Interview with Jennifer Roberson

Jennifer Roberson is the author of several fantasy novels. She wrote the "Chesuli" series about a race of shapechangers that struggle with a race of sorcerers. Her tales of Tiger and Del are told in several "Swprd Dancer" books which are very poplar. The most recent series is "Karavans" telling the stories of people struggling against the living forest Alisanos. In addition she has written several stand alone books and some historical fiction. Ms. Roberson lives in Arizona where she also shows Cardigan Welsh Corgis as an accomplished dog show person. More information about her books can be fun in this article http://fantasyworlds.wordpress.com/2013/12/24/jennifer-roberson/ and at her website:  http://jennifer-roberson.com/

Debbie Ledesma: What led you to decide to become a writer?

Jennifer Roberson:  I loved reading, so it was a natural progression.  I wanted to tell my own stories.  I wrote my first novel when I was 14.

DL: Why did you choose to write in the fantasy genre?

JR: It was my favorite genre, but I wrote a western, romantic suspense, and two girl-and-her-horse manuscripts before tackling fantasy.  I loved fantasy and was afraid I couldn't do it justice, but I also enjoyed other genres and decided to try them, first.

DL: How long did it take you to write your first book and how long did it take to get that book published?

JR: The first  two I wrote were Young Adult girl-and-her-horse novels, which never saw the light of day.  Next came my western, which was not published until after my first book was sold.  So it was actually the fifth book I wrote that was published first.  The western and romantic suspense were published later.

DL: What authors, Fantasy or otherwise, influence your writing?

Nowadays, I have my own voice and don't really have any authors who influence my writing.  Originally it was (in no order) Marion Zimmer Bradley, C.J. Cherryh, Anne McCaffrey, Andre Norton, and Katherine Kurtz, in fantasy.  But I love historical novels, and grew up on Samuel Shellabarger, Anya Seton, and others.

DL: Do you have a favorite character in your books? Which one and why?

JR: Tiger, from the Sword-Dancer series.  He is just so much FUN to write!  He's sarcastic, funny, but also very complex as he matures.

DL: After you fulfill all of your current book contracts, which book or books would you like to write next?

JR: I would like to write another historical.  I have ideas for a couple, but nothing settled as yet.

DL: Your books have been different with Cheysuli, Tiger and Del, and now Karavans. I know you plan to write more Cheysuli books. Will any of them take place after the final book?

JR: At this time, the three new Cheysuli books will be a prequel to the original series, a book about Finn and Carillon in exile, and a book about Keely in Erinn.  No plans at this time to write sequels to the original series, but of course that could change.

DL: With the popularity of urban fantasy, do you think you will ever try your hand in this area? Maybe something that could include your dog show and breeding expertise?

JR: It's a possibility, but I haven't given it much thought because I have five novels under contract and ideas for a couple of historicals.

DL: The TV series "Game of Thrones" has been very popular. Which of your books do you feel would make a good TV series or movie?

JR: They now have the tech to do great shapechanging, so the Cheysuli books could be filmed.  But I've always felt the Sword-Dancer series could be a lot of fun.  It had been optioned at one time for the potential of making a movie (or movies), but nothing came of it.  Probably the Cheysuli novels would make a better TV series because of the dynastic nature.

DL: I'm reading the second Karavans book _Deepwood_. I love the characters and the forest Alisanos. Did you do research for these books?

JR: A little research on the big old prairie schooners and Basque sheepherder wagons, and the yurts of the steppes tribes.  

DL: I’m always fascinated with Fantasy that has mythic themes. Do you use themes from mythology in your books?

JR: Now and again there are some influences, but I've never purposely involved specific myths--unless you want to call the Robin Hood legend a myth.  I wrote two novels about the legend, with an emphasis on Marian, in LADY OF THE FOREST and LADY OF SHERWOOD.  These are historical novels, though, not fantasy.

DL: What do you think is the important function of Fantasy?

JR: Certainly it provides entertainment and escapism, but it allows for a vast exploration of different themes, time periods, archetypes, and tremendous characterization.

DL: What themes do you find most compelling to include in your writing?

JR: Personal growth.  If your main characters remain the same people throughout a series, eventually the books become boring and the plots predictable.  I like to take my characters on physical as well as emotional journeys.  Lots of self-discovery for my characters.  Also, you can educate a bit as well, if you do it in a subtle and/or entertaining, interesting fashion.

DL: A writer friend of mine said that all Fantasy authors eventually attempt an Arthurian novel. Since you live in the country where the King Arthur legend was born, do you have any plans for an Arthurian story? Does the legend influence any of your writing?

JR: Actually, I live in Arizona.  8-)  Born in Missouri, but have been in AZ since 1957.  (I did live in London for 6 months.)   I have dabbled with several Arthurian stories, and am considering a historical which will partially involve the Arthurian Cycle.

DL: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

JR: For traditional publishing, it is more difficult today to find a publisher.  But it does still happen; find a good agent, as some houses no longer accept unsolicited manuscripts.  Keep in mind, too, that now we all have the option of independent publishing, with distribution through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other outlets.

DL: Thank you very much for your time.