Today our guest is Jo Sparkes author of yesterday’s book The Birr Elixir. Here is a link to my book review if you missed it.
The Birr Elixir by Jo Sparkes
Let’s find out more about Jo and her writing.
1) Where is your home town?
Rison, Maryland. Right next to Washington, D.C.
2) How long have you been writing?
Since before I could read. I actually use to scribble on paper, and tell my mother I was writing. I wrote my first full length book when I was twelve years old. For some reason, it was rejected by the publisher.
3) Do you have a favourite genre to write in and why?
I don’t think so — although there are those I doubt I’ll ever attempt. I get caught by a situation, a character in a circumstance. Somehow everything else springs up from that. I do think there should be various elements in any good story — some humour in a drama, adventure in a horror, etc. That lends it depth.
4) What was the one idea which sparked the Gamesmen Legend series?
I knew a very great athlete — and was mesmerized by his spirit. I suppose it was an easy step to create a young apprentice, a girl trying to make her place in the world, who reaches past her ability to help him. And in doing so triggered an amazing adventure.
5) How many books are you planning for the series?
Three. The second one, The Agben School, comes out end of July.
6) Can you tell the readers a bit about Mistress Britta, was she an Agben?
She was in the past, but had left. In the second book, we may wonder exactly what her role was in the kidnapping of the Prince.
7) For readers who might be tempted by the book can you give us a quick guide to the game of Comet?
There’s a basket and four balls. The basket is in the centre of the field of play, and each ball is worth certain points when sunk — but that value is hidden beneath a sticky dust that slowly comes off as the game is played.
And there are four teams of four men — which can make it a rather violent game.
8) Why is the Mark of Health necessary for travel in this world?
On the Great Continent, the Skullan race is disdainful of the Trumen race in general, and believe Trumen from the desert continent to be little above animals. They claim they fear some sort of desert disease, although the cost of gaining such a mark is so high it naturally keeps most from ever leaving the desert.
9) Can you give us a few hints as to what to expect in the next book? Do you have an expected publication date for it?
Tryst gets to Missea — but finds getting into the Palace to see his father is not easy. The conspiracy goes to the highest levels. For Drail, his dream comes far too easily — and then blows up in his face.
And Marra finds herself in deep trouble after trying to help Tryst — and has nowhere to turn but the mysterious Agben School.
Book 2 is called The Agben School, and will be released soon — at the end of July.
10) What else have you written? Where can readers find out more about you?
I have a few non-fiction books, including Feedback How to Give It How to Get It. It’s what I’ve learned in writing for some interesting producers — about handling feedback properly.
Thanks, Rosie. It’s a pleasure talking to you.
It’s been a pleasure Jo, Good Luck with the next book.
This book is part of the book review challenge, do think about giving it a read.
Rosie Amber 