I’m privileged this week to interview on the blog the reclusive writer, Opëshum, who lives in rural Wyoming. Her award winning science fiction stories are pure joy to read and “Beyond The Father” is just the first book of an eight part series. Here’s a quick summary of “Beyond The Father”:
BOOK SUMMARY
“Beyond the Father” sets the scene for the 8-book Sci-Fi Epic “gods on Trial: The Series™,” delving into life’s determination to transcend all limitation.
A uniquely different world to explore…
Set on the planet Xżyber, citizens of the Sub-Median Region, imperfectly reborn into metal, oppress those who are organic. Elsewhere, in the Central Kingdom, religion supports royalty’s brutal domination of the lowest class.
Rife with mounting tension…
War over scarce resources is coming, revolution within each region is brewing, and none know of the eccentric god who created them. This being watches, has fascinating conversations with his often-wiser companion, occasionally learns, and rarely intervenes.
A struggle for survival and existence…
The many levels and threads of struggle distract nearly all from a far greater threat. Meanwhile, the young Prince Anglid’s vision quest into the unexplored Area X may ultimately change everything. However, just when you think you know the direction of the story, the author has yet another surprise.
THE INTERVIEW
A big warm welcome to the blog, Opëshum…. Please introduce yourself 😊
I am Opëshum. And I will ask you to forgive me for my unwillingness to be seen. It is due to the fact that my appearance is likened more to an extraterrestrial than to what you would consider human. I therefore prefer to dwell in the background as the world embraces the many characters I have had the good fortune to bring to the the world. They are both an extension of me and also entities of their own.
I am an avid nature lover, and deeply appreciate being near the mountains and the ocean, whether the skies are stormy or calm. In essence, it is nature that inspires me.
“Beyond The Father ” is the first in the series of 8 books : a multi award winning story of man versus machine, rich versus poor; and an erratic God that created and may destroy everything. What inspired the book series?
It’s a fair question, and I will provide you an honest answer. As I noted in Book 1 of the series, that I dedicated that work to the inhabitants of Xżyber, where the story takes place. This book series is the result of a conversation I am having with them, whereby they help me to channel the and capture the details of their journey. I am honored to have been selected to represent them.
The characters of Prince Anglid, Queen Eveline, King Thio & Anya, for example,are your characters based on observations of people you’ve come across in the past, places and incidents you’ve experienced ? Who was the hardest character to portray? And, the easiest?
The prince, princess, King and Queen are unlike anyone I have consciously met in my life. In that way they are a breath of unexpected wind —of fresh air.
I think that King Thio is by far the hardest because he is so complex, with many layers that sometimes contradict themselves. I am still discovering him.
Were there any aspects of writing your book series that surprised you, either by being harder or easier to write about than you expected?
I was surprised to learn that I was not in charge of the story. The characters have been forthright and earnest about how they want to be represented, and at times they don’t always agree with the way I may start or even develop a chapter. They are helpful in achieving to guide the story as much as I am. I have been surprised that it has required a partnership between myself and each of the characters in order to successfully complete each character.
I came across an old recording of an interview the BBC had with author Enid Blyton recently, where Enid explained that she did no preparation before writing her books. She just sat at her typewriter and typed the stories as they flowed from her mind. I hear you are a modern day “Enid” – that you wrote the entire book in the “Notes” app on your iPhone! Why did you decide to use the Notes app as opposed to more conventional methods? Wasn’t you afraid of deleting or losing your work?
What a delight to be associated with such a prolific author! I would say that in reality, the iPhone is always going to be my tool of choice. It is light, efficient, and allows me to write wherever I am. For writers who experience the characters in their books tapping on their shoulders for attention, the iPhone may be the right tool for them as well, given the fact that it allows one to create a writing space wherever they are.
Have you always wanted to have a career as an author or did you have other aspirations?
I have always been a writer, and although I once fancied the idea of being a filmmaker, it ultimately comes back to writing for me.
Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors?
I was a language and literature major in college, and was influenced by the world’s most famous Russian, German, and Central American writers in history. Pushkin, Goethe, Dostoevsky and Ernesto Cardenal had a profound influence on how I express myself work. Interestingly, I am not a bookworm.
Is “Beyond The Father” available to purchase worldwide?
Yes, and it is most accessible through Amazon Kindle.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
A large whimsical hat, sun dress made of bamboo or cotton when it’s warm, and sandals or a nice pair of soft leather boots…all while being veiled.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?
I love thrift stores, actually. The smell of old fabrics evokes a sense of history.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
I am in search of a great pair of hiking boots for my next trip to Iceland.
Boots or Shoes?
I would have to say both, because it depends upon the mood of the day.
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc
It has been an honour to chat to you Opëshum, thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. Thanks also to Ben Cameron of Cameron Publicity & Marketing for the review copy of “Beyond The Father”
All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Opëshum.
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