Friday, August 8, 2014

Interview: Rinda Elliott + Forecast

http://www.amazon.com/Forecast-Rinda-Elliott-ebook/dp/B00IWTYVJC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407468174&sr=8-1&keywords=Forecast%2C+Rinda+Elliott

I'm so pleased today to welcome author Rinda Elliott back to the blog to answer a few questions about the second installment of her Sisters of Fate trilogy, Forecast. I read the first book, Foretold, a little while back and thoroughly the characters and the Norse mythology, and then I picked this one up and promptly fell even deeper in love. If you're a fan of paranormal stories with not only strong protagonists but also wildly entertaining secondary characters, then this series is one to add to your lists. I hope you all enjoy the interview!

The Sisters of Fate series features Norse mythology at the forefront of the overall plot arc. If Coral and Taran could leave the current chaos of Ragnarok behind and transport themselves to any other myth (Greek, Native American, etc.), which one might they choose?

You would not believe how much time I spent thinking about this question. Or you probably would by the length of my answer. I’m a huge lover of mythologies and interesting cultural and religious beliefs. There are SO MANY fun myths from the well-known to the crazy obscure. At first, I thought about a myth featuring goddesses connected to water—because that would have come in handy in Coral and Taran’s story. Like Leukothea or Oshun or even more fun, Amathaunta because I could just make up any kind of story about her since not much is known. Then I thought about some Arapaho legends because Coral would probably love to know more about that part of her family. (Luckily, we get more of that history in FORESWORN.) Though not in these books, a fun fact is the Arapaho creature of myth called the Hiintcabiit, which is a massive water serpent. When you think about Thor and the Midgard serpent…

But, if I were to pick something to celebrate a part of Taran’s combined cultures, oh man, so much to choose from! Celtic mythology is rich in wonderful stories and Coral would do well there because the Celts were so in tune with nature. And better yet, women played some wonderful parts in their myths. Taran is named for Taranis, a Celtic god of thunder similar to Thor, who was ironically, good natured.

Can you tell I’m having trouble picking one myth?

Can you tell I could write one book after another based on them?

Okay, okay, I’ll pick one…or two.  They could redo the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Taran is stubborn. He would NOT have looked back. Or The Children of Lir (Irish legend) about siblings spelled into swans who lived hundreds of years before the spell was broken. When free, they were old and frail. Maybe Coral could find a counter spell to free them while they were still teens. And if Josh and Grim came along to help, maybe one of the sisters…or brother…could end up being a fun love interest.

Taran’s short fuse is perfectly tempered by Coral’s calm under pressure. If you were to write yourself into the Sisters of Fate series with your own warrior to track down, what trait might he possess that would create a nice balance for your character?

I would need someone easy going with a great sense of humor because I’m high on the emotion at times. And I need to laugh more. I’d be better suited to Vanir or possibly even Arun from FORESWORN, but knowing me, I’d be highly attracted to Taran and his prickly mood swings. Story of my life. ;)

Josh and Grim are a pair of absolutely hilarious brothers and true friends to Taran. If they were each to pen a story in which they cast themselves as the heroes, what would the title of their books be?

Grim would probably do a comedy or better yet, a horror flick and maybe find a way to tie in his candy habit. They would, of course, give them Norse titles. Grim? Blatqnn Slefja or Black Tooth Dribbler. And for Josh? Some sort of historical epic romance where he saves a girl. Or possibly several girls. Austrvegr Vaskr Drengr or The Gallant Warrior.

Loki is a fascinating villain; extremely capable and intelligent with an intimidating amount of power. What villain from another piece of fiction, if pitted against Loki in battle, would give him a run for his money in skill, strength and cunning?

I went through all kinds of strong and skilled villains and came up with a bunch, but my absolute first thought made me crack up. Honestly, I don’t think Loki would know how to handle Hannibal Lecter.

If Coral, Raven, and Kat, as triplets, were standing side by side in front of Taran in matching outfits, what’s one small or subtle quirk of Coral’s that would tip him off as to her identity?

She’d be squinting at her feet, trying to identify some obscure weed, to see if it could be harvested for a spell. And honestly, she’d have some sort of extra color hidden somewhere on her matching outfit. Probably a purple clip-on feather she didn’t hide too well in her long hair.

Let’s say Forecast is made into a movie and, for the sake of fantasy, assume Chris Hemsworth (*dreamy sigh*) would be cast as Taran given the fact that he carries Thor’s soul. If you came face to face with him on set, what would your first reaction be?

