Meet the Author!

This week F&P connected with fantasy author Evelyn Briar  to chat about the inspiration behind her books, her writing journey, and the stories that brought her captivating world to life. From the spark that started it all to the characters readers have fallen in love with, we delve behind the pages to discover the person behind the pen.

Read on to find out what Evelyn had to say!

Tell us a little about yourself and your journey to becoming an author..

From a very young age, I have enjoyed writing. As a child, I could be found writing poems or ideas for stories on the back of my napkin at dinner. I have always been a lover of fantasy, and in my adult years, romance. Romantasy is the perfect blend of both genres.

At college, I studied English Literature, where my lecturer told me I needed to find something 'more interesting' than fantasy, because he felt that as a genre, it was too derivative. Well, stuff that advice! 

When I started writing The Tides of Xanthia, I found myself feeling at home in the world I was developing. The characters I was writing felt like friends. It is a world that I have poured my heart and soul into - the work of a lifetime of passionately enjoying reading and writing.

Outside of being an author, I run my own business working with animals. I am a mum of two. I live in southwest England and visit the beach several times a week. I enjoy strength training, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and my favourite series is Throne of Glass.

Can you introduce your latest book in three sentences?

You'll start off in a world that feels familiar. You'll find yourself amongst the fantastical. Then...you better brace yourself for a rollercoaster!

What inspired the story?

Truthfully, I woke up at 4am with the plot of the duology in my head. I wrote the main plot points down on my phone and started writing it in the weeks following.

Which character was the most enjoyable to write and why?

I love Rionan. There are two sides to him - his duty (Xanthia) and his heart (Alianna). Sometimes Rionan feels at odds with himself, often describing himself as selfish when he prioritises his own wants and desires. He loves fiercely, devotes himself fully, and remains honourable in his choices. 

He is also a little bit clueless at times, which is quite fun, although this doesn't dominate his character. In the beginning of Tides, when he finds himself in the human land, he doesn't really know how everything works, e.g. mobile phones. He also doesn't understand some human phrases ("the elephant in the room" throws him in The Tempests of Xanthia, book two). I find this quite endearing, especially as he has been raised as a court-trained noble, and it is at odds with some other elements of his personality.

Was there a character who challenged you more than the others?

Rannirr, as a villain, is very different from the other characters. You will see more of him later in the series, too. His words are laced with false sweetness, and he is a charismatic antagonist. I wanted the threat from Rannirr to seem present even when he was not on the page, which was really fun. I have included more Rannirr scenes in the companion prequel for the duology (coming later this year), drawing on what we already see from him in Tides.

If your book had the perfect soundtrack what three songs would be on it?

I actually have a playlist for each book, which I listen to almost constantly until I finish writing them. It helps me remain in the headspace of the characters and the plot. Three of the songs on the playlist for The Tides of Xanthia are:

• Wonderland - Taylor Swift

• Young and Beautiful - Lana Del Rey

• Codex - Joel Sunny

My full writing playlist for Tides can be found at the back of the book.

Which authors or books have influenced your writing the most if any? 

I would say Sarah J Maas, particularly ACOTAR. Many people can relate to Sarah being a gateway to romantasy. She was the same for me, and pulled me out of an incredibly long reading slump. I also really enjoy the accessible worldbuilding and character-driven narratives written by Kaylie Smith, the author of Phantasma and Enchantra. 

Describe your writing routine. Are you a planner or a ‘see where the story goes’writer?

A bit of both. I write down the main plot points - what has to happen for the story to progress. Sometimes my characters go from A, to B, to C...sometimes I roll with the vibes, and they end up on lots of little side quests, but eventually make it to the next plot point! Some of the scenes that are the favourites of many readers were written based on "vibes" rather than strict plans.

What’s one scene you’re especially proud of (without spoilers)?

In The Tides of Xanthia, it would be the climax of the book. I'm not sure if I can say anything about what happens without it being a huge spoiler! There is a particular part focused on Rionan that I really enjoy. There is also an element to this part of the book that I know readers didn't see coming. I knew it was going to happen the entire time, but it had me feeling a lot of things. I worked very hard on the pacing, the sensory details, and the emotional pull. I hope everyone else enjoys it, too.

If you could spend a day with one of your characters, who would it be and what would you do?

Hmm, I think it would need to be Benn from The Tempests of Xanthia (book two) - you don't meet him in Tides. He is Rionan's cousin. We would have some sort of alfresco lunch, and I'd end up doing something way out of my comfort zone (in a good way) and have a whale of a time. But, if I am focusing on characters from The Tides of Xanthia, it would be Ulreah Stormbringer. We'd sit on a mountaintop, watch the world go by, talk, maybe he'd create a lightning storm if he was asked nicely enough, and I'd probably leave feeling like I'd had the best afternoon ever. He's the sort of character that is incredibly charming, without saying much at all.

What’s a fun fact about you that readers might not know?

I love tattoos. I have eleven currently. I am about to get my twelfth, which is another bookish one to mark publishing Tides & Tempests.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming books or projects?

I have mentioned The Tempests of Xanthia, which is out on 20th August. That is book two in The Realm of Xanthia series, and the sequel to The Tides of Xanthia. Tides & Tempests are a duology. I am currently finalising my fourth draft of a companion prequel to the duology, which will be out later this year. That one is a novella, to be read as book three. I have also made a start on a standalone, completely unconnected to Xanthia, and have plans for another duology/trilogy at some point, also unrelated to Xanthia (I have written a couple of chapters of that one, but the standalone has my interest a little bit more at the moment).

What advice would you give aspiring indie authors?

Go for it. Don't let anyone tell you you can't. 

Remember that indies often challenge common trends and tropes. You can write outside of the formula of "what sells". This is where you can take creative risks and have fun. 

And when you become tempted to compare yourself to huge authors with loads of online popularity, just remember what the original goal you set yourself was. Be proud of every single achievement, because you are doing it on your own, and I bet you are smashing it.

Where can readers find you online?

My handle on both TikTok and Instagram is @evelynbriarauthor. I am much more active on Instagram. Readers can reach out to me via evelynbriarauthor@gmail.com or DM me on insta. My website is still in the works (there is a basic one out there), and I haven't attached my domain yet, but if you keep hold of this link, you'll always be able to find my official site: linktr.ee/evelynbriarauthor

My books are available on KU, eBook (Amazon), and paperback (via Amazon or bookstores). You can also buy them directly from me.

If readers could remember just one thing about your books after turning the final page, what would you want it to be?

Remember how they made you feel. A book should always make you feel something, or offer a bit of escapism. That is why I read.

It doesn't matter if you can't remember quotes, can't remember chapter numbers - remember what you felt about them. 

I hope you enjoyed reading Evelyn’s answers as much as I did, it’s always amazing to get to know the minds behind these beautiful fantasy worlds. I find always makes me enjoy and appreciate their stories just that little bit more! If you want to keep up to date with Evelyn’s latest work you can find her via the details above and If reading this has made you want to start her series you can find these over on Amazon!

Images kindly provided by Evelyn Briar