Ask the Author: Cindy Tomamichel
Answered Questions (16)
Cindy Tomamichel
I am in the process of continuing the series of Druids Portal. I get a lot of inspiration from reading about archaeological discoveries and reading about the history of Roman Britain. Small details can be worked into historical works, even if a lot of it is fantasy. For instance, Janet in Druid's Portal is an archaeologist, and asks questions about roman sandals, which is based on the amount of leather sandals found at Vindolanda.
Cindy Tomamichel
I find - and this is probably true for many writers - that editing my own work is hard. You are so immersed in the world that your mind fills in gaps that readers will see. I find other readers can help, although a good editor will be of great value. Otherwise knowing your faults and reading it out loud (and word can do this with text to talk) are all ways to make the book shine.
Cindy Tomamichel
I am working on the Second Journey, in the series Druid's Portal. Lots of research to update on recent excavations around Hadrian's Wall and then working on some plot twists that started as mere hints in the first book. Making sure it is even more crammed with adventure, mayhem and action!
Cindy Tomamichel
I write most of my novels during NaNo - National Write a Novel in November. So I do a little planning, but I usually just let it flow and see where it takes me.
I find outlining just doesn't work at all for me, so I keep the planning stage as minimal as I can, doing research, or writing scenes and dialogue segments as something to target as I write. I then start page one and keep on going.
I find outlining just doesn't work at all for me, so I keep the planning stage as minimal as I can, doing research, or writing scenes and dialogue segments as something to target as I write. I then start page one and keep on going.
Cindy Tomamichel
That's a tough question, mainly because I don't often read books in the same genre as I write. That said, I have read Edgar Rice Burroughs 'I am Barbarian' which was interesting, and I have Assaph Mehr's book 'Murder in Absentia' on my to be read list. There are not too many writers on Roman Britain, Rosemary Sutcliffe wrote some a while ago, and I have these reserved at the library to get into when time permits.
Cindy Tomamichel
Not really, the scenes just work their way into the plots everywhere! I have read a lot of action books, and watch a few old movies. I do try and run through the action in my head step by step so it is realistic. I have done some research into weaponry along the way.
Ohh, and my secret ninja training - oops, now I must vanish mystically into the Tibetan mountains and do penance.
Ohh, and my secret ninja training - oops, now I must vanish mystically into the Tibetan mountains and do penance.
Cindy Tomamichel
I like to think about times of change, when a society is on the cusp of moving from one thing to another. So times like the beginning of WW1 when war was changing from horses and cavalry to machines, or when an ancient culture is invaded and two cultures are forced to merge.
I set my book Druid's Portal in such a time, after the Roman invasion of Britain, when Celts and Romans clashed in many ways. So I think some of Janet's (my archaeologist heroine) wonder at seeing ancient monuments in one piece is mine.
I set my book Druid's Portal in such a time, after the Roman invasion of Britain, when Celts and Romans clashed in many ways. So I think some of Janet's (my archaeologist heroine) wonder at seeing ancient monuments in one piece is mine.
Cindy Tomamichel
Tough question to answer briefly!
My favourite authors that influence my writing would be RE Howard, ER Burroughs, Henry Rider Haggard and Matthew Reilly for their use of pace and creation of iconic characters. I wish I could write more like Ray Bradbury, Peter O'Donnell, Terry Pratchett and Andy McDermott for their way with words.
Other favourite authors are an eclectic mix of Tom Sharpe, Mary Stewart, Stephen Donaldson, Kerry Greenwood, Ellis Peters, Robert Heinlein and Agatha Christie. I expect all reading has some influence on your writing, particularly if it is pure admiration at the talents of others.
My favourite authors that influence my writing would be RE Howard, ER Burroughs, Henry Rider Haggard and Matthew Reilly for their use of pace and creation of iconic characters. I wish I could write more like Ray Bradbury, Peter O'Donnell, Terry Pratchett and Andy McDermott for their way with words.
Other favourite authors are an eclectic mix of Tom Sharpe, Mary Stewart, Stephen Donaldson, Kerry Greenwood, Ellis Peters, Robert Heinlein and Agatha Christie. I expect all reading has some influence on your writing, particularly if it is pure admiration at the talents of others.
Cindy Tomamichel
I am not sure I could even write a soppy female character! But I also dislike the typical alpha hero/heroine who can somehow do everything - fix things, fly planes, and are rich and gorgeous as well.
