are capable of arousing in me emotions that I need for the story. Those who have accompanied me for the entire series are two people who totally reflect every mottle of the characters they play in my mind.
- Very often characters reflect in part the author himself, how much of yourself is in your characters?
All ask me this question but the answer is always the same: nothing. I would not dream of contaminating the characters with something of me and making them weak and vulnerable - two words taboo for the Queen of the Underworld!
- Let us analyze in more detail the protagonists. We read that the protagonist, Morwen, owes her name to the Elvish language, and means Black Maiden. How did you get the idea for this name? Was it a natural process due to her location in the Underworld, or did you take a while to find a suitable name?
No, it did not take much time. Morwen is passionate, strong, ruthless and relentless, and her name had to sound scary and sexy at the same time, just like her. When I read the meaning of the name of Morwen I just said: "Perfect."
- The same elven derivation is also found in the name of the male protagonist, Galadir, whose name should mean master / man of light. In your imagination, was born before the name or the character?
Of course the character was born first. Galadir had to be the opposite of Morwen, bright and fun: he had to be different from what she had met, he had to be so blinding to blind her completely. And so it was ...
- Another character certainly very important is Hurrichein, the Black Winged Horse, Morwen's companion. Why the choice of the horse? Does he have any symbolic meaning?
I practiced riding for ten years and when I thought about the most majestic animal to accompany the divine Morwen, I had no doubt. The Black Winged Horse was created to give more power to what is Morwen: when they are together they exude absolute power and I wanted that everyone who meets them trembles as they pass. So Hurrichein is also a tremendous death machine like his partner.
- The series is certainly full of interesting characters. About the smaller ones, who would you have wanted to give more space?
I would have liked to talk about the background of Andrer's life after his separation with Morwen. But I can not tell you much, otherwise... spoiler!
- We read that while you made your characters, you had in mind who could represent them. Would you like to say it even to our readers?
Milla Jovovich is always been the woman who gave me inspiration for Morwen. Ryan Sypek was my Galadir since the beginning.
- Why these choices?
Milla perfectly embodies the seductive and deadly nature of the Heir even when she doesn't interpret an action movie (take Alice in Resident Evil, for example). Ryan is the Prince in all his aspects, even when he is not playing, just like Milla. Imagine them together is spectacular!
- So if someone would propose you a movie of the series, would you accept? At what cost? For example, if someone impose you substantial changes, would you meet the director, or would you say no?
Difficult question! Now a lot of television or film adaptations does not reflect the book story, but they have very successful anyway, so I can not really say that!
- Reading about the series, there is often the presence of Priests, Priestesses, Gods etc... Has the series therefore also a kind of religious trend? How is the Religion understood by your characters?
No, no, there's no train religious. Gods are there, yes, but they have a very marginal role: the Protégés do the dirty work, while their Gods observe without intervening directly.
- The books also have a very well defined setting . You have made even a hypothetical map of Penthànweald, the land where the story takes place. From this point of view, was you inspired by other authors such as Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), or do you think that the presence of a map is required in a fantasy book?
No, I have never been inspired by Tolkien, but I think it is easier for readers to have handy a map with which they can better target during the movement of characters.
- Is there the map on the covers of books?
Yes, it's inside.
- Where does the name of Penthànweald?
It's a combination of the Old English words proposed by the editor: pentha means five, as the five lands that make up the Great Land, while ànweald means empire.
- How we can read the whole series consists of 1524 pages well. While you wrote, did you withhold yourself for fear of exceeding? Are there things you would have liked to deepen but, for reasons of space, you could not?
No, I never withheld. Again, I would have chosen to explore the history of Andrer, but I didn't and I can not say why! I could exceed in last book, where Morwen's past is revealed, but I already finished a novel spin-off, which tells about her the three years in the Kingdom of the Winged Horses.
-Any spoilers?
I can give you some spoilers of the book that follows The awakeing of the Fire by saying that the handsome Prince Galadir will have to survive between rivers of blood, gruesome torture and the crazy seduction that brings the irresistible aroma of Death.
- As far as we can read, you already have in process another series that goes pretty quickly, and many other ideas. Do you think to remain connected to the fantasy genre or you will space in other genres?
I will space from the paranormal and urban fantasy. The series sequel of The Queen of the Underworld has already been completed and has nearly 900 pages; two other paranormal novels and the spin-off of Morwen are ready and a cross-over about a character of the series sequel of The Queen of the Underworld is work in progress. I have also scheduled two other urban fantasy series.
- What did you think when you saw for the first time your book on the shelves of a bookstore?
I think it's an indescribable feeling to every writer, but I would sum it up with three letters: OMG!
- I see you make a strong use of social networks like Facebook or Twitter. How important do you think they are to advertise a book?
