THE TAPESTRY - FAQ
What is THE TAPESTRY?
THE TAPESTRY is a fantasy fiction trilogy set in contemporary times. Troublesome trends are sweeping the world--stolen masterpieces, kidnapped children, and carnivorous vyes scouring the earth for a rare drop of Old Magic. Book One introduces the reader to Max McDaniels, a boy whose discovery of a mysterious tapestry ensnares him in a secret war that threatens to engulf history itself.
Who is the audience for this book/series?
Ideally, anyone who enjoys a good story, whether they're a child or an adult. The books themselves are substantial things--each in the vicinity of 400 pages--encompassing subject matter, language, and themes that are probably geared toward readers ten and up. Then again, I've known some precocious eight and nine year olds who would tackle it straightaway, so I tend to shy away from arbitrary classifications.
What differentiates this series from other fantasy titles in the market?
A few things, I hope. When most people hear "fantasy" they think "magic" and while there is "magic" in THE TAPESTRY, it's not a book defined solely by spells and wizardry. Far from it. In addition, this series offers substantial threads of science fiction, world history, mythology and folklore from many cultures. I think of it as the literary equivalent of a fusion restaurant--a pinch of this genre, a dash of that genre delivered with an undercurrent of unflinching realism. I'll cross my fingers that young readers are treated to a world that they find spectacular and scary and real.
Another major differentiator, in my opinion, is that this book offers nearly thirty illustrations by the author. In our era of ever increasing specialization, the author/illustrator is a dying breed and I'm hopeful that readers will appreciate a creative work whose words and pictures both stem from one source.
What were your goals as you set out to create THE TAPESTRY?
I kept it simple--I wanted to craft a book that I would enjoy. I've always been an avid reader and devoured all kinds of stories, but the ones that stand out definitely share certain traits regardless of their genre...
CHARACTER-DRIVEN: In my opinion, great characters are by far the most vital ingredient to a story. An engaging plot will snag readers once, but readers will revisit great characters again and again until they are part of the family. I'm not ashamed to say that I'm involved with Gandalf and Gus McCrae and Lyra and Charlotte and Ishmael and Maturin and the many other great characters that have come to inhabit my being. In that spirit, I hope that Max McDaniels, David Menlo or even Mum (the beast!) will come to claim a little corner of their own in someone else's affections.
AN INTENSE, VISUAL EXPERIENCE: It's my goal to craft an emotionally satisfying journey for my readers--a story with scenes that are cozy, funny, mysterious, exhilarating, or even terrifying. As a visual person, I spend lots of time picturing the story-- how things would happen--before I ever tap a key. The next challenge is to translate my mental movie into the written word. Hopefully, this results in streamlined prose that is both visually stimulating and audibly unaffected.
A BIT OF HEFT: While an intense, visual experience is very nice, it can also lead to the literary equivalent of Armageddon if it isn't tempered with some grit and depth. THE TAPESTRY is not a popcorn book. While it offers up plenty of laughs and thrills, it also explores some darker themes using a backdrop of mythology, history, and my own creations.
Where can I find it?
As of September 25, 2007, The Hound of Rowan, will be available at most book retailers. The second and third installments in THE TAPESTRY series will follow in September of 2008 and 2009, respectively following in 2008 and 2009. Please continue to check this website for updates and news.