With Author of ‘Proxy,’ Rachel Unwin
Welcome to the first of ClanWitch Interviews.
Our first interview is with Author, Rachel Unwin, the talented creator behind her fantasy novel – Proxy.
Proxy is the first book in a sweeping epic throughout our galaxy. The Deciden is the epitome of human evolution. His purpose, to guide humanity to his state of being. But he needs something fundamentally basic to do so. Ceridwen Nairini, abused, cast out and now wanted by the one many call God. Will she survive The Deciden’s tests? Will she be the one he ultimately wants and will she willingly give up her soul to the ruler of the galaxy?
Interview
Q1. What was your inspiration and drive behind your latest book?
I’ve always read science fiction and fantasy. This story has been swirling around my head since I was about 15 years old. They say that writers tell more about themselves in what they write than the characters. Having said that, a lot of my own experiences and emotions are present throughout the book.
Q2. What is your writing kryptonite?
My writing kryptonite would have to be my family. They don’t understand how focused I can become when writing to the point where I don’t even realise someone is talking to me. They’re still not used to it and it bothers them that I can be so blind to everything around when I’m immersed in what I’m creating. It’s a problem I’m wrestling with now that I need to start the second book – do I start writing knowing that it’s going to piss off my kids and my boyfriend that I’m basically not there?
Q3. If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?
Hmm, don’t be upset that you haven’t written your book yet. You’ll need the years of experience and maturity behind you to write it correctly anyway so just be patient; you’ll be an author.
Q4. Tell us about an early experience where you learned that words have power.
I’ve been reading my mother’s books since I was 6 years old and won the “book-a-thon” every year at school. You could say I’ve always known the power of words. But there isn’t any one experience that taught me that, it’s more an amalgamation of my horrific childhood that showed me how powerful words can be; how much they can hurt and how much they can lift you up when uttered by those you love and admire.
Q5. What does success look like to you?
Success isn’t how much money I make. I know that sounds trite and false but it’s true. To me, I’m successful when someone says, “I enjoyed your book,” or “Your book made me think”. That would be the biggest thrill for me, to know that my ideas affected someone outside of my loved ones.
Q6. Tell us what we should look out for from you in the future
Well, like I said earlier, it’s time to start on the second book in my Proxy series. I intend for there to be 3 or more. I have this feeling that I won’t be able to write anything else until I get the whole story out of my head, no matter how many books it takes, no matter how much or how little interest there is in my writings.
If you would love to know more about Rachels work you can follow her blog, where she has the first chapter of Proxy available to read for free or purchase direct from Amazon!
Clan Witch & Word Refinery 