Today we have a guest here on Paranormal Romantics, Jennifer Ivy Walker. She's here to share some tidbits about her new book THE LADY OF THE MIRRORED LAKE.
Background
When
I earned my MA in French literature, I fell in love with the medieval legend of
Tristan et Yseult. As a high school French teacher, I had my advanced
classes read that roman courtois as
part of our study of France in the Middle Ages. I enhanced my students’
learning by illustrating the story with puppets, playing the French musical,
“Tristan et Yseult”, teaching a medieval Breton dance, and watching the French
version of the film “Tristan and Isolde” (with James Franco and Sophia Myles),
culminating in “Le Théâtre en Classe”-- where my students reenacted the
story in costumes, even performing a play I had written for them at the annual
state French competition. I decided to
write my trilogy based on my love for the medieval legend, the different musical,
theatrical, and cinematographic interpretations of that French tale, and the
play I had written for my students.
Retelling the legend of “Tristan et Yseult”
I
never liked the tragic ending of the original medieval legend. Tristan and
Yseult pined for each other throughout the story and ended up dying of broken
hearts, much like Romeo and Juliette. Although I did retain a lot of the
original storyline in developing my trilogy, I created new characters and
rewove the plot with much more inclusion of the Arthurian myth related to the
French legend. I also incorporated paranormal fantasy elements, such as Druids,
forest fairies, Elves, dwarves, and dark lore from the mystical Forest of
Brocéliande. I even created my own version of Avalon --based on French
research--with an entirely different ending than the original medieval French
legend of Tristan et Yseult.
I read and
researched French legends from the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande for many
aspects of the fantasy world, including tales of Lancelot, Merlin, the Lady of
the Lake, and Avalon. I also drew upon my childhood experiences growing up on a
tidal bay in Maine and my keen interest in plants, herbs, and healing crystals.
I’ve always loved Victor Hugo’s works, having studied French Romanticism with a
passion, and I incorporated that love and creative inspiration into my novels
as well. As a French teacher, I
frequently traveled to France, visiting châteaux, sites of medieval
pilgrimage, and troglodyte caves of the Loire Valley. I blended all of this
together, weaving in certain aspects of fairy tales, such as Snow White and Sleeping
Beauty, to embroider the medieval legend of Tristan et Yseult with creative,
vivid imagery and fiery, romantic passion.
Conclusion of the trilogy
“The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight”—book
3 and the conclusion of The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy—will be
published June 21st—the summer solstice. And I am delighted that my
novel, “Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle”, will be published later this
year as well. It’s a medieval romance between a feisty French Viking princess forced
to marry a man she loathes and the sullen, chivalrous knight who suffers an
impossible love for his vibrant, valiant Valkyrie.
Excerpt
“I love you, Issylte. With every
breadth of my soul. With every beat of my heart. I am yours. Now, and
forever.” His sea raven heart soared in the love light shining in her forest
fairy eyes.
“And I love you, Tristan. You are
my warrior. My friend. My teacher. The
only one who ever believed in me. Who promised to fight for me. Beside
me.”
Rising onto her knees, she took both of his
hands in hers and kissed them. Her eyes glistening, she whispered, “You gave me
weapons. Trained me to fight. To defend myself. And that…” she
choked, gazing up at him, “is not only the greatest gift I have ever
received. It also saved my life.”
She kissed his hands again. “You
are helping me to grow, Tristan. To believe in myself. To face
the wicked queen who denies me my birthright. Who killed so many of those I
loved. Whose evil threatens us all.”
Lying down at his side, she laid her head over his pounding heart. He softly
stroked her long blond hair. “You have made me strong, whole, and complete,
Tristan. I am totally, utterly, undeniably yours. “
He held her for a few moments. His
wild rose. Then, rising to his feet, Tristan took her hands, and pulled her
close. He wrapped his arms around her waist, gazing intently into the deep
green eyes of his Muse.
“Toi et moi. So it shall be. You and I are entwined. Eternally.”
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Mirrored-Lake-Wild-Raven-ebook/dp/B0BKYHZGFJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13647SWRD1MQV&keywords=lady+of+the+mirrored+lake&qid=1673574202&sprefix=lady+of+the+mirrored%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lady-of-the-mirrored-lake-jennifer-ivy-walker/1142600233?ean=2940186700920
Website: https://jenniferivywalker.com/
Goodreads Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22671046.Jennifer_Ivy_Walker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferIvyWalker
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/bohemienneivy
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jenniferivywalkerauthor/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferivywalker
6 comments:
Thank you so much for featuring me and my new release, The Lady of the Mirrored Lake" on your blog!
Welcome, Jennifer. We're all happy you're here.
I think one of the joys of retellings is including aspects that you love from many sources, and giving the story the ending you want. Congratulations on your new release, Jennifer!
Congratulations on your release!
So romantic! Great post! Congratulations on Lady of the Mirrored Lake!
Congrats on your new release. I have to agree with Jessica retelling a story the way you want is fun and exciting for you has well as your readers.
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