In the original Moon Singer trilogy (which takes place in the “present”), the characters are compelled to live a life of purpose; to serve, to sacrifice, to save a life that means more to them than their own. This mission is carried through in the story of Rose Wyndham and her mother Grace Moreau as they traverse previous generations and centuries. They both wear the magical Rose Crystal pendant, which is featured prominently in the trilogy, and has the power for healing and immortality in its music codes. But where did the gem come from? How long ago? What was its promise as well as its penance? That’s what I explored and developed in the book. It stands alone as a novel yet segues enchantingly toward future adventures.
Rose Wyndham is an immortal character who exists across different eras and identities. What ideas or emotional questions about immortality felt most important for you to explore?
Living forever can be a blessing - especially if you remain youthful - or a curse if you feel unworthy or unfulfilled, or have no profound mission to aspire to. Grace was tasked with keeping the crystal’s powers secret and could attain immortality if she promised to use it only for beneficent purposes. The wrinkle was that she must never fall in love or she and her lover would die. Grace bore this heavy responsibility and made many sacrifices but also realized her own self-empowerment. There came a point when she felt she could realize her immortality through her daughter, so she bequeathed the pendant to Rose, who would make her own mark in remarkably different and significant ways. This is a highly emotional and passionate story. The idea that romantic desire could strip the Rose Crystal of its power and lead to death gives the story a poignant nuance and transforms love into an act of peril rather than comfort.
Themes of power, memory and consequence run strongly through the story. How did you decide which moments from Rose’s past were essential in shaping who she is at the beginning of this arc?
The shocking circumstances of Rose’s birth, her relationship with her stoic father, and the secrets her mother held close, are of major significance in what kind of woman Rose would become, what choices she would make. Her love for both her parents was cemented by the joy she had in her early years, how her mother’s love of music and accomplishment as a musician helped decide which profession she would pursue (Rose would become a storied singer in dance halls and on riverboats). And though her father was dispassionate early on Rose drew her business sense and determination from his example.
The novel combines an intimate, character-driven focus with a broader, epic scope. What writing choices helped you strike that balance?
It had to become a sweeping epic spanning 250 years to give the “immortality” element its timeless quality. To accomplish this I had to pour through mountains of research, from 18th Century France with its high society traditions and trends, to 20th Century San Francisco, with its burgeoning development and uncouth atmosphere, to give the story and the characters credibility. While both Grace and Rose experienced enormous social, political and financial challenges, tragedies and triumphs of their time, they had to have enough of a contrast to make the book compelling as well as entertaining.
When you begin a new project, what usually comes first for you: the character, the world, or a central idea you want to explore?
Without exception - in all of my 11 books - the title always comes first. It appears in my mind like a flash of inspiration that cannot be ignored. I may only have a title for months or even years, but when I’m ready to develop the story the title gives me the path to take. It suggests the theme, then come the characters, their situations, personalities, conflicts and desires. I have never changed the title of a book that was “given” to me.
How has writing a long-running series influenced your approach to storytelling compared with writing a standalone novel?
In writing a series everything and everyone connects and some questions can go unanswered. Some of the characters have a prominent role and will carry over to the next book; others might be subordinate but they have potential to be developed in a future book. In a standalone novel no questions can go unanswered and I don’t worry about or hint at what/who came before or after.
Were there any books, myths, or creative influences that subtly informed The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning, even if they’re not immediately obvious to readers?
I had to create this story completely separate from the trilogy and the prequel, but it still had to have a connecting element. It was inspired by a short scene in the Epilogue of Book 3 (The Wind Rose) when teenagers David Nickerson and his sister find some old memorabilia about their Great Aunt Rose Wyndham who had been a famous entertainer. The Rose Crystal is prominent in the trilogy but the guardian of the crystal is a supernatural one. In this new book Grace and Rose are the mortals who are its protectors. Every book in the series has its roots in music theories and metaphors, entwined with the magic and mystery of metaphysical concepts and matters of ethics, faith, compassion, love, and heroism.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about exploring next in the Moon Singer universe — or in your writing more generally?
To clarify for your readers, the first 3 books of the series (The Crystal Clipper, The War Chamber, The Wind Rose) comprise the Trilogy, which is a young adult time travel adventure. However, adults enjoy the trilogy because there are major adult characters as well. I thought I was finished after I wrote the trilogy so I focused on other genres. Then the Prequel (Before the Boy) nagged at me to be written. A couple more books of other genres were written. Then came The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning; it was an exhausting undertaking that begged to be the final episode. I thought I was completely done with the Moon Singer books, but there is one more character whose story I might look into. We shall see. If I have the energy.....
Thank you, B. Roman, for taking the time to speak with us today and for sharing such thoughtful insight into The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning. It has been a real pleasure learning more about the inspiration behind the story and the creative journey that brought this fascinating world to life.
Check out the blurb:
From 18th Century France to 20th Century San Francisco, the Promise of the Rose Crystal both empowered and mystified Grace Moreau and her daughter Rose Wyndham.They fought for women’s rights, suffered prejudice and conspiracy theorists, and blazed their way through a male-dominated world to define their own roles in society. Through it all they poignantly resisted romantic desire, for if they fell in love the power of the Rose Crystal would be impotent and they - and their lovers - would die.
A romantic adventure spanning 250 years, B. Roman's 'The Immortal Rose Wyndham' is a story where the power of music, and the belief in a purpose greater than oneself, provide the mystery and magic that creates miracles.
The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning is available in ebook, paperback and hardback. Start your reading adventure HERE.
Author B. Roman (aka Barbara Roman) has been in the creative arts since childhood, when she began singing as well as writing. Her music has always informed her writing subject matter in both fiction and non-fiction works.
She is the author of the five-book Moon Singer series, two suspense novels, and three children’s books.
“It's difficult to serve two masters, as they say, but I was compelled to do so. When I was not singing, I was writing; when I was not writing, I was singing. I've learned, for me, that one creative expression nurtures the other. It is natural, therefore, that The Moon Singer series has its roots in musical theories and metaphors, entwined with the magic and mystery of metaphysical concepts and matters of ethics, faith, compassion, love, and heroism. Most of all, I hope my books inspire readers to know that, whatever their circumstances in life their greatest challenges are opportunities for growth and strength.“
B. Roman’s mantra as an author is “Your book can change someone’s life. Even for that one person, never give up - success is always just around the corner.”
BOOKS BY B. ROMAN
Books by B. Roman
The Moon Singer Series:
Book I: The Crystal Clipper
Book II: The War Chamber
Book III: The Wind Rose
Book IV: The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning
Prequel: Before the Boy
The Moon Singer Collection: The Complete Series
A Man’s Face (suspense)
Whatever Became of Sin? (suspense)
Children’s Books by Barbara Roman
The Land Where Money Was Nothing
Horace Won’t Sing (unless he doesn’t have to)
The Prince Who Was A Piccolo
Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13
Hubert in Heaven - a hi-tech angel gets his wings
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I really like the sound of this book, I have added it to my to-read list. Thank you for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating interview! Your book sounds simply marvellous. So am I right in thinking I should start with book 4 not book 1?
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed this interview! The idea of immortality tied to such a painful sacrifice makes the story feel both magical and deeply emotional. It was also fascinating to hear how much research went into bringing the different eras to life. Thanks for sharing this insight into The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning!
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