Ms. Isaacs, The Light Of Asteria has moved and inspired so many people, me especially, please, can you tell us what inspired you to write it?
- A few years back, Kate, my daughter, and I were driving home from school. Kate’s always been a compassionate soul, and at that time, she was surrounded by mean spirited people who loved manipulation. Tearfully she confided that she just didn’t belong; she’d never really felt like she’d had a place of her own.
It was poignant to see such a beautiful, incredible girl struggle in this utterly mundane world. She needed somewhere to go, if not a physical location, somewhere in the realm of her imagination. Something inside of me just clicked, and when we got home, I warmed up the computer and started to type.
Asteria started as a free write. The first scene was nothing but vast woodlands, the last pure land on earth, a place where selfishness and negativity didn’t exist, a place where Kate would always belong. The floodgates opened, and soon I found the true message my heart longed to share, the lessons I was unable to teach.
Character creation is one of my favorite things about the writing process. Can you tell your fans how you developed Nora? Was she someone you knew completely before you began the book, or did she reveal herself as you wrote?
- Nora definitely developed on her own. But honestly, Kate was the inspiration. I believe everyone is born with gifts and talents and I knew early on that one of Kate's gifts was mercy. It wasn't until after Nora's character started to evolve that I realized she was so unique. One of Nora's characteristics that I love is that she possesses pure intent. So often we say something or do something with manipulation in mind, and I'm so pleased that her character is making people stop and think.
I know I can't wait for the second book, I would love to know, are there plans in the future for a third or possible fourth installment?
- There are three in the series. The second is titled "The Secret of the Keepers, Kailmeyra's Strength", and I'm still playing with the title of the third.
Thank you so much for your time and inspiration! And what wonderful news, I and I'm sure many others are excited to hear we have more to look forward to!
