Q1.Would you like to introduce yourself to your readers?
I’m Marion Hill and I live in San Antonio, Texas USA. I’m the author of 5 books: The Diondray’s Chronicles series (Diondray’s Discovery, Diondray’s Journey, & Diondray’s Roundabout) and my book review anthology series, Marion’s 25 Volume 1 & 2. I’m a husband, father of two (17 year old son and 11 year old daughter), music lover (Jazz, Latin Music, Brazilian Music, and R&B), and a wine lover that I post about regularly on my Instagram page. Malbec is my favorite type of wine.
Q2. Congratulations for this book! What’s the significance of the title “Diondray’s Discovery”?
Thank you so much. This novel was originally titled The Descendant of
Destiny when I published it in June 2014. However, I felt that title did not
reflect the story I wrote. I changed it to Diondray’s Discovery in 2016. The
new title reflected the story I was telling and Diondray’s discovery of the
Book of Kammbi started his journey in Kammbia.
Q3. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
My hope for readers is the Kammbia can be a place of escape. Something
the readers will enjoy a fantasy world that is multicultural and tries to a
bridge for people with different beliefs and cultures.
Q4. Who is your favourite author and why?
Good question. I don’t have one favorite author but several favorite
authors. Charles de Lint is probably the one author I would consider a
favorite author. He is a Canadian fantasy author and his stories set in the
city of Newford are excellent. Memory & Dream, Trader, Dreams
Underfoot are good books to try out from him. Octavia Butler, Jorge
Amado, Ralph Ellison, Robert Silverberg, and Guy Gavriel Kay are favorites as well.
Q5. What was the first thought which came to your mind that actually persuaded you to write your own book?
I’ve had this story and the fictional world of Kammbia in mind since my
early 20’s. I’m 48. I always wanted to create a fictional world where I could
write stories that explore the things that were interesting to me.
Q6. Which character inspired you the most and how?
Diondray Azur and Diakono Malcolm Copperwith are the two characters
that inspired me the most. Diondray is because I’m telling the story (and the entire series) through his viewpoint. Diakono Malcolm Copperwith because he makes the one of the biggest transformation throughout the series. Diakono Malcolm Copperwith is deeply religious and he learns in
Diondray’s Roundabout, Book 3 how one’s faith can be tested.
Q7. What did you learn while writing this book?
I learned that I can write a novel from start to finish. It took me 5 years to
write Diondray’s Discovery.
Q8. What were the difficulties you faced while writing this book?
The difficulties come from juggling a day job, being a husband & father
while trying to find time to write the story burning inside of me.
Q9. Which is the one thing that writing changed in you?
I don’t have one thing in particular that has changed me. It has been a
process and evolution with writing. The more you write, the more you want to do it as often as you can.
Q10. Any message for your readers?
I write to connect with my readers. I believe the writer-reader connection is special and sacred. When a reader connects with your story that is a
powerful bond. I want to continue to grow in my craft as a storyteller and
connect with readers from around the world. I see myself as a global writer
(even though I’m American) and want readers from all over the world to
read stories set in Kammbia.
Thanks a ton, for sparing time from your busy schedule.
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