Since how long have you been living in the land of the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights?
I've called this country my home since I was born; that is, I'm a born-and-bred Finnish citizen. The land of the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights is something we refer to here since we have a time during midsummer when the sun never sets and during winter, a time when the sun doesn't rise (In northern parts of the country; not everywhere here)
What do you miss the most about the 80s?
A sense of simplicity. Everything was so much less hectic, less intense. I feel the 80s was a good time to grow up; I had a fine childhood. I consider myself having been born at a very good age - I got to enjoy a great childhood without the hectic demands of everyday life now and was the correct age to grow up with technology as it evolved.
Why did you choose to write in the fantasy genre?
Fantasy as a genre has always interested me to most. I was 14 when I first began writing, around 8 when I first began devouring books; most of them fantasy. I read Lord of the Rings when I was 9, and since then, I've been enthralled by this genre. It captures my imagination and let's my mind fly. I love exploring new worlds.
What are your hobbies apart from writing?
Apart from writing, I mainly do art and reading. I also love to bake; it's a love inherited from my mother and grandmother.
How did you begin writing the Dulcea's Rebellion series?
My gosh, it's such a long time ago. Over 20 years ago now. Dulcea's Rebellion originated as a side story for another story. The first story from my head takes place in the same world as Dulcea's Rebellion, some centuries after it, and in that story's time, Dulcea's Rebellion was a period of history, referenced by the main character of that story. With time, Dulcea's story gained interest and popularity over the earlier story (which is more an epic adventure, rather than fantasy romance) and for around 20 years now, it's been the main story in my head. I'd like to say it took a life of its own. The characters stole the show from me and decided to do what they will.
How much time do you usually spend while creating artwork for your Dulcea's Rebellion book series?
It can take anything from a few hours to a couple of months, depending on my inspiration. The most common is around a week, working at it an hour or so a day.
Who inspired the character of Krath in "Immortal Defiance"?
That's such a difficult question. His origins are kind of foggy to me. I mean, his concept first saw the light of day around 25 years ago. He went through a few shifts, but has been pretty much the character he currently is for the past 20 years. His character has stayed pretty constant through all that time. I believe the character of Kain, from the RPG/action/adventure game series of Legacy of Kain, especially the 1996 game Blood Omen, was a huge inspiration for Krath; specially for his anti-hero plot in the story.
The illustrations on your Instagram feed look absolutely stunning. What is the process you use to make these illustrations?
Thank you! The illustrations on my Instagram feed are a combination of 3D modelling and Photoshop. I 3D model a scene I like, and then take it to Photoshop for freehand painting and postwork. The time consumed between these is around 50 % - 50%. Postwork takes a lot of time with me.
How many books are you planning to write in the dark high fantasy slow-burn romance series Dulcea's Rebellion?
Dulcea's Rebellion is a trilogy. So three exactly.
What inspired the story of "Down A Darker Path"?
Immortal Defiance, Down A Darker Path, and the third book in the series, An Alliance of Fire and Steel, are all part of a long story arc, and tell the full story from start to finish. Because of this, I'm always advertising that none of the books are standalone. Down A Darker Path continues the story of Immortal Defiance and details a time in Dulcea's life when all her poor(?) decisions come into question, and she must choose between two different and difficult futures. It aims to ask a lot of difficult questions. These three books as whole are the full story of an elven Dragonmistress and an immortal vampire warrior who may be each other's best hope for peace in a war-torn world... if they can survive it.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
I would say to always write. Write, write, write. It's something I can't stress enough. You can edit a bad page but not a blank one. Have the fortitude to finish writing; stick to it.
Do you like reading more or writing? Who are some of your favourite authors?
Such a difficult question! I think I enjoy writing more as it's just the story I wanted to read. You know what that quote says? Yeah? Toni Morrison's "If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it". That's why I wrote and am writing Dulcea's Rebellion. That's what writing is about to me; living the dream story I wanted to read.
But I am also an avid reader. I mainly read fantasy with some mysteries and the occasional romance thrown in. I love Jane Austen's works and J.R.R Tolkien's world is my first big fantasy love.
What is your writing dream? How close do you think you are to achieving it?
I actually love my dayjob. I entertain no wishes of ditching it in favor of a full-time writing career. I'm happy being a half-day writer. Or whatever I can manage. What I hoped was to share a story I love and I am very happy now that people have found the story entertaining and have taken so well to the characters in my story. They are important to me; my companions for the last 25 years, and it pleases me that I have managed to entertain some people.
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?
I am currently working on the edits for An Alliance of Fire and Steel, the third and final book in the Dulcea's Rebellion trilogy.
When were you first introduced to AllAuthor and how?
I first came across AllAuthor through an author friend participating in the cover of the month contest and then came to learn what a great site it is!
