Arwin Adventures FAQ

 

1.      Why Arwin? Why not set your novels in the real world?

 

     I chose to create Arwin so that I could explore themes and ideas without the restrictions of historical accuracy. I have studied history, indeed I have a BS in Social Science, and I have always been drawn to the High Middle Ages. I think a lot of us find the ideals of chivalry, the jousts, the flowery language, the demure ladies and courtly gentlemen appealing. The reality of the times were much different than our idealized vision. I wanted to create an environment for my tales that utilized the best of the period, while avoiding the darker sides – such as rampant disease, misogyny, overreach by the ruling class, and lack of a defined and empowered middle class. In Arwin I have the chance to set it in the period and also have strong, confident women; a landed gentry class who exert rights and influence; and a responsive and competent nobility to oversee it all.

 

2.      What other reasons influenced you to create Arwin?

    

I wanted to show differing cultures that could be present in such an era. Europe was rather homogenous in many ways. In the first nine books, I introduce the reader to three different Kingdoms – Weymer, Feywin, and Granfar. Each of the Kingdoms has distinct customs that are often vastly different. They have language differences and, in the case of Feywin and Weymer, a recent history of a major war, but they differ in other ways as well. In Granfar the population is mostly literate – from the poorest to the nobility, education is valued and provided. Granfar has the finest university and produces the most authors, scientists, scholars, philosophers, well you get the point. Women are according equal standing in Granfar and they marry whom they choose, divorce is easy, although uncommon, and women are employed across all fields and careers. Granfar has little in the way of nobility and class distinctions are more fluid. By contrast, Weymer is less literate – education is a privilege of the nobility and the upper levels of the gentry. Women of nobility or gentry, have arranged marriages, with the ability to opt out under specific defined circumstances. Their ability to engage in business affairs is more limited. Divorce is practically unheard of and difficult to obtain. Class distinctions are strictly adhered to in Weymer. Feywin lies between the two - they recently effectively banned arranged marriage, social class distinctions are less strict, although they are still adhered to, and the nobility is more flexible as to both membership and inheritance. All in all there are some very different attitudes, customs, and habits between the Kingdoms.

 

3.      Language in your novels - some may find fault with your use of terms or phrases that might not reflect the era as we know it. How would you answer to that?

    

In large part I can simply say ‘my world, my rules’, but that is not the overarching reason. I wanted the dialog to reflect the era, but not be difficult for the reader to follow. I have read novels that use more historically accurate language, but they fall prey to being overly difficult to understand. By creating Arwin I overcame that. I have a happy medium where the language can be ‘colorful’ and flowery, but still clear and relatable.

 

4.      You break from some of the expected themes in a romance novel – weak heroines who need rescuing, forceful men who exert power, the bodice rippers etc. Why this divergence?

 

    I wanted to write stories that, while still providing the guilty pleasure of a romance, portrayed capable men and women. My heroines are strong and often independent. Depending on their origin they may or may not be virginal. They handle situations with intelligent responses. Yes, my couples are swept away by their passion, and, yes, I give the expected Happily Ever After result, but the road to this result is well worn. There is a concern over their futures, their choices are not merely emotional, but considered. That being said, romance novels by their nature are escapism, mine are no exception.

 

5.      A Squire’s Tale is the first in a series. Why a series? How soon can the reader expect a new release? Can the reader expect long delays between books?

 

     I wrote the books as a series because as a reader I often wondered about what happened to the characters later, after the words ‘The End’. Arwin Adventures follows characters – often they find themselves mentioned in later novels, as minor characters or even major characters again. Because Arwin is, to me at least, a living world, the inhabitants interact and engage with each other. Each book stands alone; however, I recommend reading them in the order released for the best experience. The first three novels – A Squire’s Tale, Jack of Hearts, and Three of Hearts (which has two versions), take place in Weymer and include overlapping characters. The next three – Queen of Hearts, King of Hearts, and The Kiss, take place in Feywin and revolve around overlapping events and characters. The next three – Shipwrecked, Adrift, and Asail, primarily involve characters who live in Granfar (spoiler – this set has pirates!). So as to the concerns regarding new books in the series, the first nine are complete and are undergoing final revision and editing. I am currently about a third through the tenth book, which has many characters from earlier books. At the expected pace of release, even if I stopped writing, the reader could expect to find a new Arwin Adventure every quarter for two years.

 

6.      If they are all written why not release them now?

 

   There are several reasons for this. First I wanted to establish a following and encourage readers to join me in the Arwin Adventures. I also wanted to provide the best experience for the reader, I find that the anticipation of a new novel heightens one’s enjoyment of the novel. I also have practical considerations, there are always potential difficulties that prevent a writer from producing work. From conflicting demands on time, to the ever present threat of a writer’s block, by releasing them over time, I feel I can more confidently provide a reliable and satisfying reading experience for anyone who follows the series.

 

7.      Sex. You know it’s there, you know the reader wants it, so how hot are your novels?

 

    Romance novels usually contain sex scenes, mine are certainly no different. Each book has a different level/amount of sex scenes; however, as a rule I would say my novels lean more toward the hotter end of the scale. I try to make the scenes relevant, and avoid clichés, while still describing the intensity. The third book – Three of Hearts is an exception. There are two versions of this book, one has the added subtitle Unleashed. Unleashed borders on erotica and contains explicit sexual scenes as well as some exploration of domination/submission themes. I offered two versions to allow readers to choose which they feel most comfortable with. When I release this book I will go into more depth as to the reasons for this decision. Overall, the sex is steamy, always consensual, and I hope offers a satisfying read.

 

8.      What if a reader has other questions? Where can they contact you?

 

    I have a website, www.ArwinAdventures.com and if you go to the contact page you can email me directly. I am happy to provide answers, explanations, and address any concerns a reader might have.