Interview Clare Di Liscia Author of Neliem
Give a warm welcome to Clare Di. Liscia, author of Neliem soon to be released May 21, 2019. Happy almost book birthday!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Clare and Neliem!
What inspired Neliem?
From my earliest recollection, I heard stories of how my father had been tormented at school as a child. Every day without fail, he was the first one out of his classroom, racing with all his might to get home. He had to be. Being slow meant a severe beating, or maybe worse. So he ran. Outdistancing his tormentors, he dared to find safety racing along the dangerous cliffs that outlined his small island as the other children threw stones at him.
This image haunted me for years. And it was the first image I had of my character Oriana. She too was bullied, and needed to outdistance her adversaries. Abuse and discrimination played important roles in my father’s life, which translated into Oriana’s. A beautiful girl who transforms herself from victim to warrior.
Do you see yourself in your characters?
Yes. I could relate easily to what Oriana goes through. She lives in a small minded village, nobody dares break the unwritten laws how girls should behave. She stands out by defending herself, using her dagger when the occasion arises.
Unfortunately, it scares off any potential suitors.
In pursuing a writing career, I too went against the grain. Lots of people told me ‘it won’t happen.’ That I was wasting money going to conferences and writers retreats. I chose not to listen. I followed my passion and continued writing. Now my debut NELIEM is set to release 5/21/2019.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
Easy, I’m swimming. I usually swim every single day for an hour. It’s a way to decompress as well as work out problems I might be facing with a particular book I’m working on. All the noise mutes underwater. It’s refreshing and I highly recommend anyone who wants a writing career to find a means of exercise that they find exhilarating.
Tell us about Neliem, a YA Fantasy.
A sneek peek between the pages of Neliem!
Before I clear the field, I realize too late that it’s a trap. I have been herded like a sheep, far from the few scattered homes, toward the deserted cliffside where no one will hear my screams for help. Another boy with flaming red hair stands behind a tree waiting for me; I recognize him from the market. I can smell him, sweaty with a tangy sweetness that can only mean one thing. He’s been eating apples and waiting for some starving girl foolish enough to think she could steal some fruit.
I reach for my dagger, strength pulsating so deeply that I nearly drop it from my sweaty palm. Then, the voice of the boy of my dreams, whispers, “Hold it steady, Oriana. You can do this.”
I tuck all fear down deep within me. Later, I tell myself; later I will worry.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Clare Di Liscia, Neliem, YA Fantasy by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
