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Interview with LT Suzuki, author of the Imago Chronicles

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Half-human and half-elf, she is the only one of her kind in the realm, so she shunned by one race and denied by the other.

The first novel in this series is A Warrior’s Tale and it tells of her rise from an abandoned waif to becoming a skilled captain and a legendary warrior. Though she lacks superhuman or supernatural powers, relying on her many years of martial arts training to survive, she is an accomplished warrior nonetheless. And as physically and mentally capable she is on the battlefield, she is emotionally damaged in her fight to find acceptance in a world that has little tolerance for a half-breed like her.

Pitched to the film industry as LoTR and 300 meets The Last Samurai, it has an ensemble cast of characters.

The film industry?
As of October 2013, the Imago Chronicles‘ 10th and final novel will be published in both print and ebook form. The first three novels in this series have been optioned for a major motion picture trilogy and is in development now with a two-time Oscar-winning producer at the creative helm!

Wow, that’s amazing. What genre is it?
The Imago Chronicles is categorized as epic adult fantasy. It’s been said by a couple of avid fantasy fans that it “deviates from the standards that define this genre”, so it’s not for those expecting ‘traditional’ fantasy that is high in the magic department. Also, if you don’t like fantasy with a little Asian flavour, my books are probably not for you either.

So that’s who it’s not for.
Some fans have compared it to works by Mercedes Lackey, David Eddings, Terry Brooks and J.R.R. Tolkien, but I don’t know as I’m really only familiar with Terry Brooks‘ works (he’s also one of my favourite writing teachers/mentor).

I’ve been told by some it’s for the adult Harry Potter fans, so it seems to have broad appeal. Whatever the case, if you like rollicking adventures with wizards, dragons, elves, knights and a kick-ass heroine that is not above getting kicked herself from time to time, these books could be just what your looking for!

Tell us about Nayla Treeborn.
Unlike many heroines found in fantasy, my main character Nayla Treeborn comes with no special or magical powers. She must rely on her wits, skills and tenacity to survive so right away, it’s a very rough road for her to travel. Also, because she is the only half-human and half-elf being in her realm, it is also a lonely road in finding acceptance with those she readily defends in battle. They have little use for her other than taking advantage of her willingness to protect them, but Nayla subjects herself to suicide missions others would refuse in hopes that one day, she’d find acceptance amongst those who keep her at arm’s-length.

We can’t wait to meet her – on the page and up on the silver screen.
With the first of the trilogy in development, full film production is slated to begin in the late winter of 2013! I’ve been hired as the creative consultant so I’ll be busy with this project over the next little while. Whether I have time to write the 4th novel in The Dream Merchant Saga, that’s yet to be seen, but for now, I eagerly await the making and then the worldwide theatrical release of Imago Chronicles A Warrior’s Tale!

The Dream Merchant saga, what’s that?
I have three YA fantasy novels in The Dream Merchant Saga, that I co-wrote with my teen daughter. It’s been described by some fans as Ella Enchanted meets The Princess Bride and I even had some fans tell me this series has bumped The Princess Bride off their bookshelves as being their new, favourite fantasy!

Tell us a bit about yourself.
When I’m not writing fantasy, I’m a 5th Dan Black Belt practitioner/instructor of an ancient martial arts style that incorporates 6 traditional samurai schools and 3 schools of ninjutsu.

Ah, is that where the word Imago comes from? It sounds vaguely Japanese.
Imago is derived from the Latin word, ‘image’ or ‘to imagine’. The land of Imago is imaginary so I think you know where this is heading…

Shows what we know!
Do you have a website where we can keep up with your work?
www.newmobileme.com/imagochronicles9

How can we follow you on Twitter and/or Facebook?
@LornaSuzuki.

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