Melinda Kucsera is the author of over twenty fantasy titles.
In this interview, we will delve into her writing process, her inspiration, and whether she’d prefer a pet dragon or unicorn.
So pour yourself a nice cup of tea and let’s get started…
What inspired you to start writing in the fantasy genre?
I kept meeting people in fantasy garb who were looking for their long-lost queen. I offered to help them, only to discover that no one else can see them except me, and to help them, I need to write books about a reluctant mage and an ancient curse. They claim this will break the curse and free the queen, but I’m a bit skeptical at this point since I’ve written twenty books and I still haven’t broken the curse or freed her. I’m not saying the characters are lying to me, but someone is. 🤣
How do you approach world-building in your stories?
I keep the characters from going on at length about every facet of their world and just show the parts that actually relate to the story I’m writing. The characters don’t like when I do this, but no one wants an info dump, least of all me.
Can you walk us through your writing process?
I create a plan, then pat myself on the back for a job well done. After that, I set the plan aside and go to work. Unfortunately, my characters are stuck in my apartment while I’m at work. They pull out the plan, decide we’re not doing what’s planned, rip up the plan, set the pieces of the plan on fire and leave me to sweep up the ashes of the plan as they skip off into the sunset and do their own thing.
Would you survive in your own fantasy world?
Yes, I’d survive and live quite well in my fantasy world because I know how to follow the rules of the enchanted forest. I also know where to find quality medical care and affordable housing.
What themes do you explore in your work?
The themes I like best lately are: can you go home again, and other family-related themes. Who am I if I lose my magic, and other questions about identity. Can dreams come true and if they do, what do you do after that happens?
What do you consider to be your biggest influences as a writer?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a huge influence on me. I read it after I saw the first Peter Jackson film when I was in college.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to research for your stories?
What happens to your intestines if you get stabbed? Did you know, they can slide aside so a knife can slip past them and not even nick them? Yeah, I didn’t know that either until I went down that rabbit hole. It depends on where the person was stabbed, and it’s a common occurrence according to the research I did.
What do you hope readers take away from your stories?
A warm hug and a bemused smile because where they thought the story was going isn’t where it went, but where it ended up is better than what they thought.
Would you rather have a pet dragon or a unicorn, why?
I’d rather have a dragon. In fact, I have a dozen right now scattered across multiple books that are published and coming soon. I really don’t need another. 😂
If you could have any magical ability, what would it be?
If I could have any power, it would be the power to heal.
What would you name your pet dragon?
My dragons usually name themselves, then tell me what to call them, and I respect their wishes, so they don’t incinerate me.
Where is the best place to start reading your work?
Curse Breaker Enchanted is the best place to start and not just because it’s my first or my favorite or the book I can’t leave alone. Everything grew from that book, including the prequels.
About the author.
Melinda writes epic fantasy books when her characters allow. They sometimes drag her off on unrelated adventures to save the the greater universe where her books take place, but that’s a story for another time.
Find Melita online:
Website: melindakucsera.com/the-more-epic-version
Youtube: youtube.com/user/mkucsera28
Facebook: facebook.com/melinda.kucsera
Innstagram: instagram.com/MelindaKucsera28
Twitter: twitter.com/MelindaKucsera
TikTok: TikTok.com/@melindakucsera_fantasy
Pinterest: pinterest.com/MelindaKucsera9