Author Interview with Ricky Bray

Today we're talking with Ricky Bray, author of  Rendezvous Rock.

FQ:  Rendezvous Rock is a tightly woven, imaginary tale. What was your impetus for writing about the “mysterious world of The Three Circles?”

The tale originally began as a love story revolving around a ten-year separation.  While I was pondering what could possibly bind two young people tightly enough for their love to endure such a lengthy separation and still rendezvous in ten years, I came up with the idea of The Three Circles.  As the story progressed, this sect actually grew into the compelling force of the novel.

FQ:  Ned, Eric’s uncle, questioned the very existence of witches and warlocks saying, “How could a race exist in absolute secrecy, especially one that supposedly lives twice as long as everyone else? Such a group couldn’t possibly coexist with normal people and not be noticed.” Do you believe such a race could now coexist with us?

With a little imagination this is plausible since there are many clandestine elements within our society today– the covert operations of the FBI or CIA, secretive societies such as the Skull and Bones Society, the drug and crime underworld, and even some individuals that lead double lives.  Although not probable, the concept of “hiding in plain sight” could be taken several steps farther and an ultra-secretive group such as The Three Circles might exist.

FQ: Wicca is a large Earth-centered religion and many of the characters names such as Wind Storm are obviously drawn from nature. Can you tell us about how you went about choosing them and if any of them have any special meaning to you?

I actually modeled The Three Circles after some of the Native American religions and borrowed heavily from some of their traditions, specifically the tradition of a name day or Naming Ceremony.  The names chosen had no personal meaning for me but rather symbolically reflected the character’s traits as they emerged.

FQ: Rendezvous Rock, an epic fantasy which you call a “romantic drama,” is fairly open ended. The book can stand alone, but Little Moon Wind, Terra Fey reborn, is still young at its conclusion. Are you planning a follow-up book?

My original concept left room for two more stories, and I hope to someday complete the trilogy with both a prequel and a sequel.

FQ: Personality wise, we see a wide array of familiars, halflings, and of course, the Warlock, Night Bane. If you were to pluck a character from your own book, which one would you like to be and why?

Susan’s father, Russell, is probably the closest to me in general character.  Most of the characters in the story are larger than life.  I can relate to Susan’s father, an ordinary man who cares deeply for his family.

FQ: Sci-Fi and horror have captured the imagination of readers everywhere, but so many more have recently been captivated by fantasy. Some of the best fantasy writers have been men with some notable exceptions such as J.K. Rowling and Marion Zimmer Bradley. Do you have a favorite or favorites who have influenced your writing?

Actually, many writers in many different genres have influenced me.  In the field of fantasy, my favorites were Stephen King, Robert E. Howard, and Edgar Allen Poe.

FQ: You indicate that you penned several more manuscripts “using only a pencil on yellow legal pads.” Do you think this tedious process made your work better in the long run? Will we be seeing any of the other manuscripts you wrote?

I’m a believer in the old method of hand writing manuscripts and believe that it keeps the author more immersed in their work.  Sometimes slow is better.  And, yes, I do expect to see my other manuscripts in print at some point.

FQ: Your writing seems to have changed your life in a positive, life-altering direction.  Would you care to tell what it has meant in your life.

Beyond simply filling a void during an empty period in my life, writing extensively for a number of years actually changed the way I think.  I am more able to set goals for myself and achieve them than in the past.  Among all the things I have been and now am, there is also an accomplished novelist there.  Believing this gives me a brighter outlook on myself.

To learn more about Rendezvous Rock, please read the review at Feathered Quill Book Reviews.