
Introducing Lesley Donaldson
I love creating fantastical worlds with compelling characters who take you on a journey away from the stress of your everyday life. My debut fantasy, “The Queen’s Viper”, was a Semi-Finalist in the 2016 Kindle Book Awards. If you like your stories so realistic you feel like you’re there, I’m sure you’ll love this grim-dark blend of historical and contemporary fantasy.
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
My stories take you to times and places that no longer exist… or do they? I love writing stories that blend real events with magic and supernatural elements, often with dark humour or tones.
The stories I write range in genre, from magical fantasy and adventure, to horror and space opera (the latter being in development). For me, creating compelling characters we love, or love to hate, is the most important part of the creative writing process.
My debut fantasy, “The Queen’s Viper”, was a Semi-Finalist in the 2016 Kindle Book Awards. I’m pleased to announce that I’m inviting fantasy readers to be in the sequel, “The Wrath of Atticus”, or to create a character with plot involvement for the conclusion of the series. My Kickstarter campaign offers all the details: http://bit.ly/WrathofAtticus.
I’m a hobby medievalist, a nurse, a special needs parent, and an often companionable wife.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
I wrote a blog post talking about real historical artifacts that I integrated into Viper’s story. http://writerlesleydonaldson.com/tudor-artifacts-fantasy/
Originally, Viper didn’t have a name. Then I came across a less than flattering image of Queen Elizabeth I holding a black snake (which had been painted over by white roses to hide it). Viper’s name and her role in history fell into place.
My latest book, “The Wrath of Atticus”, is the sequel to “The Queen’s Viper”.
Viper is a villainous protagonist caught between the mystery of her immortal past and the malice of mortals in the present. Her journey is a re-imagining of Celtic folklore in a seamless blend of historical and contemporary fantasy for a mature audience.
The first book follows Viper across two timelines: Tudor-Elizabethan England and modern London. Viper stumbles across the young Tudor Princess Elizabeth and a Crown Jewel that unlocks Viper’s repressed memories. To secure a path to her past, Viper ensures Elizabeth’s safety, setting the threatened princess upon the Throne of England. Viper’s journey leads her to Annys, the unforeseen enemy who imprisons her for 400 years.
Then, in 2012, Viper is inexplicably freed from her magical prison. With the help of her Foundling Owain, and his eclectic cadre of helpers, Viper sets off for revenge upon the descendants of those who imprisoned her, starting with Queen Elizabeth II. All the while, a malicious figure exerts his influence from the shadows.
Will immortal Viper overcome the power surging within herself even as Queens of Britain try to control her?
In the sequel, “The Wrath of Atticus”, anti-hero Viper may have forgotten her past, but it’s about to catch up with her. Grudgingly obligated to help mortals prepare for a prophesied war, Viper’s torn between helping her allies and pursing her own, selfish interests.
Visions of the past reveal that the mysterious Atticus has hunted Viper since the Iron Age, when Viper aided in Queen Boudica’s rebellion against invading Romans.
Before Viper uncovers the truth about Atticus, an assassin arrives from Veyandra, the Otherworldly home Viper has never seen. He gives her a warning she can’t ignore. Viper must choose her path before new enemies determine her untimely fate on the summer solstice.
Who is your intended readership?
Speculative fiction readers, mature audience
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
My entire life has been about stories, even when I took a detour and studied/worked in nursing. My first story was at the age of 3 about a cat named Dimples. If I wrote that story now, Dimples would be a bio-hacked lab cat subjugating humankind for their own good.
Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?
This question is always hard for me to answer, because I find so many authors and series enjoyable to read. Stephen King and Dean Koontz have a lot of room on my shelves. I also like Shirley Jackson and Robin Hobbs. Lately, I’ve spent more time reading Canadian authors.
What advice would you give beginning writers?
Read a book twice: once for fun, and the second for dissecting what made it work. Learn the strategies of crafting before you let your imagination loose. Many of the emerging authors I speak too have lots and lots of creative ideas, but lack the skill to integrate them into a publishable story.
Give yourself lots of time and push your creativity.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Any hobbies?
I love travelling with my family, and when time allows, I throw on garb and re-create certain aspects of medieval history. No plagues please!
What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?
My Kickstarter (http://bit.ly/WrathofAtticus) had a huge boost within the first 24 hours. Even though it’s successfully funded, I’m taking backers on the journey to the $3000 stretch goal so I can release a book of short stories for free.
The short stories represent my range and tone, from fantastical (plus or minus monsters) to slipstream. My editor and I are bantering titles about. The current working name is “The Crying Leaves”.
The Wrath of Atticus
Immortal anti-hero Viper may have forgotten her past, but it’s about to catch up with her. Grudgingly obligated to help mortals prepare for a prophesied war, Viper’s torn between helping her allies and pursing her own selfish interests.
Visions of the past reveal that the mysterious Atticus has hunted Viper since the Iron Age, when Viper aided in Queen Boudica’s rebellion against invading Romans.
Before Viper uncovers the truth about Atticus, an assassin arrives from Veyandra, the Otherworldly home she has never seen. He gives her a warning she can’t ignore. Viper must choose her path before new enemies determine her untimely fate on the summer solstice.
Author Pages:
Amazon, Smashwords
Where to find Lesley Donaldson:
Website (Lesley Donaldson – Author of Speculative Fiction), Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog (Lesley Donaldson – Author of Speculative Fiction), Facebook, LinkedIn, Newsletter (Escape for Free!)
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