Author QnA: An Inside Look at Writing The Royal Rogue

The Royal Rogue isn't a new story. The first draft of this novel was written when I was only fourteen years old, then revised and published when I was twenty-four. However, it feels like a new book in this new iteration, which was fashioned for an adult audience.

Numerous changes, including new names, dialogue, scenes, and experiences, have reshaped my beloved characters and their world. As we draw closer to The Royal Rogue's release, I wanted to give you a look at the inspiration that fueled the creation of the rogue's story, from its earliest iterations to now. So, I gathered a few questions from some of my veteran readers and answered them below.

Creating the World of Emystere

What was the very first idea that inspired you to create The Royal Rogue?

Whiskey may have been small, but she was a force to be reckoned with - and I loved her for it.

When I was in junior high, a family friend let me raise their pony, Whiskey. She had a rough history. They couldn't tame her, so they told me, "If you can ride her, you can keep her."

It took me weeks to earn Whiskey's trust, and even longer to break her in. During that time, I often found myself wondering what she would say if she could talk. There were moments when I felt like I knew. I could see it in her eyes. That thought inspired the creation of the two races in my book: the rahee and the re'shahna.

Which came first - the characters or the plot?

The characters. Rayhan was the first. I created him for roleplay threads that I used to participate in as a kid. It wasn't until high school that Jaycent came around. With him, the plot for The Royal Rogue manifested.

Do you have a song, image, or quote that helped you get into the book’s mood?

Absolutely. Jaycent has a few. During the rewrite of the book, I listened to Burn It by AgustD. The weight of its melody combined with the lyrics in the chorus really embodied what Jaycent's descent felt like:

"I see the ashes falling out your window.

There's someone in the mirror that you don't know,

And everything was all wrong,

So burn it till it's all gone."

Another one is I Stand Alone by Godsmack. The moment the rogue manifested, this song became his anthem. And though it didn't inspire his story, the lyrics aligned perfectly with it.

Is any part of your book inspired by real events or experiences?

I never use real people or interactions as fodder for my stories. The only characters who have real-life inspirations are Melee and Diego, both of whom were inspired by horses I've had the honor of caring for when I was in my teens and twenties.

However, I do believe that - to some extent - we write what we know. Life experiences allow me to empathize with many of my characters, which makes them more believable.

Is there a small detail in your world that most readers might miss, but you love?

There are several hidden details tucked within the pages of these books, but if I had to choose a favorite, it's the fact that there is one character present in all three books who is more than they appear to be. The reader has heard of them, but most (if not all) will miss the fact that the character is present and plays a pivotal role in the rogue's story. Their true identity is never revealed in the trilogy. They remain hidden in plain sight, and it's my favorite secret.

Breathing Life into the Cast

How do you come up with new characters?

I come up with the concept of a character, but they more or less write themselves into being. I suppose the best way to explain it is to say that these stories manifest like movies inside my head, and I transcribe them on paper. There isn't a lot of planning on my part other than a high-level outline that bridges key events in the story.

Because of this approach, it feels like my characters tell me who they are, not the other way around. I don't consciously choose how they talk, dress, think, or act. In fact, they often surprise me in that respect. I've lost track of how many times I've thought a scene would unfold a certain way only to have the character(s) prove me wrong.

Which character was the most fun to write about?

Hm, that's a tough question. Each character in the trilogy is unique, with their own habits, quirks, and personalities. I thoroughly enjoy Jaycent's wit. He may be a grump most of the time, but I find him highly entertaining to write about.

But then there's Rayhan. Having the opportunity to flesh out his character's role in this rewrite brought me so much joy. While he lives up to his title (Rayhan the Chivalrous), he still has flaws and struggles that make him so real and relatable. I have the feeling he will win and break countless hearts as the new versions of these books release.

Do you identify with one character in particular?

I used to get this question a lot the first time The Royal Rogue was released. I suppose it only seems natural that it would come back around. Those who knew me often assumed that the answer was Levee. They saw a lot of me in her, and I found that flattering.

But if I'm honest, the answer is Jaycent and his roguish alter ego, Jaspur. While he isn't a reflection of me, I feel intimately connected to his struggles and his growth as a person. Even when I don't agree with him, I understand him. I believe that's why his story reaches the depths that it does.

Which minor character would you like to write a book about?

Right now, it's a tie between Milo and Patchi. I've been tinkering with putting their stories down on paper for years. I even have a few chapters floating around on my hard drive somewhere about Milo's return to Hikayah and Patchi's origin story. Perhaps, if the interest is there, I'll pick them up again. It just depends on what becomes the priority after The Rogue Trilogy is finished.