Welcome Clare, Campbell, aka C. J Campbell. it is so exciting to have an author from Ireland on my blog. My ancestors are applauding too. Please, share your writing journey with my readers.  Yours is so unique I know it will inspire others.

Oh! Where to begin? For one thing, it was an unexpected and delightful surprise. Some people may know I battled with a serious and life-changing illness when I was in my late teens through to my mid-twenties. It was, at the time, incredibly disabling and I was often isolated, and constrained to my home, As with any illness it took a toll on not just my physical but emotional wellbeing, so in an attempt to hold on to my sanity I threw myself back into reading. I’m a huge J. R. R. Tolkien fan, like MEGAFAN, and a huge nerd about it too, and as nerds do, I dabbled around in fanfiction. For anyone not sure what fanfic is, it’s a thriving and massive body of fellow fans of a particular popular book, movie, TV series etc. who write stories, or ‘fics,’ on their favourite subject matter. For me, it was Tolkien and the Silvan Elves.

One day I strangely got it into my head I could totally write one of these fanfic stories, because I wanted to write on a specific subject that very few in the that community were writing about. So, I did—despite having NO prior writing experience, training, or even the slightest inclination on how to write. Within the year I’d attracted a million readers and thousands of reviews on my fic. The attention was garnering notice of actual authors on the platform. These guys wrote fics on the side for fun as well as being published authors with careers … and with actual know-how on writing.

They came alongside me and encouraged my abilities; patiently explaining basic techniques and grammar and really pressing me to consider writing a novel. But, how? I didn’t have an original idea and you can’t publish fanfic. I was invited to attend a writer’s conference in the States – I’m from Ireland, the North of Ireland specifically, in a wee town outside Belfast – and after correspondence with others in the community I resolved I should at least try to overcome my crippling imposter syndrome, and my own disabilities, and get on that dang plane. And that’s exactly what I did. CRAZY, I know. With no idea what to expect, no background, and not knowing a single soul I travelled halfway around the world.

In the timeframe before the conference, I began to pen the first draft of my first novel, and took it with me. While there I learned exactly what one shouldn’t present as a novel to an agent, and then sweetly instructed how to improve, and armed with that knowledge. I went home and spent the next 12 months learning everything I could about the industry, rewriting my draft, and booking my return flight. When I arrived the second time, I signed with my literary agent, and less than two years after that sold my first book, and it’s been an adventure ever since.

I’ve never tried fanfiction, but I have heard it can get you a huge fan base. You prove that, Clare. Congratulations on your first published book. Tells us a bit about Tempest.

Tempest: The Veil Chronicles, Is the first book in a planned series. It follows the story of Alexandria ‘Lexi’ Danu, a young woman on the run from a clandestine organization who has an interest in her rare genetics—an anomaly that blesses her with indestructible immunity, but curses her with a gruesome disfigurement. A series of events and impossible encounters sets in a motion of chain of catastrophic events which leads Lexi straight into the hands of the secretive organization – the Order of kings – and the truth of who she really is; the last queen of a bygone, supernatural race. A Celestial being blessed with powers that not even she understands yet. She learns she has not been chased for genetics, like she was misled to believe, but for her role to play in the salvation, or destruction of mankind.

Tempest is a Young Adult fantasy romance spun from the legends of Irish mythology and folklore and reimagined into a modern epic, appealing to fans of Maas, Tolkien, Pullman, and Armentrout.

Wow! It sounds fascinating. I lovet that you reimagined Irish Mythology to create your story.

Clare, how do you go about researching a book?

LOVE this question. With any book idea, I usually let it simmer for a number of weeks or months, and jot important things down as either physical or mental notes—like bookmarks. For example, with Tempest I marked specific folklore stories I wanted to delve a little deeper into. When I was reading those stories, I’d pick out keywords; plants, trees, places mentioned and that would start another ring of research, until after several months I had this massive well of information from tons of sources. Then I just marinate in all that knowledge, poetry, storytelling until the threads of a plot began to infuse with my initial imagined story idea and I just start to write. . .and write, and write.

