I am currently pursuing my Law Degree, at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus while I reside in the beautiful twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Despite being flooded with work as the Publications Committee Chairperson on the UWI St. Augustine’s Law Society Executive I still find time to write and paint. My passion for writing can be seen on my own WordPress Blog and Facebook Page ‘Exploring the Mind’, and my Author Facebook Page ‘R.H.Ali’.

I am currently in the writing stages of my first Novel, “AMULET” and I’m actively seeking new ways to broaden the reaches of my writing. 

My Drabble ‘Magically Fitted’ is published in Clean Teen Publishing’s Anthology, ‘Wonderstruck’.

Interview with Scarlett Dawn author of King Hall

So as soon as I finished King Hall by Scarlett Dawn, I knew that I wanted more! As such, I asked Scarlett if she would mind doing an interview for my blog and she graciously agreed!! Yay me! So here goes…

~R.H.Ali

Interview with 

SCARLETT DAWN, author of KING HALL

What inspired you to write King Hall? 

Would you believe this is the first time someone has asked me this specific question? *chuckles* It is. Too bad my answer is so boring. 

My inspiration came from another story I had started writing. I knew I was on the verge of something wonderful, but that story just wasn’t good enough. 

Blank page.  I started over, twisting the characters, the story…BAM! 

King Hall was written. 

Is there any character who you actually do not like? 

The Head Administrator, Mrs. Jonas. 

Do you believe that the theme of acceptance of differences is a large one, plaguing our society today? And did this influence you to develop Lily’s hybrid nature to demonstrate such? 

Yes. I hope that one day our society will learn to accept that what might not be comfortable for one person…doesn’t mean that it’s wrong – as long as it’s not detrimental. Only different. And our differences are what make this world so damn interesting when it would be so boring if we all lived inside the same box. 

And yes to the second question, though it goes much deeper into the story than just Lily. The struggles of their lives…there is so much going on in this series…so much…that it’s hard to explain without blurting spoilers. But at the core, it’s all about acceptance, and most importantly…love

This is a hint: Even if you’re a fast reader, take it slow. Really read each line.

 How long did you take to write King Hall?

 Less than a month. And it was a lot longer than the ‘now’ 112,000 word count that it is. Originally it was around 143,000 words. 

When is the second installment of King Hall going to be released? 

I’m currently in the line editing stage for the next book. After that, it’ll go to my two trusted beta readers. When they’re through with it, I’ll review their notes, and make any changes I deem necessary. My publisher will get it following that. If they accept it as is, then it’ll be anywhere from – approx. – three to six months. In other words, I’m hoping to have it published before March 2014. 

What will be the name of the second book? 

I’m okay giving this information out. Its current name is: King Cave. 

How many books will be in this series? 

Lily’s story is a trilogy. 

I’m keeping it a secret though as to how many are in The Forever Evermore Novels. 

What could we look forward to in the development of Lily and Ezra’s relationship? Will they ever be a couple? 

*slow blink* What about Jack?

 My lips are sealed.  

Without giving too much spoilers, will we be seeing more deaths in the future?

This – really – saddens me, but yes.

Does it bother you when you have to kill off your characters?

Of course. I’m one of those wacky writers who bawl like a baby when writing a death scene. If I’m not feeling it, writing/expressing the emotions properly of heartache and that gut retching sensation which can sit in the bottom of your stomach-make-you-want-to-hurl feeling, then I don’t believe the reader will feel it either. I want the reader to experience it just as much as the characters are.

 How can one of your fans attain a signed copy of one of your books? 

King Hall is being released digitally, so there will be no signed paperbacks. But I do plan to purchase some swag once King Hall is fully released in case anyone wants a signed bookmark and such. They only need to contact me via Twitter or Facebook after I send a public message that I have the product available (limited amount, I’m sure). 

What other books have you published? 

King Hall is my first published novel. I’m very proud. I still have that glow about me. 

What words of advice or inspiration would you give to aspiring authors out there waiting to be published?

Easy. Blunt.

If it’s something you truly want…don’t quit. Really. It’s that simple. Keep your chin up, build more thick skin, and move forward.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

First, I would like to thank you for having me here. It’s a lovely place to be! Woot! 

Second, to anyone pre-ordering King Hall… *bear hugs*. Thank you!

 Third, I truly hope everyone enjoys the world I’ve built inside King Hall’s pages. 

My final thoughts with a tiny secretive smile gracing my features, is this: 

There are love stories…and then there’s The Forever Evermore Novels.