I suppose climbing him like a spider monkey isn’t an appropriate answer, right? (I told this answer to my critique partner, Rachel Vincent, who said that would be interesting to watch since I’m so tall. I could manage. Promise.) Okay seriously, I’d hope I’d be able to talk to him while looking at his face and not his arms. Those are such wonderful, wonderful arms. (I actually plotted this book—but didn’t write most of it—before the Hemsworth movies and my visual inspiration for teen Thor is quite a bit different. Still, very hot. If I were still a teen, of course. ;) )

*Jenny dies. And then dreams of climbing Chris Hemsworth like a spider monkey too.*

If Raven and Coral were to provide one-word teasers as to what we can expect from Kat’s story, what word would each of them choose?

Raven-sarcasm. Coral-ANSWERS.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions Rinda!

• • • • • • • • • • •

FORECAST


The Lockwood triplets are charged with helping to save the world—but at a high cost.

Coral is always in the middle, always the family peacemaker. She’s the sister with the most to prove. When a freak snowstorm halts her Florida summer, signaling the Norse end of the world, she tracks down Taran Breen—a would-be warrior carrying Thor’s soul. A boy who’s fought his temper all his life and is now a suspect for murder.

One who looks at her as no other has before.

As roaring seas surge and terrifying underworld creatures emerge for battle, can Coral control her goddess magic and protect Taran? Because now she has a chance for more than her crazy life—as long as she and Taran win….

It is written that three Sisters of Fate have the power to change the world’s destiny.

But only if they survive…




• • • • • • • • • •

RINDA ELLIOTT

Photo: Kathryn Moad Photography

I love unusual stories and credit growing up in a family of curious life-lovers who moved all over the country. Books and movies full of fantasy, science fiction and romance kept us amused, especially in some of the stranger places. For years, I tried to separate my darker side with my humorous and romantic one. I published short fiction, but things really started happening when I gave in and mixed it up. When not lost in fiction, I love making wine, collecting music, gaming and spending time with my husband and two children. 

45 comments:

  1. Oooh a story for Josh "Some sort of historical epic romance where he saves a girl." sounds right up my alley! Lol! I'd be climbing Chris Hemsworth like a spider monkey, in my head, of course (probably) too, if I met him on set! This story sounds wonderful! I'll have to check it out. Brilliant interview and post ladies! :)

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    1. Thanks. It's fun to get interesting questions like these. :)
      Rinda

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  2. If I met Chris Hemsworth, I think I'd be too speechless and in shock to do anything but stare at him dumbly. Lol, then he'd probably think there was something wrong with me. I actually haven't even watched Thor yet ...

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    1. I haven't watched the second Thor movie because I needed to finish the entire trilogy first. So I'm really looking forward to it.

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  3. It's a story about triplets and Norse mythology? I have got to try this series out, Jenny.
    I'm laughing at the image of anyone climbing Chris Hemsworth like a spider monkey! :D
    He is absolutely gorgeous though, so yeah, I would stare at him forever and maybe drool a little. :)
    Thanks for sharing, Jenny!

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  4. What a wonderful interview, Rinda and Jenny! I love myths in general - so you completely captivated me with your ideas for an alternate plot. Children of Lir is such a cool idea - and nor seen to often. This series really seems to be a great fit for me, and I can't wait to catch up. Thanks for the wonderful interview, Jenny :)

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    1. I actually want to write a Children of Lir book now. A lot. LOL.

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  5. Aaaah, Chris Hemsworth! Given my rather tiny size I'd need a ladder to climb him like a spider monkey! ;) *drools*

    What a fantastic interview! I'd love to get some novella sized stories about the twins, btw!! =D

    Thank you for this great post, Rinda and Jenny!!

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  6. You always ask the most insightful questions, Jenny. Are you sure you weren't an investigative journalist in another life? I can definitely tell that Rinda spent some time thinking about the other myths! *dreams of Helmsworth's arms*

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    1. I did take my time with this one. And I ended up with some story ideas. :)

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  7. I love Norse mythology, but I've read one too many books that have featured it in some way, shape or form this summer, so I'm kinda burnt out. I'll add Forecast to my wishlist though, and probably give it a go this fall. Great Q&A ladies! Happy Friday, Jenny. :)

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  8. I love Norse mythology and really enjoyed reading this interview (though I was kind of at a loss at places since I haven't read any of the Sisters of Fate books). On the bright side, I'm totally sold and am adding the books to my wishlist! :)

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    1. She does ask specific questions "after" reading the book, so it makes the interview extra fun for me. I can answer questions, too. :)

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  9. Oh these characters sound like so much fun Jenny! I too would have a hard time not jumping into Chris' arms if I ever saw him. Also how amazing does Taran sound? I always have a thing for guys with a short fuse! Thanks for sharing this brilliant interview with us! :)

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  10. I think I bought the first book because of you Jenny, now I want to grab this one as well. ;)
    Great interview, thanks so much for sharing it with us.

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    1. Thanks for buying FORETOLD! Hope you enjoy FORECAST. :)

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  11. I would like to see both of you do some spider monkey climbing. Loki vs. Hannibal Lector now that is interesting indeed. This sounds like a lot of fun. I adore Celtic mythology and who can resist to humorous brothers as sidekicks?