Honestly, I try not to limit myself or become too focused on a particular area—especially with something as speculative as fantasy—the wider I can cast my net by just finding little gems, and sparks of interest that send me down less trodden paths, the more ideas come to me. Better ideas. Bolder stories. And, I read lots of varied things. I always find mythology goes hand-in-hand with Scripture. There’s a lot of similarities in the types and style of writing and storytelling of those ancient scribes that makes for beautiful reading, and inspiration.

So, what inspired you to write Tempest?

My home. Nature. Trees, and rivers, and gales, and crackling fires that take the bite out of winter chill. I grew up  an old farm, around three hundred-years-old, on the outskirts of small Northern Irish town. I was a barefoot, mud-squelching-between-my-toes, wind-tossed hair, grazed knees, wildling child. I talked to trees, rolled down daffodil rich hills, and followed streams looking for sprites or tadpoles, and I don’t think I ever stopped. In Ireland we have a pastime of telling stories around fires or just over dinner. I heard many a faerie story. Or, the stories of the old gods and heroes. It really was just a natural step to begin to put into words all the wild, beautiful, wondrous things I’ve seen, heard, felt, and touched in this beautiful part of the world. There’s something incredibly gentle yet magnificently powerful about creation. Even to this day when things get loud, when the world seems a bit out of whack, or life throws a curveball or two, I take those walks through trees, across coasts, along cliffs and breathe until the cobwebs are gone, and I’ve escaped into something magical where anything is possible, and you feel the embrace of God. If I can bless a reader with even a touch of that freedom through my stories, if I can take them there with me, even just between the pages of a book, then what an adventure we’ll have together.

When did you realize your calling to create words on paper to share with the world?

I very vividly remember getting a message from a reader of one of my fanfics. There is nothing out of the ordinary about this, I get lots of communication, that’s really common in the fandom world, but this specific message touched me. It was a woman struggling, hundreds of miles away, in another country, a completely different culture and religion, and she poured her heart onto a page. My stories and characters had shown her a way back to herself and her faith. She saw herself in the main character and took comfort in the words. I’ll not divulge any further details but it moved me to tears. I wish I could say she was the only one but there were so many readers sending me various stories of hurt, trauma, and then how my characters—my little story based on my own battles—had revived their faith, in whatever context, and I was humbled beyond measure. I felt a stirring, and many of these letters ended with pleas for me to pursue writing as a career. To a larger degree I owe these amazing, brave souls all the credit for pointing me on this path of writing. Poetically, if I hadn’t been so lost and broken from my own battles with illness and PTSD I’d have never found writing, nor these wonderful souls who pointed me back to my own faith, and gave me a purpose again. So, I say, never underestimate a letter sent to an author. . .you might just be their light in the dark too.

How wonderful to see how God used all those letters to direct your life. Do you have a favorite verse that resonates with you?

YES! This verse is for everyone BUT especially my fellow writers and creatives. Hebrews 11:1-3. Go grab your bible. Go get it. I’ll wait. . . have you got it? Excellent. Read it. Then read it again. And one more time for good measure.

‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.’

Whenever you question what you’re doing in life. Whenever you think ‘maybe I misheard God’ or that sneaky thing called imposter syndrome comes crawling up your spine to dig its claws in deep . . . read that verse. That is the key to faith. Just because you don’t see it yet does not mean it isn’t there. Don’t ever lose sight of the joy of a desire put on your heart. Don’t lessen it for anyone, or anything. Readers and authors alike, I know you’ve got some fabulous imaginations, don’t think for one second that’s a coincidence. That imagination is the thing that helps us see the end result, the miracle, the hope, it helps us see the thing not yet seen, even when everything else around you tells you something else. You didn’t think your Father would leave you so ill-quipped now, did you? Imagination isn’t just for storytelling. You see a story in your imagination and you keep it there until it is finally a book in your hands, same difference for any hope, or dream. See it in that wonderful place called imagination, hold it there, and don’t let go until you see it in reality—it’s your assurance, that God makes things out of the invisible, not the visible.

Thank you for that encouragement, Clare.

Now, let me ask you, if you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger self about writing what would it be?

