Interview with John Lonsdale, Author of The Guardian’s Tale (The Clash of Glass Book 1)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Guardian’s Tale (The Clash of Glass Book 1)?

When I wrote the original Minos trilogy, which focuses on a young person beginning their journey into the mystical world of Lineage, the idea came to me to write about the same secret society, but from the perspective of someone who was approaching the end of their time. The notes I’d made sat in a drawer for about a year as I focused on other projects. One morning the character of Hazel, who’d had a small part to play in the Minos books, popped into my head with a new story line that she wanted me to explore, and so this new series ‘Clash of Glass’ came into existence.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Guardian’s Tale (The Clash of Glass Book 1), what would they be?

Hazel Brahmas – “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC.

Benjamin Bartholomew – “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd.

Gustav Orthrus – “Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

It has varied over the years, but I tend to favour Fantasy, Science Fiction and Modern History (Factual). When writing Urban Fantasy books, I often draw on each of those styles to help create the world and characters that are often grounded in both a mystical and realistic environment.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

‘The Iron Ship’ by KM McKinley, and ‘Neptunes Inferno’ by James Hornfischer.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Chapter 17 – Workshop encounters. When writing this section, I had a clear picture in my head of the action that takes place and it took me back to the Ray Harryhausen ‘stop motion’ films from my youth. I recall watching many of these movies, such as Jason and the Argonauts, and being entranced by the unsettling movements of his creations. In this chapter I attempted to capture some of that experience when describing the antagonist.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

If I find myself struggling, I will put on some scene appropriate music. This can often be a film soundtrack (Such as Hans Zimmer) to help get my mind into the mood.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Life is not a rehearsal.

John Lonsdale is the author of the new book The Guardian’s Tale (The Clash of Glass Book 1)

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