A lot of importance, I would say. Today the use of social networks is on the agenda, so they are an excellent showcase for launch.
- How much do you think accounts maintain a relationship with the fans through them?
I think that matters so much: it is important that the fans can share their opinions and impressions with the writer.
- How did you get the passion for fantasy? Are you a fan of books like that? What was the first book of fantastic character that you've read?
It's born with Christopher Paolini and his Eragon and since then it has never left me, pushing me towards Licia Troisi and then to the other fantasy books.
- We read that you are also fond of cartoons, in fact your first fan fiction related to Mew Mew and Vegeta. What are your favorite cartoons? Look at them today?
Yeah, it is true, I'm a big fan of cartoons and I still not lose even one episode of Naruto! I must admit that I get a lot of inspiration from them, and my favorites are Dragonball, Mew Mew, Rossana, Sailor Moon ... more you have, and so forth!
- Do you have other passions besides writing?
Graphic is always been my passion, besides reading of course!
- A word of advice to those who would like to pursue this career? Who to trust? From who stay away? How to get around?
My advice is never give up. Beware of those who ask you to publish with a monetary contribution - unless you are absolutely sure of the people to whom you're relying on - and be firm in your goals, but always retaining the humility that doesn't make you go through arrogant. Believe in it and you will realize your dream!
- Well, I would say that we can consider the interview ended. Have you something to add? Want to say hello to all the forums? =)
I hope you like the first book of my series and I hope you remain "burned" by the seductive and deadly Morwen!
A mega hug to the users of the forum Damned Soul!
Italian Version
- Here we are today with Chiara Cilli, author of The Queen of the Underworld Series. First, would you like to tell us about your series? Is there anything you'd like to add to the official description?
It's the story of Morwen, the Heir to the throne of the Underworld, of her war with the Gods of Penthànweald, who want her dead because she is destined to become the absolute ruler, and of her intense and tragic love story with the Prince Galadir. It's an unusual fantasy, everything revolves around this evil and merciless creature and her way of seducing even with a glance. The protagonist is not the usual fearless and pure-hearted heroine, but is cruel and fights for herself, not to save the people of Penthànweald. Even when it may not seem like, she is acting only for herself and for Galadir, of course. So, one could say that the darkness of evil prevail in this series.
- How did the idea for the book? From what you've been inspired?
I've always been fascinated by the "dark side" of the characters in books and movies, and I thought: "Why do Evil must always die and Good must always triumph?" So was born Morwen, the embodiment of all the nuances of the evil that I always loved.
- Are there writers who inspired you? For style, modus operandi, settings etc...
The first fantasy novel I read was Eragon, and from there I went into the world of fantasy. Then I discovered Licia Troisi and I started to write in her style for the first three books, then I tacked on urban fantasy readings for adults at the last book of the series and I discovered the superb writing of Keri Arthur. I can not draw inspiration from anything, except to my muses, for the simple fact that no one does evil triumph. It's all there the fun!
- Going back to series, did you base your characters on someone you really know? If yes, in wich ways?
Yes, in every way. For my books I always choose various actors who are capable of arousing in me emotions that I need for the story. Those who have accompanied me for the entire series are two people who totally reflect every mottle of the characters they play in my mind.
- Very often characters reflect in part the author himself, how much of yourself is in your characters?
All ask me this question but the answer is always the same: nothing. I would not dream of contaminating the characters with something of me and making them weak and vulnerable - two words taboo for the Queen of the Underworld!
- Let us analyze in more detail the protagonists. We read that the protagonist, Morwen, owes her name to the Elvish language, and means Black Maiden. How did you get the idea for this name? Was it a natural process due to her location in the Underworld, or did you take a while to find a suitable name?
No, it did not take much time. Morwen is passionate, strong, ruthless and relentless, and her name had to sound scary and sexy at the same time, just like her. When I read the meaning of the name of Morwen I just said: "Perfect."
- The same elven derivation is also found in the name of the male protagonist, Galadir, whose name should mean master / man of light. In your imagination, was born before the name or the character?
Of course the character was born first. Galadir had to be the opposite of Morwen, bright and fun: he had to be different from what she had met, he had to be so blinding to blind her completely. And so it was ...
- Another character certainly very important is Hurrichein, the Black Winged Horse, Morwen's companion. Why the choice of the horse? Does he have any symbolic meaning?
I practiced riding for ten years and when I thought about the most majestic animal to accompany the divine Morwen, I had no doubt. The Black Winged Horse was created to give more power to what is Morwen: when they are together they exude absolute power and I wanted that everyone who meets them trembles as they pass. So Hurrichein is also a tremendous death machine like his partner.
