Clare Di Liscia Archives

May 20th 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.

Half the population of the island of Madera are dead, killed by an unforgiving and indiscriminate plague. Oriana dreams of escaping her life of ruthless cruelty from the people who now rule over those who remain. No telling whom the plague will strike next, Oriana means to find freedom for herself and her people. Drawing strength from ancient tales of her enemy, young Oriana transforms herself from victim to warrior with the help of a mysterious and powerful dagger given to her by a kind and dying boy.

Years later, during her enemy’s betrothal ritual, Ezra, a boy she has never before seen, selects her as his mate. With servitude her only option, Oriana accepts the offer. Whisked away to a seemingly perfect world, Oriana discovers sinister secrets at every turn, including the identity of Tristan, a boy with whom she shares an undeniable but impossible connection.

Why would a boy she doesn’t know wish her to be his betrothed? Why does she feel such a strong pull toward a stranger? Someone in Ezra’s family not only knows the answer to both those questions, but also about the dagger Oriana possesses. He will do anything to stop the union. Now, with everything on the line, Oriana turns inward to find the strength she needs to seize the full power of the dagger so that she may protect herself and save her people.

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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.

About the Author:

Born in Queens, New York, Clare Di Liscia moved to California as a small child and grew up in the hills by Dodger Stadium. Constantly roaming the woods, she took to embellishing on the stories of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle Duck to fill her imagination. To her horror she soon realized there was no way to fit a miniature tuxedo on a frog. Fortunately in sixth grade, Clare won a short story contest with the grand prize of fifteen happy meals. She would like to point out that two of those meal tickets were missing by the time her mother handed over her prize. After traveling extensively throughout South America and the Caribbean, Clare attended KU Leuven, in Belgium for University where she studied Dutch and French. Clare graduated from Cal State Northridge Film School, earning Dean’s List recognition with a BA in TV/Film. In 2006 she placed in the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting beating out 4700 other applicants. After joining SCBWI, Clare won 1st place HM in the Sue Alexander for her YA novel, now titled NELIEM.

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