Ask Laura Howard discussion

So, Miss Laura, when did you discover you were a writer? And who is your biggest influence?

Writing was always a little hobby I did, mostly just to clear my head. But the idea of publishing a book was right up there with walking on the moon- somebody else's reality. Until the rise of Amazon KDP.

oops I missed the second half of your question. My influences have been Stephenie Meyer, a stay home Mom who published a book? Wow. Juliet Marillier, Holly Black, Cassandra Clare... they all played a part in getting me where I am now.

I have always needed to write to clear my head as well but mine turn into constant rambling. it really helps me when life gets hard. I am so glad that you found the in you needed to publish a book! Those are some great authors.

Do you have to have it all peaceful and quiet or do you prefer music on or background noise? Is there anything you have to have in order to write? Like chocolate, coffee, a dog, etc?

I need quiet ... I have enough trouble focusing in silence, I'm totally ADD... squirrel!

Haha!! I can understand that. Here's hoping you get plenty of quiet in the months to come so we can get book 2! ;)

I don't know if you remember this Katy, but I think the day I published was pretty funny. I had all my files ready early and was just too excited to wait the extra two waits for my Release Day. I think I posted on Facebook that I was trying really hard not to publish, but then two minutes later I had hit the Publish Button.

What kind of research, if any, did you conduct while thinking up and writing this novel?
Loved it!

Yes, lots of research! Both at the library and through Google. The best place was an online archive called Sacred Texts. Loads of stories about heroes and Folk lore to pull things from!

I love Holly Black also! Do you find it hard dealing with the pronunciation of Gaelic or old traditional Irish names or slang? When I've read a sentence in Gaelic it still shocks me when I see the way it's actually said. Do you have a place or site / link you could recommend for Gaelic translations?

No particular site, just a whole lot of Googling. I have made a few Irish friends on Facebook. (One of them is even a character in TFO, Blaithin.) But even then you have different dialects to sort through.

I'm a total sucker for an Irish or Scottish accent , I was in a lecture and this guy student was asking questions and my brain just focused on the lilt .. When the class ended I kinda waited around to check him out..( I already had a Liam type in my head) & he was OLD lol, like my fathers age, & I was way younger but his voice, I could have listened to him all day lol

Laura wrote: "Yes, lots of research! Both at the library and through Google. The best place was an online archive called Sacred Texts. Loads of stories about heroes and Folk lore to pull things from!"

Awesome! Thanks! I have several books about different mythologies, but this looks great!

Awesome! I'm looking into it now! Thank you both :)

Hello Laura! How did you begin your research? The information is so overwhelming! I've looked at the website you suggested, and it is so full of information! I've got a lot of reading to do.

a good book to check out is The Name Upon the Harp by Marie Heaney. It's a kids book, but a great place to start.

Thank you!

I've decided to start with Basque folklore because it relates to my all time favorite book by Trevanian, The Summer of Katya. I get goose bumps every time I think of that book.

I've never heard of that book. Will have to check it out!