Questions about A Touch of Magic

[Gregory]

Do you have questions about Randall, Berry, or perhaps the magic system in A Touch of Magic? I will do my best to answer them here.

I *won't* outright spoiler any future books (as I'm currently working on the next in the series), but I'm sure I won't be able to resist giving out a hint or two :D

[Terry]

Is Randall going to get more sure of himself overtime? He still seems a bit unsure of what he is doing.

[Gregory]

Randall is still young. I imagine, like most of us, he'll get more confident in himself as he grows and has successes in life. But even the most confident of us second-guess ourselves and have moments of insecurity.

And bear in mind that Randall's only mentor died while he was still early in his training. He's having to figure out everything as he goes along, which can be a much tougher road to travel.

While it can be fun to read about larger than life personas or easy to write stereotypical teenagers, I don't think it would make for a very interesting story if Randall was totally confident and sure in himself and his abilities at all times, and I probably wouldn't have much fun writing that kind of tale. I like my characters to overcome internal obstacles as well as external ones on their adventures.

[Terry]

Oh I dont want him to be perfectly confident at all. I am hoping it is a gradual thing.

[Rachel -]

Can I just say how glad I am that the ending of A Touch of Power didn't end in a cliffhanger but yet there are still so many possibilities that I don't have an inkling as to where the story could possibly go.

The magic system is intreaging and has me especially interested as to how Randall will come into his own budding power. Of the five kinds of magic ( runes, spells, will, summoning, and elemental) Randall's proven to be able to do runes, spells and summon. The guy is an anomaly, being able to pick up spells said only once, create 'true runes' and summon Berry, albeit unknowingly. Does that mean that he could be able to learn to will things and use elemental magic eventually ? Will being unable to connect to Llandra be a semi-permanent thing, given Randall's state of mind, only to be unlocked later on ? Or is the block to Llandra just a healing measure? Either way I hope its not permanent.
Also what is Berry's purpose, other than being a mischievous imp/ powerful friend to Randall ? Is Berry a guide of sorts? Although he does 'bring' trouble, he usually gets his friend out of it too. If he was summoned, there must be a specific thing he can teach, a place only he can navigate, or something extra unknown that he can bring Randall . Either way I am curious. Maybe Berry will teach magic ?
These may be more musings than actual questions but any answers or hints ( especially hints) and I'd be ever so grateful. Can't wait for the second book to come out. Thanks.

[Gregory]

Hi Rachel,

I can say with confidence that nearly every question you ask will have some kind of answer in the next book. That's a vague answer I know, but I hate to give anything away and spoil your chance to experience the story firsthand!

[Rachel -]

Well Gregoy, can't say I'm surprised that you dont give away the secrets of the next books. Only makes sense. It's just that the waiting game is a very arduous thing. Horribly arduous. BUT I guess I can wait for the big reveal ;-) oh and thanks for getting back to me. It's nice to talk to such a personable writer. Good luck with the writings.
-r

[Gregory]

I know how you feel about the waiting. I hope not to keep you waiting too much longer. I'm on the 17th chapter of the sequel, if that's any help :)

Once the writing is done, I'll still have to do the editing process, which shouldn't be rushed. I'm hoping the book makes it on Amazon's shelves some time in the first quarter of the new year. I'll post something here when I'm further along in the process, so you'll have something to look forward to.

[Rachel -]

Yaya! That does help... 17 chapters. Thats a good chunk of writing right there. Here's hoping writers block doesn't getchya. Oh the editing process. I don't envy you there. I still remember the day my history prof. handed back my 3000 word research paper and told me to cut the word count in half. Hellish ordeal. But Writing a whole book and being succinct would bring heaps of trouble but nonetheless best of luck.

[Becky]

Questions...is Berry evil? Will Randall get to visit Llandra? Will he meet the elves? Will there be any strong female characters that Don't fit the "norm."

[Gregory]

I don't want to give too much away, so I hope you understand if I'm a bit vague.

We will definitely find out more about Berry and the elves in the upcoming story. There are also a couple of female characters, one of which has a prominent role throughout the book.

We will also find out a bit more about how magic works, and Randall's special talents.

Randall is a little older in the next book. In the first, he was a young teen, and nearly an adult (by modern standards) by the time it was over. The next book picks up from there, so his worldview is hopefully a little deeper and he takes a much more active role in shaping his own destiny.

[Becky]

Thanks for responding so quickly! Keep on writing! :-)