Cover Reveal Interview with Joshua Robertson
What inspired the overall
design of your cover?
The emblem on the front of
the cover is the mirror image of the symbol of the Sun God in Melkorka. This
is the most revered god during the events of the novel. I wanted a simple image
for the theme behind the Thrice Nine Legends series. I could not be more
pleased with the final outcome.
How many designers did you
consider before you decided on Winter Bayne?
Crimson Edge has a handful
of talented designers for covers and artwork. Honestly, we went through nearly
ten diverse designs before settling on the current cover concept. The other
options depicted different characters and scenes. Winter Bayne simply had a
vision that encapsulated the overall story and it could be carried over into
future novels in this series.
How did you come up with
your title, “MELKORKA”?
Melkorka is the name of the
castle that serves as the start of this tale. The word itself has some meaning,
found in the thirteenth century Icelandic tale, Laxdaela saga. Laxdaela
saga makes mention of Melkorka an Irish princess that was taken as a slave
and pretended to be mute, hiding her identity, only to reveal later that there
was more to her than what was on the surface. In many ways, Melkorka is
a story that echoes the complexity in legend, suggesting to the reader that
there is more than what appears on the surface. It seemed fitting for the first
book in Thrice Nine Legends.
What genre does
“MELKORKA” fall into?
Melkorka is found in the dark fantasy genre. One should
expect to find these memorable characters facing gruesome scenes of violence
and barbarity, while seeking something greater than themselves.
Can you tell us a bit about
the writing process you took for your first novel?
This novel was peculiar to
write. It took a little under thirty days to write the rough draft. I scribbled
a few brief thoughts on paper, including the overall plot synopsis, and then I
just wrote. It was like I had an idea in my head and had to get it out on
paper. Besides that, I kept my coffee pot full at all times.
What inspired the novel
“MELKORKA” and its creation?
The sequel to Melkorka,
Dyndaer, has been written and rewritten repeatedly over the past decade.
In ten years, I have scrapped Dyndaer many times in frustration that I
could get the story exactly how I wanted it. Then, I woke up one morning in
December 2013 from an inspirational dream that presented the core to the story.
Lo and behold, Melkorka was created, giving birth to the rest of the
story. Fans should expect Dyndaer in 2016.
About Melkorka
Kaelandur was forged by the Highborn to slay one of their own, Nedezhda Mager.
As their slave, Branimir Baran never thought to question his cruel masters
until he is forced to take part in the execution. His actions begin a chain of
events that will lead him to confront demons, cannibals, and himself as he is
forced to question his own morality and the true meaning of good and evil.
About Joshua Robertson
Joshua
began crafting the world for Melkorka in 1999, and has since continued
writing flash fiction, short stories, poems, children’s books, and epic fantasy
novels. Joshua is the author of the transitional children’s book, Bo Bunny
and the Trouble. He is also the co-creator of the fantasy tabletop game, Thrice
Nine Legends, due to be released in 2015. Joshua currently lives in Alaska
with his wife and children.
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