Ask the Author: Cryssa Bazos
Answered Questions (11)
Cryssa Bazos
Thanks for your question! D’Artagnan was a rash, proud Gascon, which opened up wonderful swashbuckling opportunities, but the central core of his personality was his honour. It kept him fixed and on course, and once pledged to someone or a course of action, he was irresolute. While his honour wasn’t a source of internal conflict in the 3M, it really became so in the sequel, The Man in the Iron Mask, where D’Artagnan found himself caught between his pledge to serve the King and his pledge to support his friends. This idea of conflicted honour is what I had in mind for my hero, James, in Traitor’s Knot. There, he had to decide between his pledge to the King and his love and obligation to the woman he loved.
Cryssa Bazos
Hey Liz, can you believe this passive aggressive drivel coming from #NewCEO#making#waves? Did he have to email everyone about his half-baked schemes?
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Cryssa Bazos
Lothlórien, home of the Lady Galadriel to learn Elvish folklore.
Cryssa Bazos
Yes it is! I've heard from Endeavour that the paperback edition will be released in a few weeks. You're not alone in that preference. If you care to put Traitor's Knot on your wish list, Goodreads should notify you when the paperback is out (hopefully). Thanks for the question!
Cryssa Bazos
It may be a little early for summer but I'm itching to read Colm Toibin's latest, House of Names. His Testament of Mary was one of the most emotional reads I've every had. I'm also really looking forward to Carol McGrath's The Woman in the Shadows which is about the wife of Thomas Cromwell. So many books to read! As soon as I hit submit, I'll realize that I missed something burning a hole in my reading app.
Cryssa Bazos
I find that there's nothing better to generate fresh ideas (except walking and listening to music) than diving into historical research. There are little tidbits of information that can spark an idea on how to solve a plot hole. I'm also half convinced that my inner muse uses this as an opportunity to distract me while she sorts out the story problem in the background.
Cryssa Bazos
Creating scenes and people in your head and getting so engrossed in that magical world. These characters become real. Also connecting with other writers about story and the elements of story make for great conversations.
Cryssa Bazos
Find a writing community and a critique group, especially the latter! My critique group holds my feet to the fire and they don't let me get away with too many indulgences (actually none). They have made me a better writer. The key, though, is to find a group where you can trust their judgement and they are still rooting for you to succeed. Stay away from writers who deliver harsh criticism without truly having your back. An unflinching assessment delivered by people who truly want to see you improve as a writer will help you become a better writer; harsh criticism delivered without any thought of concern will definately derail you.
Cryssa Bazos
I'm currently working on book 2, which will be the second installment in what I like to call "Road to the Restoration" series. It will involve one of the characters from Traitor's Knot, but in a completely different adventure. You won't need to read Traitor's Knot to be oriented with this new story, although I hope you still do.
Cryssa Bazos
There was a 17th century highwayman named Captain Hind who was a bit of character. He fought for the King and harassed the Roundheads. I was inspired by this gentleman robber and his devotion to his cause, but my own imagination ended up creating a fictional hero who was his own man.
Cryssa Bazos
Music is my inspiration. I have to have a playlist while I'm working. When I was working on the romantic parts, songs like Loreena McKennitt's "Highwayman" kept playing or Elton John's "I Need You to Turn to" was another. For the battle scenes, the soundtrack to Last of the Mohicans was perfect.
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