I am a mother, wife, martial arts practitioner/instructor and writer living on the west coast of British Columbia. My husband will tell you that I resorted to writing fantasy because several failed attempts at world domination forced me to create an imagined world where I pull all the strings and I am the supreme ruler! In real life, I’m as boring as hell, hence, the overactive imagination.
2. Could you give a brief summary about what Imago Chronicles series is about?
It’s a nine-novel epic fantasy. Due to the graphic violence and adult content, it’s not for the young ones. The film producer who optioned the rights for a major motion picture trilogy described it to those in the industry as ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘300’ meets ‘The Last
Samurai’. It has an ensemble cast of characters, but the main protagonist is a female warrior name Nayla Treeborn. She is half-human/half-Elf and being the only one of her kind, she is shunned by one race and denied by the other. To make matters worse, she immerses herself in the male-dominated arena of warriorship. The novels are about her struggles to overcome life’s challenges that range from racism, sexism, male chauvinism, abuse, and so on, as she tries
to survive in a world that has little tolerance for an individual like her.
3. If you could compare the series to another one out there, which would it be closely associated with?
You know what? I really don’t know. I write fantasy, but I generally don’t read the genre I write in. The last fantasy series I read was the Quantum Enchantment series written by the talented
author friend, Kim Falconer. I enjoy her style of writing but we have distinctly different voices when it comes to storytelling. From what I understand from fans that do read this particular genre, my novels are unique in that the female character can hold her own without using supernatural powers, relying more on her skills and smarts to survive. Also, even though there are Wizards in my imaginary world, the key Wizard is rather incompetent with his powers, so the
characters must rely on their own wits and skills to survive, than to be miraculously rescued by magic each time there is danger.
4. Is this your first novel series or was book one in this series your first book as an author?
The last book in this nine book series was released last year, much to the disappointment of fans that were hoping for more. When I released the last book in the Imago series, I also had
the good fortune of releasing The Magic Crystal, Book One of The Dream Merchant Saga. This trilogy is a YA Fantasy that was co-written with my teenaged daughter, and so far, the reviews have been wonderful!
5. About the Imago Chronicles, did you know how it would end before you started writing book one or did you go along and eventually figure it out?
I knew how all the books would end, or was supposed to end, even writing the ending first for the last few novels. The only one that changed was with the last book in the series. In The Broken Covenant I had plans to kill off the main female protagonist. When I mentioned
this to my then-agent and the film producer, both gave me a resounding: “Don’t do it!”
When I mentioned this to my husband, his response was, “Are you crazy? Do you want your fans to hate you? You should ask some of them what they think about you killing Nayla off.”
When I mentioned this to some fans, they were very upset. One even threatened to
never read any of my books again if I killed Nayla!” lol Instead, I killed about five principle characters in her place! Yes, my pen flowed with blood on the last novel, but I’m pleased with the book and how Nayla’s story comes full circle.
6. Could you give a brief description of your favorite scene in the series?
Argh! After nine novels, each of them well over 170k words each, there are so many scenes to choose from. Probably the first time Nayla goes to war and is made to face the harsh realities of taking the life of another stands out in my mind.However,there is one scene in Book One A Warrior’s Tale that I’ve had even grown men tell me I almost reduced them to tears when a tragic secret is revealed to Nayla about the man she loved.
7. Which book in the Imago Chronicles series was the easiest to finish and which one did you struggled with?
The first three novels were the easiest and fastest to write, taking anywhere between one to six months to complete. Book 4 The Tears of God was so emotionally draining to write because
of the nature of the storyline, while the last book was toughest to complete. Because I knew it was going to be the last book, I felt a duty not just to the fans, but to the characters as well, to make it a satisfying story in terms of action, storyline, tying up any loose end, etc.
8. Besides your character, and if this was possible: Which fictional character would you like to sit down and chat with?
In classic literature, D’Artagnan, but only if he let’s me become one of the musketeers! In contemporary fantasy, I’d say the boy wizard, Harry Potter. I know what it’s like be the odd one out that never quite fits in, relying on the strength of friendships to see me through. And I have a magic wand, too! One that allows me to create magical words and characters. It’s called my
pen!
9. How many books would be in the series?
Imago Chronicles is completed with nine books in this epic fantasy series.
10. Where could those interested in reading the Imago Chronicles series get them at?
Currently, the first five novels are available as deluxe pdfs. This ebook versions look just like the print books with maps, graphics, etc. These are available on the“Buy the Book” page on my
website http://web.me.com/imagobooks.
They are also available in ebook format for various reading devices like Nook, Kobo, Sony readers or apps for iPhones, iPads, etc. through Smashwords.com http://bit.ly/bndyzf. For the
Kindle, they can be purchased through Amazon.com http://amzn.to/e1EcN1.
Eventually,all the print books will be available through
Barnes&Noble:http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=book&ATH=Lorna+T.+Suzuki
Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/s?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=books-ca&field-author=Lorna%20T.%20Suzuki
So far, the first five books in the series are available in print while the remaining four will become available later this year.
11. First of all, congratulations on your books getting optioned with a major motion picture. Will you be involved in the production in any way?
I’ve been hired as the creative consultant so at this stage, the producer has the outline of each principle character and whom I envision playing various roles, so when casting begins, the producers can narrow down the choice of actors for the movie.
12. Who would be your dream cast to play the protagonist in the movie? How about the other characters, who would you like to play their role?
Having already been asked for this list, I can’t divulge this info. Part of the problem is, it can affect negotiations. If an actor knows they are being considered for a specific role, there is a chance they can up their salary request because they know they’re in demand and already being considered for the role. So, at this point, it’s better for me to keep my mouth shut! lol
13. Which author would you love to invite over and chat with?
I’d love to meet Joanne Rowling! I admire her tenacity and creativity. We both had difficult lives and know what it means to struggle and do without, so we appreciate the small victories in life. Mind you, Jack Whyte, Diana Gabaldon and Terry Brooks are wonderful, talented authors who have taught me so much in their writing workshops, I probably owe them a drink at the very
least!
14. Last question, if all books in the world disappear forever and you have two books (The three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo) in your hands. You’ve the ability to save one of them which one would it be?
Definitely, The Three Musketeers! D’Artagnan and Aramis… can’t get enough of them! lol