So for strong females I think mine are strong in one of two aspects, either smart and physically capable, or if they are not very fit, then they are knowledgeable and inventive. But no one is perfect, so they have problems that they have avoided dealing with, or some hidden secret that breaks them that they must face and grow stronger. But they are go getters, no one sits around languishing waiting to be rescued.
I think it is important for all strong characters to find their strength is not enough at some point, and they must solve the problem in another way.
So for strong females I think mine are strong in one of two aspects, either smart and physically capable, or if they are not very fit, then they are knowledgeable and inventive. But no one is perfect, so they have problems that they have avoided dealing with, or some hidden secret that breaks them that they must face and grow stronger. But they are go getters, no one sits around languishing waiting to be rescued.
I think it is important for all strong characters to find their strength is not enough at some point, and they must solve the problem in another way.
Cindy Tomamichel
Druid's Portal is set in Roman Britain, around 200 years after the invasion, so about 2,000 years ago. Most of the action takes place around Hadrian's Wall and Newcastle and the surrounding area.
It was a time where two ancient cultures were trying to get along with each other, a time of war and peace. It seemed to me to be a border, where the ancient and modern meet. Celtic villages vs Roman towns. Two vastly different ways of living and thinking clashed, and then tried to find ways to get along.
So that aspect interested me, plus the countryside and the amount of info available thru excavations all adds to a detailed picture of the time.
It was a time where two ancient cultures were trying to get along with each other, a time of war and peace. It seemed to me to be a border, where the ancient and modern meet. Celtic villages vs Roman towns. Two vastly different ways of living and thinking clashed, and then tried to find ways to get along.
So that aspect interested me, plus the countryside and the amount of info available thru excavations all adds to a detailed picture of the time.
Cindy Tomamichel
I had two types of druids in my book. The traditional druids I kept to an earth and tree based religion, an oral history and living in the forests. Their leader had a deep understanding of the past, and great sadness as he saw his religion declining.
The others, 'fake druids' were the thugs hired by the bad guy, Daman. He has lost his soul and conscience, and is determined to purge Britain of the Roman invaders. To do this he does commit some dreadful crimes. So some of the darker aspects of the religion I attribute to him and his overwhelming ambitions.
There are very few actual records of druids, so I guess people feel free to make up what they want to believe.
The others, 'fake druids' were the thugs hired by the bad guy, Daman. He has lost his soul and conscience, and is determined to purge Britain of the Roman invaders. To do this he does commit some dreadful crimes. So some of the darker aspects of the religion I attribute to him and his overwhelming ambitions.
There are very few actual records of druids, so I guess people feel free to make up what they want to believe.
Cindy Tomamichel
Yes, it is hard to keep them away! The dog sitting in the sun in summer and near the heater in winter. The cats take turns draping themselves over me or the keyboard. They also wait for me to get up so they can take back possession of the chair.
Cindy Tomamichel
RE Howard would be my top favourite as the creator of Conan. Great action, and better character creation than many would expect. He also wrote a lot of dark mythic poetry, and this shows in his excellent descriptions of settings.
Others I also enjoy are Fritz Leiber (Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser) and Michael Moorcock (Elric series). Steve Perry and Loren Coleman wrote some good Conan spinoffs as well. A more recent author I enjoyed has been Joe Bonadonna and his Waters of Darkness.
Others I also enjoy are Fritz Leiber (Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser) and Michael Moorcock (Elric series). Steve Perry and Loren Coleman wrote some good Conan spinoffs as well. A more recent author I enjoyed has been Joe Bonadonna and his Waters of Darkness.
Cindy Tomamichel
I spent a fair bit of time reading in general about the period, from books and the internet so I could get an idea about the world and events. Once I had the time and place nailed down I then researched more on religion, culture, fashion, food and archaeological digs in the area. I also read a few travel books about Hadrian's Wall to get a feel for the landscape.
Cindy Tomamichel
I can legitimately sit all day drinking coffee and tea with a cat on my lap and call it work.
Cindy Tomamichel
Not really a couple in the romantic sense, but Modesty Blaise and Willie Garvin are top of my list. From Peter O'Donnell's Modesty Blaise series, the pair remain as close as any couple, and their relationship throughout the books is something to treasure. In any caper, no matter what the danger, they knew they could rely on the other to sacrifice anything to save them.
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