- The series is certainly full of interesting characters. About the smaller ones, who would you have wanted to give more space?
I would have liked to talk about the background of Andrer's life after his separation with Morwen. But I can not tell you much, otherwise... spoiler!
- We read that while you made your characters, you had in mind who could represent them. Would you like to say it even to our readers?
Milla Jovovich is always been the woman who gave me inspiration for Morwen. Ryan Sypek was my Galadir since the beginning.
- Why these choices?
Milla perfectly embodies the seductive and deadly nature of the Heir even when she doesn't interpret an action movie (take Alice in Resident Evil, for example). Ryan is the Prince in all his aspects, even when he is not playing, just like Milla. Imagine them together is spectacular!
- So if someone would propose you a movie of the series, would you accept? At what cost? For example, if someone impose you substantial changes, would you meet the director, or would you say no?
Difficult question! Now a lot of television or film adaptations does not reflect the book story, but they have very successful anyway, so I can not really say that!
- Reading about the series, there is often the presence of Priests, Priestesses, Gods etc... Has the series therefore also a kind of religious trend? How is the Religion understood by your characters?
No, no, there's no train religious. Gods are there, yes, but they have a very marginal role: the Protégés do the dirty work, while their Gods observe without intervening directly.
- The books also have a very well defined setting . You have made even a hypothetical map of Penthànweald, the land where the story takes place. From this point of view, was you inspired by other authors such as Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), or do you think that the presence of a map is required in a fantasy book?
No, I have never been inspired by Tolkien, but I think it is easier for readers to have handy a map with which they can better target during the movement of characters.
- Is there the map on the covers of books?
Yes, it's inside.
- Where does the name of Penthànweald?
It's a combination of the Old English words proposed by the editor: pentha means five, as the five lands that make up the Great Land, while ànweald means empire.
- How we can read the whole series consists of 1524 pages well. While you wrote, did you withhold yourself for fear of exceeding? Are there things you would have liked to deepen but, for reasons of space, you could not?
No, I never withheld. Again, I would have chosen to explore the history of Andrer, but I didn't and I can not say why! I could exceed in last book, where Morwen's past is revealed, but I already finished a novel spin-off, which tells about her the three years in the Kingdom of the Winged Horses.
-Any spoilers?
I can give you some spoilers of the book that follows The awakeing of the Fire by saying that the handsome Prince Galadir will have to survive between rivers of blood, gruesome torture and the crazy seduction that brings the irresistible aroma of Death.
- As far as we can read, you already have in process another series that goes pretty quickly, and many other ideas. Do you think to remain connected to the fantasy genre or you will space in other genres?
I will space from the paranormal and urban fantasy. The series sequel of The Queen of the Underworld has already been completed and has nearly 900 pages; two other paranormal novels and the spin-off of Morwen are ready and a cross-over about a character of the series sequel of The Queen of the Underworld is work in progress. I have also scheduled two other urban fantasy series.
- What did you think when you saw for the first time your book on the shelves of a bookstore?
I think it's an indescribable feeling to every writer, but I would sum it up with three letters: OMG!
- I see you make a strong use of social networks like Facebook or Twitter. How important do you think they are to advertise a book?
A lot of importance, I would say. Today the use of social networks is on the agenda, so they are an excellent showcase for launch.
- How much do you think accounts maintain a relationship with the fans through them?
I think that matters so much: it is important that the fans can share their opinions and impressions with the writer.
- How did you get the passion for fantasy? Are you a fan of books like that? What was the first book of fantastic character that you've read?
It's born with Christopher Paolini and his Eragon and since then it has never left me, pushing me towards Licia Troisi and then to the other fantasy books.
- We read that you are also fond of cartoons, in fact your first fan fiction related to Mew Mew and Vegeta. What are your favorite cartoons? Look at them today?
Yeah, it is true, I'm a big fan of cartoons and I still not lose even one episode of Naruto! I must admit that I get a lot of inspiration from them, and my favorites are Dragonball, Mew Mew, Rossana, Sailor Moon ... more you have, and so forth!
- Do you have other passions besides writing?
Graphic is always been my passion, besides reading of course!
- A word of advice to those who would like to pursue this career? Who to trust? From who stay away? How to get around?
My advice is never give up. Beware of those who ask you to publish with a monetary contribution - unless you are absolutely sure of the people to whom you're relying on - and be firm in your goals, but always retaining the humility that doesn't make you go through arrogant. Believe in it and you will realize your dream!
- Well, I would say that we can consider the interview ended. Have you something to add? Want to say hello to all the forums? =)
I hope you like the first book of my series and I hope you remain "burned" by the seductive and deadly Morwen!
A mega hug to the users of the forum Damned Soul!
Italian Version
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