Behind the scenes — A Noble Loyalty

I’m so excited to be a part of Christine Smith’s Know The Novel! 

A Noble Loyalty is retelling of the fairytale A Wounded Lion, a medieval non-magical Christian fantasy, part of a multi author series. 
In my version, there isn’t technically a ruling family, but more of a business empire. So think medieval mobsters

What makes The Cornerstone Series unique is that the focus is on who would be considered side characters of the original story. 

January 7th is the release date and it’s hard to wrap my head around how quickly it is already approaching!

So, let’s dive in!

What first sparked the idea for this novel?

There was a list of possible fairytales to choose from and after going over several of them I kept coming back to this one! 

Share a blurb (or just an overall summary)!

I actually am very glad(not… relieved at all, ha!) to have finalized the blurb and you can find that here! 

The short version–

My lonely female main character asks no questions of her scheming father and does as he says, until she begins to pay closer attention.

My steadfast Knight male main character is trying to uphold justice and gain intelligence while crime escalates and a sickness spreads. 

They both want answers but only questions seem to be surfacing.

Where does the story take place? What are some of your favorite aspects of the setting?

A continent called Aurae Terra, in the country of Ventosis. 

Imagining this world was so much fun!

There are two suns and a central moon with six of its own little moons orbiting around it. As well as flora and fauna all its own.

The original story is set in Spain, and I did take inspiration from the landscape, architecture, folktales, and language.

It was amazing to research! But also a little intimidating, because there is such rich history and culture and… I’ve never been to Spain and am not fluent in Spanish–I can only hope it is read in the spirit it is intended!   

Tell us about your protagonist(s)

Bellinda “Bee” Durand is the daughter of who would be the “giant” in the original tale (hehe I did think it was punny that he be “a business giant” for my story) and is an extrovert, curious, stubborn, and gets excited easily even though her father has done his best to curb her general enthusiasm. She loves horses and dancing. She longs for real connections when most of her life she feels she can’t have them, or that if she tries they’re dead ends. She misses her mother, who passed away when Bee was twelve, and just wishes she had a true home again.

Elias Reyes is the younger son of the “king and queen” (their last name means king, royalty hehehe) who loves to learn, feeling part of something that makes a difference(his occupation encompasses both points and it suits him perfectly), and his family. He enjoys putting together the puzzle pieces of investigations but doesn’t like when there seems to be more puzzle than actual pieces. Oh, but don’t let me forget to mention how much he enjoys food! Breakfast is his favorite meal.

Who (or what) is the antagonist?

In some ways, Bee is to herself, but mainly it is her father.
In the beginning, they don’t know who is behind the crime that has reared its ugly head.

What excites you the most about this novella?

That’s such a hard question–I am in love with this story and world! And learning this whole process as an indie author. The Cornerstone Series ladies have been amazing to work alongside! 

Is this going to be a series? standalone? something else?

As mentioned, it’s part of a multi author series, yet also can be read as a standalone. 

I may or may not have ideas for a sequel… -sheepish grin- But I hate to give a definitive on that because it sounds like I’m making a promise… One I would love to keep! So I suppose we’ll see!

Are you plotting? Pantsing? Plansting?

I believe I am a planster? I typically have major events and end results in mind for stories, and sort of bullet points as I go along of for scenes, but filling everything in happens as I write.  

Name a few unique elements in this story.

Of so many amazing aspects of this story that I love, the Educacias is definitely in my top five!
It’s a school, place to receive civil and ministerial services, library, and home to an intelligent bear species called the Ursen. They are basically cuddly, sassy librarians.  

Share some fun “extras” of the story (a song or full playlist, some aesthetics, a collage, a Pinterest board, a map you’ve made, a special theme you’re going to incorporate, ANYTHING you want to share!).

You can find more aesthetics here. You’ll see much of the Spanish inspiration in landscape and architecture I kept in mind as I wrote!

Several of us in the series will have special edition hardbacks and it has been amazing to plan for! I finished the map recently, and though it will be in all formats, other illustrations are in the works that I want to share so badly! But, as most of them will be in exclusively in the SE, I’m bound to wait.
There will also be a bonus scene and short story. 

A song that recurred in my head as I wrote was Dare You to Move by Switchfoot.
Background vibe is Audiomachine tracks, specifically Convergence, but also this playlist .

Thank you so much for hanging out with me and any interest in A Noble Loyalty!

My Instagram has specific posts featuring my WIP, but I of course will continue updates here, so stay tuned!

With love, Olivia