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Sunday, July 5, 2020

Interview with R.R. Goodwill



I had a ten-hour shift today, and it's left me pretty much braindead (especially as I find having my mouth covered for any reason to be incredibly agitating, though whether it's claustrophobia, overstimulation, or a combination thereof, I'm not sure - I just know that I'm left a ball of nerves at end of the day). 

Anywho, let's bring in Goodwill and let us tell us all about herself. 

Hail and well-met, Anka Kendra, and thank you for having me here today.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself! Hello, my name is R.R. Goodwill, and I'm a chocoholic. 😜 I may be a wee bit obsessed with red hair, and I've developed an affinity for Dragons over the past decade or so. Costume/fashion analysis and design fascinate me, although I lack the skills and budget to try my hand at it myself. I actually considered becoming a fashion designer at one point ... but writing is my first love and strongest calling, so I weave the fashion bits into my worldbuilding instead, where appropriate. 😁 I enjoy finding new recipes, and dream of the day I can actually try them out.

2. Your book, Prince Nacil. Tell me why my readers need to run over to the nearest Amazon and buy it right now. (Oh gosh, I hate tooting my own horn, but here goes ....) Because it's the best of my finished works to date. Because, while it is in the Fantasy genre, I make a clear distinction between good and evil, and God is referred to as a Person, not just a concept. Because, while there is some conflict and a few fights, I keep the carnage to a minimum, and even then, I try to describe it a briefly and delicately as possible. While there's a romantic subplot, there's nothing "spicy" about it in almost 500 pages. And the worst things out of anybody's mouth are insults like "fool" and "imbecile." In other words, if you, future reader(s), have strong scruples or convictions about such things, my book should be easy on them. Plus who doesn't love the old reliable royal-heir-reclaiming-his-throne-from-an-evil-usurper and True-Love-saves-the-day tropes? 😉

3. What part of the book was your favorite to write? I'm going to be totally sappy here and say the Victüriel scenes. I loved how their chemistry ended up (even though parts of their story are admittedly a bit head-banging). And the Mind-speaking scenes were such fun to explore and develop. Also Jane and Victor's relationship. It reminds me a lot of the bond between Sophy and the BFG, which has always had a special place in my heart.

4. If you could spend a day in your world, what would you do? Hmmm ... I'd probably choose a time either prior to the Revolution or well after it. If prior, I'd probably join the House of Othniel on a picnic holiday to Silver Lake. If after, I'd either spend a few hours making shinies with Lady Cambria (more on that in Book Two!), and just explore Omphálos in general ... or I'd travel to the land of the Brynikins (my version of Hobbits) for a barn-dance or other type of celebration.

5. Which three books would you recommend to everyone and their dog? For everyone: The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen by Lloyd Alexander (classic Quest, Coming-of-Age, and Magical Objects tropes set in fictionalized ancient China, plus a tiger as one of the heroes!), The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge (basically The Secret Garden meets Narnia. I LOVE THIS BOOK!), and The Adventures of Robin Hood by Rodger Lancelyn Green (classic Robin Hood lore with slightly updated language, plus Maid Marian as "one of the boys"). For their dog (to use as a chew-toy): Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. Don't kill me! I tried to read this book, but the conflict and body-count got to a point where I just couldn't stomach it anymore. 😝

6. If you were given a dragon that matched your personality perfectly, what sort of dragon would it be?  Personality-wise, my hypothetical Dragon would be pleasant and friendly (for a Dragon), but respect others' personal space. It would be perceptive and sensitive to others' thoughts and feelings, but fiercely loyal to and protective of its "special people." Appearance-wise, it would definitely be a Purple Dragon--perhaps with iridescent scales and black accents. *Blink* Methinks I just described Ámethýstos ....

7. What do you do when not writing? *Sheepish goofy grin* Er ... usually surfing the 'net, "Windows-shopping" on Etsy or eBay, and/or watching YouTube videos by way of unwinding. That is, when I'm not helping my mother with the housework, grocery shopping, or yardwork. Sometimes we go thrift-shopping, though; that's fun. *Shrug* Basically waiting for my life to begin, really. I intend to schedule specific times to pursue my other creative hobbies, for variety.

8. What do you have next on your horizon? The sequel to Prince Nácil, christened The White Birds. I'm also hoping (Lord willing) to have my stand-alone novella, Princess Starflower launched in time for Christmas this year. Plus a wagonload of other books set in the Ýdära Multiverse ... but I'll talk about that on Day Seven ....



Book Description:
From the moment Victor Greenwood sets foot in the old farmhouse of Willowmere, Mrs. Whitaker and her family take the friendless drifter under their wings as one of their own. Deeply touched by their kindness, Victor delights them with his stories about the Elven-king Othniel and Jael his queen, forming a special bond with Mrs. Whitaker’s nine-year-old granddaughter, Jane.