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    1. LOL. I would probably be too shy to climb him, but maybe after a few dates... Of course, my husband might have an issue there.

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  12. This sounds good. I love mythos and I really enjoyed the answer to other myths the characters would enjoy. I would love to see a mash up of those mythos. Oh and I would also love to climb Chris like a spider monkey. ROFL!

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    1. We've pretty much turned him into a human jungle gym at this point. Heh. Glad you enjoyed the interview.

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  13. Like Rinda, I am a huge fan of mythologies, especially Norse and Gaelic. I did name my phone Freya after all, and my laptop Morrigan, very nice to meet you all. :) And if Loki is in involved, that's really all I need to know. Who doesn't love Loki these days?
    Also, climbing Chris Hemsworth like a spider monkey is a totally appropriate response. I'm sure people do that do him all the time. ;) Why should we be any different?

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    1. Loki is definitely involved and there is a Freya in FORESWORN--in a sense. (I'm a tease.) But you do get to meet lots of different gods in the last book.

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  14. That is such a beautiful cover. Josh and Grim look entertaining! I think I checked this series out last week but my library doesn't have it and I try to keep a hold of myself with buying books so next month. ;) Also, AAAH, I didn't know there was a villain named Loki. Want.

    ;)

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    1. I'm not sure these books have made it into any libraries yet, but I stay hopeful.

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  15. Great interview. I still need to read the first book. I love Norse mythology though!

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  16. I love mythologies but I am not really familiar with the Norse one. I really ought to be reading from this mythology. It's also interesting to know that they could redo Orpheus and Eurydice's myth because I tend to go on a screaming spree when I read it. Glad to know Taran would never look back. And no one can't help but spidermonkey climb on Chris Hemsworth. That man is just...*blushes* Awesome interview!

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    1. The Orpheus and Eurydice myth kind of did that to me too. Did you ever see this video of the story from Sleepthief? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrDapteYVk It made me want to rewrite the story.
      And Taran would never have looked back.

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  17. Jenny . . . "If you're a fan of paranormal stories with not only strong protagonists but also wildly entertaining secondary characters." I am not only a fan of that, but it's kind of what I live for. I'm pretty sure I remember your review from the first book, and I'd already added it to my wishlist, but you know how it is . . . a book REALLY has to stand these days b/c there are just so darn many of them . . . and now it does. Fabulous interview. I can't wait to read this series for myself ;)

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    1. Hope you enjoy and yes, it's hard to stand out these days. :)

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  18. I remember you enjoying the Norse mythology indeed ;) Now that you've mentioned Arapaho legends, I definitely want to know more! OHHHH yess! Celtic mythology--me loves! "Orpheus and Eurydice." *starts sobbing because is now thinking of Andrew and Camryn from The Edge of Never* Oh shoot. Hannibal Lecter is a creeptastic opponent for Loki :D that was a wicked good answer! Girls, I loved ths interview :D So much fun!

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  19. I'm not familiar with Andrew and Camryn, but I'll look it up. That story is just heartbreaking, though. A mesh up of Hannibal and Loki could be interesting. Glad you enjoyed the interview. I know I did. :)

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  20. I want to read this book so bad. This is the second book, right? I think I saw in another blog that there was a book before this one. I am absolutely IN LOVE with Norse mythology. Even more so than Greek or Roman or Egyptian (heck even my own country's haha), and I want to read more about it that explore it in its entirety through awesome plots and storytelling. I can't wait to read this one, seriously.

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. Oops, my answer didn't show up as a reply. It's below. :)

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  21. I followed your link to see which country and had to laugh. In my Beri O'Dell urban fantasy series, I actually have a creature from Philippine mythology. A kapre. He shows up in the second book and plays a huge part in the third--though that one is currently being written. Small world. :) I hope you enjoy my Norse trilogy! And yes, FORECAST is the second book. The third comes out this December.

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  22. Oh this is amazing. I'm really amazed by how much the author knows about different mythologies. I always loved mythology and I love reading those stories. So for me this book seems amazing. I'm so happy that we have got Loki here as he truly is a great villain. Great interview, Jenny :)

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    1. And I feel like I don't know enough about the different mythologies. But I will say that every single time I've been blocked for a story idea, all I have to do is spend a little time reading the old stories and usually some new idea will spark. I just did a video blog on another blog where I talked about why I write so much about Norse mythology, though. I do love it and funny enough, I loved it before I realized my first name came from it. Rinda was a giant married against her will to Odin--the name means giant. My family finds that hilarious because I'm just under 6 feet.

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  23. I'm totally interested I this book! I think Rachel Vincent is her critique partner and I love that author. So I'm pretty sure I will adore it.

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