Lela Gouge asked Paula Brackston:

Hi Paula, I have enjoyed all of your books and have made a point to pass them along to others. I love your writing style and the feel of the books. Do you visit these areas of Wales that you so elegantly describe? How do you start the process of developing these fabulous characters? Are any based on fact or fable in Wales?

Paula Brackston Hi Lela, I'm delighted you are enjoying my books. I live in mid Wales, in a National Park, so I am lucky enough to be surrounded by wonderful countryside. I try to visit the areas where I set my books if I can, even when they aren't in Wales. I was born in Dorset (where parts of The Witch's Daughter are set), grew up here in Wales, and lived for some time in London, so that all feeds my work.
The characters are what I begin with. Something will trigger an idea for a new person around whom to centre my story, and soon I'm getting glimpses of that character and hearing whispers. Some come easier than others. Morgana was a particularly strong presence while I was writing her story. Who can say where they come from? Sometimes I feel I am merely a cypher for those who inhabit my stories.
I do draw on Welsh myths and legends sometimes - there are so many to choose from! I like the way doing so connects my books to stories that began being told hundreds of years ago. There is a strong tradition of storytelling in Celtic history, and children schooled in Wales are familiar with the heroes and magic associated with them.
My next book out in the US next month has Merlin in it, so I hope you enjoy that one too!
Thanks for your question.

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