Quiet your mind. Breathe. Listen to that still small voice. Truthfully, coming into the writing world was one of the most frightening and overwhelming experiences of my life—I’m sure many can resonate with this—and the amount of information that is flung at you can seem too much. It is too much, and you don’t need to know it all right this second. No one actually knows what they are doing. Everyone is trying to ‘make it’ and they all think they’ve got a piece of the magic puzzle. You’ll find the right people to help you with your style and type of writing, you’ll find your way of doing things, and your confidence will soar when you tune out all the chatter and go with your intuition. You got this far, sweetheart, just keep the faith. Eyes on the destination, remember everyone’s scared, but you can learn to dance with your fears and turn them into epic stories to help those around you learn the steps to overcome their own.

Good advice.

Who  is your best support system to keep you focused on writing?

I swear by the rule of four. Four is a good solid number. Stable foundation. You need the friend who is also in the industry. The one you can call on to talk shop and who actually understands the nuts and bolts of what’s going on. On the polar opposite side you need a friend who is just ‘ride or die’ with you to the end of the road, and hasn’t a clue about the writing industry, but they’ve got your back and they’ll hype you whenever you need it. Down the middle, you need the brutally honest friend, the one who is not gonna swing and miss when it comes to critiquing your work (or, your attitude). It’s better you have them tell you that first chapter was horrendous and boring as all get it, than a 1 star reviewer, or a thousand rejection letter—listen to them, it’s called tough love. And, then you need that spiritual guidance, that connection that keeps your mind on God and faith—whether that’s a church friend, pastor, mentor, or a family member, or simply yourself and Scripture, make time for that relationship. It’s gonna be the one that nourishes you the most.

Important side note. I did not start out with these people. My circle grew as I did. And many times over the positions I’ve mentioned can be taken over by new people entering your life, or someone can fulfil both or all. My point is, don’t fret if it’s just you and God, that’s all I had when I started, and it’s more than enough.

I’ve never had anyone answer this questions so thoroughly before. I hope my readers are encouraged by your honesty. I find it refreshing.  Let’s go to some fun questions.

What is your favorite genre to read for fun?

Fantasy. Hands down. Every time. Magic is everywhere and it never gets boring. Though, I am very partial to fun chick-lit beachy reads, or romantic comedies that make me laugh out loud, and believe in love again—I’m secretly a closeted romantic. Really, I want anything big, bold, that gives me the escapism I crave.

Where is your favorite place to write?

Hilariously, in bed. I love blankets. Like, right now I’m swathed in snuggly blankets, sipping my cup of tea, and tapping away to you guys in my cosy cocoon . . . you legit could not find a happier soul.

But, I’m more interested in you kind folks and your favourite places to read? I love cosy chairs to read . . . again with blankets. Lots of snuggly blankets. Perhaps, you’d even like to cuddle up with a copy of Tempest? Maybe come along on an adventure to the wild and fierce hidden places of Ireland?

 If that sounds like your type of adventure, I’m giving away a copy of the e-book to one lucky reader. May the luck of the Irish be with you, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Sláinte

Comment below for a chance to win a copy of Tempest. Here’s a link for you to purchase an e-book.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B097YVXMLM/

More about Clare

With over 2.5 millions reads C.J. Campbell is the highly popular author of award-winning fan fiction surrounding J.R.R. Tolkien’s character the Elvenking. Growing up on her Grandfather’s farm in Ireland, C.J. was surrounded by Irish legends and the mysteries of the Tuatha Dé Danann people, which has inspired her debut fantasy fiction series, The Veil Chronicles.

Back cover copy blurb

For eighteen-year-old Lexi, freedom is a luxury. She’s spent her life evading capture for a genetic gift that feels more like a curse. Her immunity and disfigurement are of great interest to a clandestine organization, but they aren’t the only ones. 

Desperate to enjoy her life, she leaves the protective cocoon her parents created and signs up for art classes at the local college. There, she meets Connor. But a chance encounter with Connor’s foster brother, Killian, changes everything. 

Killian shares the same mysterious blood as Lexi, and the trio’s fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction of catastrophic events that exposes a terrifying truth. Lexi and Killian find themselves under the protection of the Order of Kings, but things may not be as they seem. Will Lexi have what it takes to fight powers she never knew existed or will the world be overtaken by an evil whose ultimate goal is humanity’s demise?  

Thank you so much, Clare, for traveling to Illinois via the internet and joining me on my blog.

Readers don’t forget to comment to win a copy of Tempest.