Author Interview: Linda David

 

Linda David: Author of The Firestone Crystal and The Hidden Realms of Firestone
 

1.     Describe the world you created in your Firestone series.

Planet Aruuliah is a world that is not just futuristic, but one that has also found a way to balance advanced technology with nature, creating a harmonious and enlightened environment.  It is a world where the sky can range anywhere from a deep purple hue to the palest of lavenders, and the sun is a brilliant red-hot orb.  Compared to Earth, it is a much more vibrant and vivid world, where the abundant, lush, green plant-life flourishes because it is nourished and cared for by its inhabitants (both seen and unseen).  The land upon which the Firestone Academy itself is built is the focal point of a great source of energy that is also the gateway to a hidden realm, known only to a few select physical beings.  I wanted Aruuliah to be a place where, although technology is readily available, people are encouraged to make greater use of their natural instincts and intuitive abilities to progress through life.

2.     Earth is not the only world in your series. What planet/world would you like to live in?

I would actually love to live somewhere just like Planet Aruuliah.  When I created it, I was actually trying to imagine a world undamaged by pollution, war or disease, somewhere clean and pure where people could live in peace and in harmony with nature.  The world created for the Avatar movie is what I picture when I think of my ideal world.

3.     Who is your intended audience and why should they read your series?

I originally wrote the first book with children in mind, however, I believe that the series can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike.  They are exactly the kind of story I enjoyed as a child, but I soon discovered that I still loved reading them when I grew up.  As to why people should read them, well anyone who loves boarding-school stories, science-fiction or fantasy fiction should find something they can relate to in these books.

 4.     Who is your favorite character from your series and why?

My favourite character has to be Jojan.  The reason is, he seems to be quite an ordinary lad, almost human in some respects, however, as he begins to mature and go through puberty, a lot of interesting things begin to happen to him, as is customary with his race.  I don’t want to give away too much, but in the first two books he has always been the sensible one…the voice of reason, however, in book three, we are going to see a different and much more dangerous side to him.

5.     Give us an interesting/fun fact about your series.

As some people may know, Thea, the main character in my books has often been described as self-centred, difficult, temperamental and moody, and although I’ve often said she is based on myself as a child, she’s really based on my sister!  I only said it was me to spare her blushes…shhh…J

6.     What inspired you to write these books?

Being a lover of science fiction, fantasy fiction and boarding school stories, I decided to write about the kind of school I would love to have attended when I was younger.  As a child, I used to long to go to one of the midnight feasts that were always featured in the St Clare’s and Malory Towers book series, and just be part of that world, but imagine being enrolled in a boarding school on another planet!  Now that would have been something!

7.     Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours.

Nothing immediately comes to mind, but when I come across a book or movie that I really like, I will read/watch it over and over again and never tire of it.  When Les Miserables came out, I watched it every day for seven days straight!  My children were not impressed…

8.     If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy,  action film, or science fiction?

Definitely a comedy.  For me, the secret to a long and happy life is laughter, and I am lucky enough to be surrounded by people, both friends and family, who have the ability to make me laugh out loud several times a day and vice versa.  If you’re not having fun, you’re not living!

9.     If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be? (can't ask for more wishes)

Now that’s a great question!  Despite the fact that I’d love a new house, car, etc, I’d probably go the noble route.  First, I would wish that people, whether individuals or nations, would resolve their differences without resorting to physical violence, then I would wish that man would stop destroying the planet, and finally, that everyone would take the time to better themselves in mind, body and spirit.  This, as far as I’m concerned, is what would make the world a better place to live and then I’d be one step closer to my ideal world!

10. Lastly…If you could be a character in any novel you've ever read, who would you be and why?

That’s easy…Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice.  She’s clever and feisty, but a romantic at heart, and let’s face it, how could you not fall for Mr Darcy?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Linda David is a single mother of two and currently work as a college lecturer in childcare. She was born in Cyprus in 1967 to parents who both hail from the Caribbean island of Nevis, and has also lived in Germany as well as St Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies.

The idea for the book, The Firestone Crystal, came about 10 years ago when she was on maternity leave, and started off as a short story that she would be able to read to her children when they were older.  It continued to grow as she occasionally added a chapter here and there as the years went by, eventually turning into full-length novel.

She has always enjoyed reading and was encouraged to do so from a very early age, and that is partly what inspired her to write. Even today, she can remember the excitement and wonder she used to experience as a child when reading fantasy and adventure stories, and she hopes that through her writing, she will be able to inspire and encourage other children's interest and pleasure in reading as well.

 

 

Find out more about Linda and her books online!
 

Website    Goodreads   Buy the Books