Sarah: I'm so delighted to introduce Farah Oomerbhoy, or @farahoomerbhoy, author of AURORA FIREDRAKE: THE AVALONIA CHRONICLES. I have so enjoyed getting to know Farah, and I think you will too. So hit the music and let's get started.
Today's interview will be conducted by Melanie @MoonZephyr, author of ANNI MOON & THE ELEMENTAL ARTIFACT.
Melanie: How would you describe Aurora Firedrake: The Avalonia Chronicles to someone who hasn't read it yet?
Farah: Aurora is just an ordinary girl. Or so she thought, until her sixteenth birthday.
When dark forces capture her, threatening her life, Aurora must escape the minions of the evil Queen Morgana, and find out the truth about her identity, before it's too late. She must learn to survive in a dangerous new world, where magic is the norm, and the nobility are Mages with immense powers.
Aided by her friends, a young Fae, and a dangerous Mage who is as mysterious as he is handsome. Aurora must come to terms with her feelings, as she journeys across AVALONIA to reunite herself with a family she doesn't remember.
But, will she be strong enough to face her true destiny, taking her rightful place among treacherous nobles, deceitful courtiers, and power hungry Mages?
Kingdoms collide, as evil strives to take over the whole of Avalonia. Political intrigues, and magical battles abound, as Aurora discovers an ancient secret, which will change her life forever.
Melanie: How long have you been working on the story?
Farah: I have been working on this story for five years, and started thinking about it two years before that.
Melanie: How did you come up with your story idea?
Farah: I thought of this story standing in front of a tapestry in my grandmother's house. I suddenly wondered what it would be like to step into the tapestry and arrive in another world. From there the world of AVALONIA grew into a complex world with many kingdoms.
Melanie: How did you come up with the title?
Farah: Well, the title is the name of the main character Aurora Firedrake. It was originally going to be the memoirs of Aurora Firedrake, but I shortened it.
Melanie: Who is your favorite character(s) and why?
Farah: I would have to say Aurora is my favorite character. She's young but brave and powerful. I wanted to see how an ordinary girl from the real world, evolves and grows when faced with problems she would never encounter otherwise. Also she is the most powerfully magical person in the past five thousand years, there are almost no limit to what she can do.
Melanie: What is the most challenging part of writing your story?
Farah: The most challenging part I feel is always the editing. Somehow however much I edit the book I always feel like I can make it slightly better.
Melanie: What part of researching your story was most interesting to you?
Farah: I love History, and magic, so research was the most fun. Learning more about Mages, fairies, other magical creatures, castles and kingdoms; It was great.
Melanie: Who designed your cover?
Farah: I designed the cover myself.
Melanie: Is this a standalone book or part of a series? If it is a series, how many books do you project having in the series?
Farah: This book is book 1 of the Avalonia Chronicles, which is a trilogy. So there are 2 more books after this.
Melanie: What books/authors have influenced your the most?
Farah: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and J.K. Rowling. They are the masters of fantasy and magic. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe was one of the first books I read over and over again. But It was only after reading the first book of Harry Potter that I decided to become an Author. I wanted to create magical worlds, and create a story around it.
Melanie: What advice do you have for other authors?
Farah: Advice for other writers - keep writing, and reading.
Melanie: Give us three interesting or unusual facts about yourself.
Farah:
- I have 3 kids
- I am obsessed with the color pink.
- I love Nutella (can finish a bottle in a day)
Melanie: Why did you choose to publish on Wattpad?
Farah: My main aim has always been to get people to read my book. Wattpad is perfect since you know who's reading and can connect directly with the readers. I love to hear comments, and chat with my readers about the characters.
Melanie: What has your Wattpad experience been like?
Farah: I love Wattpad, everyone here is so sweet and supportive. I feel like it is a wonderful community for authors, where you can show your work and get healthy, supportive feedback. It also helps to boost your moral when you think no one likes your book, suddenly someone says or does something so sweet and supportive that it just helps you to keep going.
Melanie: Any special Wattpad achievements you would like to share?
Sarah: So yeah, I'm officially answering this question for everyone. Aurora Firedrake is doing phenomenally well. Without being featured, she has over 218K reads, almost 12K votes and over 6K comments - wow!! Her numbers are amazing! Not only that, she has a whole army of loyal readers who adore her book.
Melanie: Do you have a website or social media presence? How can we find you outside of Wattpad?
Farah: I am on Facebook as Farah Oomerbhoy. Instagram @froomerbhoy, and twitter @froomerbhoy.
Thanks so much ladies! If you would like to check out Aurora Firedrake or follow Farah, click on the dedication link above. Now please move forward to part 2.
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Meet the Wattpad Class of 2014
De TodoWe are a group of twelve authors that met on Wattpad in 2014. We have bonded as we've supported each other in our stories, PMing each other, and stalking each other's message boards to give congrats when milestones are reached or to just to hang out...