But several odd occurrences indicate that Victor is more than he admits to. When the secret of his heritage threatens Jane’s safety, he sets out for the homeland he has long been banished from, to find Jane and return her home.

Unbeknownst to his friends, Victor is doomed to die thirty days after setting foot on his native soil, with only one hope of breaking the curse. But surely thirty days is far too short a time to find True Love...

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0896R3JK2/

Add Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53486569-prince-n-cil

About the Author:

R.R. Goodwill began writing at the age of eight, eventually finding her niche in the fascinating realm of fantasy. Taking inspiration from J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Faerie-tales, and folklore, Goodwill uses her God-given talents and active imagination to weave a bit of Truth among her works of fiction.
Find her online at: 
Blog || Goodreads || Instagram || Pinterest || Amazon 




July 4th
Rambling Rose: Interview - Lady Müriel
Knitted By God's Plan: Interview - R.R. Goodwill

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

5 Reasons to Read Prince Nácil



So ... I was supposed to post this yesterday and didn't. For ... reasons. I need to stop being late with these posts, but ... anywho.

Yesterday, my good friend R.R. Goodwill published her debut novel Prince Nácil, an exciting historical fiction portal fantasy that you need to go read right now, and I'll tell you why.

1. The worldbuilding is gorgeous. An interesting take on the fae and elves, I'm quite in love with it. There's a lot of lore packed into this world, and we've only gotten a first glimpse at it. Honestly, this author is one to watch, and I look forward to reading more about this wonderful world.

2. It feels like you're reading a classic novel. It's that rich and poetic. I'd 100% recommend this book to any fan of E. Nesbit or Elizabeth Goudge, or even Lewis or Tolkien! Goodwill is also an author who does not shy away from her faith, so I'm also down to recommend this book to fans of Martha Finley as well!

3. Adorable kids. One of my favorite things in books is when kids are involved, and they're actually important to the plot - and this book has Jane and Howard. They're both radically different in personalities, but they're both awesome, and their friendship was such fun. Also, the day could not have been saved without them, so kids, let no one decry your youth!

4. Also, elderly ladies helping save the day. Now, Mrs. Whitaker, Jane's Grandmother, was awesome, but who I fell in love with was Miss Prescott, Mrs. Whitaker's sister. Miss Prescott was the girl who spent her time in books, she was even a librarian, if I remember right, and it's left her quite genre savvy. Since an adventure has finally fallen into her lap after all these years - you'd better believe she's making the most of it! 

5. The saving power of love. So ... something neither Goodwill or I realized until I was discussing the book in a forum, but ... it's a very subtle Sleeping Beauty retelling! After ... things ... went down, Victor/Nacil was banished from his home country with a curse that he would die if he ever returned. BUT, the person delivering the curse added the modifier (ala Sleeping Beauty) that if he won the heart of an Elven maiden within thirty days of his return, it would break said curse. And then he's gone a hundred years before he gets tempted into returning. 

I do want to put in a caveat that the romance is the one place where the book almost fell apart for me, as I spent a good while yelling at a certain Elven maiden that she needs to just speak up and communicate. Whatever she thinks he thinks of her, I think he would prefer to live, but ... communication is one of the points of the book, and they wind up quite adorable, so... 

Anywho, caveat aside, go read this gorgeous book. 



Book Description:
From the moment Victor Greenwood sets foot in the old farmhouse of Willowmere, Mrs. Whitaker and her family take the friendless drifter under their wings as one of their own. Deeply touched by their kindness, Victor delights them with his stories about the Elven-king Othniel and Jael his queen, forming a special bond with Mrs. Whitaker’s nine-year-old granddaughter, Jane.

But several odd occurrences indicate that Victor is more than he admits to. When the secret of his heritage threatens Jane’s safety, he sets out for the homeland he has long been banished from, to find Jane and return her home.

Unbeknownst to his friends, Victor is doomed to die thirty days after setting foot on his native soil, with only one hope of breaking the curse. But surely thirty days is far too short a time to find True Love...

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0896R3JK2/

Add Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53486569-prince-n-cil

About the Author:

R.R. Goodwill began writing at the age of eight, eventually finding her niche in the fascinating realm of fantasy. Taking inspiration from J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Faerie-tales, and folklore, Goodwill uses her God-given talents and active imagination to weave a bit of Truth among her works of fiction.
Find her online at: 
Blog || Goodreads || Instagram || Pinterest || Amazon 




July 1st
Rambling Rose: Meet the Author
Reality Reflected: Interview - Jane Foster