A little about Rhiannon, as quoted from her blog:
Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She’s married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.rhiannonpaille.com
First, the big question that everyone’s asking. How did you come up with the idea of the Flames?
The story and existence of the Violet Flame is still very popular in Eastern culture today. That’s where Kaliel’s story collides with human history, but there was an entirely other story about her that existed in the other realms, away from Earth. That’s also where the other Flames are from. I didn’t exactly make them up, I’m just bringing them to the surface.
How did you decide on writing a fiction novel based off the idea of the Violet Flame?
I actually thought it was a tragedy that nobody knew the stories about the Violet Flame, or the other Flames for that matter. My mentors supported me in bringing Avristar, the Flames and the Ferryman alive.
I noticed that you also wrote Integrated Intuition: A Comprehensive Guide to Psychic Development. How did you go from writing a guide to becoming a Metaphysical Therapist to writing a YA novel, and has it in any way influenced your writing of Flame Surrender?
I began writing FoS at the same time as Integrated Intuition. The psychic development book was something I wrote by accident. I was teaching quite a few people back in 2005 – 2008 and I kept all the lessons in a file. In 2009 I realized it was the length of a book!
Writing fiction is a lot different than writing non fiction and for me it’s the opposite, writing fiction made my non fiction less technical and boring. So I’m glad I did both.
When did you first know you wanted to write a fiction novel?
I suppose it was back in 2005 when I realized that all the stories I believed to be true, weren’t stories that others would readily accept as true. That then became the basis for The Ferryman and the Flame, which is a fictitious story based on things I believe to be true.
I love how you stayed true to the original culture from which the idea of the Flames originated! What did you enjoy most when writing Flame of Surrender?
Tough question. I enjoyed making the book sing. I had to rewrite it a few times before it flowed like a song. I knew I had “it” when I could read the scenes and hear the cinematic score in the back of my head.
This is related to an earlier question, but has how has life on Earth influenced the development and eventual writing of Flame of Surrender? (Has anything in the ‘real’ world worked its way into the world in Flame of Surrender?)
Like I said, in many eastern cultures, the Violet Flame is well known as a being to call on for healing and erasing karma. It’s been associated with archangel Zadkiel, Buddhist goddess Kwan Yin and Saint Germaine. While my sort of the Flame doesn’t follow any of those more common stories, I think the readers will enjoy what I’ve decided to retell.
Avristar is a fantastical island. If you could create a fantasy world of your own, what are the top five things you want in it?
Ahh well I did bring Avristar to the pages. I would want four full seasons, lush thick forests, talking trees, apple orchards, and talking animals. See if you can figure out which of those things Avristar doesn’t have already. π
Do you have anything else to say to readers at Imaginary Reads?
My favorite stories are the ones that stay with me for a long time and Flame of Surrender is one of those stories, classic and timeless.
Thanks for dropping by again, Rhiannon!
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Jerri Davis says
What and Interesting Life Rhiannon Has. Thank you. Jerri Davis
RhiannonPaille says
Hey everyone! So sorry I wasn't here before to comment, but thanks for all the support! You're right Laura, my life is insane and wonderful at the same time. Can't wait to begin sharing more about it in the interwebs.
SiNn says
I h ave to agree with Laura sounds like a lucky life style at that great interview and i have to say ir eally did enjoy this book
Laura H. says
A metaphysicist and parapsychologist married to a chef and comic book store owner must make for a very eclectic lifestyle and interesting conversation.
Smiley Girlie says
Great interview, it just made me want to read this book even more. I have to say that I am one of those people who didn't know about the Flames.
Michelle Hayden says
I love the author's comment about "making the book sing"…and hearing a score in the background. I totally understand that!
Linda Henderson says
Parapsychology sounds like a very interesting subject. I'm very interested in reading your book, it sounds very unique and interesting. I'm curious about the flames and how they interact.
Cesya MaRae Cuono says
Great interview! I always love reading how other author's come up with their story ideas.
Lisa Richards/alterlisa says
I've never heard these stories before but can see where you could weave a fascinating tale of fiction from them
Kristi says
I have never heard of the Violet Flame (lol, typed Violent first. . ) but this makes me want to do some research on it. Will be fun reading the book while researching the story! Great interview
Danah says
Nice interview. I would want to be in Rhiannon's fantasy world. I mean, talking trees and animals? That would be… yeah creepy yet very exciting!
astroqueen67 says
How cool that you wrote and taught about Psychic Development before writing this book! I love to know about the author that write the books I read!
Sophia Rose says
Your book sounds intriguing to me and I anticipate the opportunity to learn a new story.
Thanks for posting!
Lisa ~ Bookworm Lisa says
You're right I am not familiar with the stories of the violet flame. Thanks for introducing us to the story.
Natalie Aguirre says
Great interview. I meditate and have been to India so I'd love to read this for all the Eastern influences. Good luck Rhiannon with your book.
Lora1967 says
Great interview. Interesting. Cant wait to read this book…
Jolene and Family says
Thanks for the interview, love getting to know authors π