Metaphysical Times (MT): Sunbow, thank you so much for agreeing to answer some questions for us. Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself? How many books have you written?
Sunbow: I have written 25 books, divided into three separate series, and one standalone Novelette.
MT: Did you always see yourself as a writer?
Sunbow: I had always wanted to be a writer, but never thought I had the gift. I kept writing and writing, but I was never happy with the stories and they ended up in the recycling basket.
MT: Do you do this full-time or part-time?
Sunbow: Yes, I do this full-time! I do all my own promotion, as well as writing and editing the rough drafts. My husband, Razor, does the final read through for each book, which really helps me refine the story.
MT: Can you give us a short synopsis of each series?
Sunbow: I have three separate series. The Black Knight of Avalon Chronicles, is based on the Camelot legend. The seven books in the series were all inspired by a very vivid dream I experienced over 25 years ago. In this dream, I was approached by a great lady, dressed in shining white. She took my hand and told me she had something to show me. What I experienced afterward was so startlingly real that I could touch things – such as the linens on the tables in the dining halls. I could hear things: people’s conversations and other sounds. I could see what was happening and I could smell all the odors. When I awoke from the dream, I told my husband what I had experienced. He urged me to start writing it down. The main character is the Black Knight of Avalon, and the tale is told from his perspective.
My original series is called, The Natanleods. It is the tale of a magickal family, ruling over a magickal land between the worlds. In Book 1, Knight Commander, Part 1. Concealed behind a cloud of mist that surrounds their land, the Natanleods – an ancient royal family – rule over a usually peaceful people. The books tell of a time of civil strife, a struggle of good against evil. This is the tale of Erinn, a poor farmer’s adopted son. When his step-father is murdered, and his mother and sisters taken away by a cruel ruler, he is left to himself in the wilds until he is found by a famous troupe of mercenaries.
The third series is The Ruby Phoenix Chronicles, the tale of an extraordinary Swordswoman on a life quest, in search of as much training and education as possible. Her story starts in Damascus, on the Street of Steel, where her father Marius is the Guildmaster of Smiths. After a violent incident within the confines of her father’s sword shop, Diredra finds herself leaving Damascus with her father in the dead of night as they search for a fabled order of female warriors rumored to live high up in the mountains of Italia.
MT: This may sound like a funny question; but, why do you write?
Sunbow: It makes me happy. When I am writing, everything else goes away. I have so many ideas for books that when I finish one, I can hardly wait to start the next one.
MT: Do you ever get writers’ block?
Sunbow: Oh yes and when I do, I have learned to put it away and go do something else for a while. I like to garden and work in the kitchen.
MT: Do you set a special time and/or place to write?
Sunbow: I write in the corner of our kitchen. It’s private and quiet, but still allows me to monitor what’s happening in the living area.
MT: When you write, do you use longhand, a typewriter, or a computer?
Sunbow: I started out all longhand, with pencil on legal pads. Eventually, we were able to acquire a Brother word processor, which accelerated the process considerably. When we got a computer, it went even faster.
MT: How much research do you do when writing?
Sunbow: I don’t script out my books, I just let them flow. I research as I’m writing. If I need to verify something, I look it up on the Internet. I like to have some historical content in my books, and I like to make certain that content is as accurate as possible.
MT: What was the hardest part about writing?
Sunbow: Just getting started – and letting myself believe that I was good enough to produce something that someone might read.
MT: What was the easiest part in writing?
Sunbow: Once I got started, it was hard to stop. I really enjoy the ebb and flow of the narrative, watching the characters develop, and “listening” to their conversations. My characters surprise me all the time.
MT: How did you publish your books, and why did you choose this way to do it?
Sunbow: I waited a long time and tried a paid publishing company – which I quickly learned was a terrible mistake. When I heard about Amazon, I decided to re-edit the books and publish them in their format, then try promoting them on Facebook. We had no money at the time; but as I was unemployed, I had the time to devote to writing, editing and promoting. Amazon is free to use, and so is Facebook, so I took the opportunity presented and went for it.
MT: What do you do to relax?
Sunbow: Oh wow… I like to bake and cook to relax – and I love working in my garden. I have to admit, I use Facebook to relax too. Talking with my friends can be very therapeutic for me.
MT: Which authors have inspired you?
Sunbow: Oh my… the list is long, so I shall keep it to those I choose to collect. Of course, Arthur C. Clarke, Terry Brooks, Mary Stewart, Marian Zimmer Bradley, Ursula K. Leguin, Ray Bradberry, Robert Howard, David Eddings, Tolstoy, JRR Tolkien, and JK. Rowling…to name just a few
MT: Do you have a favorite book?
Sunbow: Oh my…no…it’s too hard to choose amongst my friends.
MT: For your own reading, which form do you prefer: an actual book or digital?
Sunbow: Actual books! I love the feel of a real book and the smell of old books.
MT: Have you collaborated with other authors?
Sunbow: Not yet.
MT: Are you working on anything specific right now?
Sunbow: Yes! I just released Book 14 and 15 of The Natanleods.
MT: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Sunbow: Keep writing, keep researching, keep trying!
MT: Where can our readers find your book(s) to check them out and purchase them?
Sunbow: My books are available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Goodreads. You can find all the links to my Amazon site on my Facebook page: Sunbow’s Lair. I have starter sets of Signed books available and when you purchase one of the packages, you get a FREE book!
MT: Thank you again, Sunbow Pendragon, for letting us get a glimpse into your world.
Sunbow: I thank you for having me. It was a pleasure answering these questions.. Love and Light to you.
Sunbow’s Lair: https://www.facebook.com/Sunbowsbooks
About The Author
