As The Tarnade series comes to a close with The Spirit of the Oak, author Jayne Thomas reflects on the incredible journey she's taken, both creatively and personally, since the release of her first book. With a deep love for nature, an evolving fascination with magic and spirituality, and a commitment to crafting complex characters, Jayne’s writing has captivated readers around the world.
In this Q&A, Jayne shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of concluding a beloved series, and how her own growth has mirrored that of her characters. Join us as she opens up about the highs and lows of writing The Tarnade Series, the inspiration behind her immersive world-building, and her advice for aspiring authors embarking on their own creative journeys.
As you conclude your Tarnade series with "The Spirit of the Oak," what are your reflections on the journey from the first book to this final instalment?
Its been an amazing journey to be able to create characters and follow their development is a privilage. It will be hard not to think about them anymore as they have lived in my head for so long. I will also miss the world of ‘Tarnade’ but I also feel it's time to move on to other projects Just as Raykal will move on to other adventures.
How have the characters evolved over the series, and what were some of the challenges you faced in their development?
I wanted Raykal to go on a ‘learning’ journey and I feel she has gone from being quite a shy, repressed girl into a confident leader, powerful in her own magic and beliefs. The other characters around her were more of a challenge. I didn't want ‘love interests’ to influence her too much. I ultimately wanted her to be independant and the sort of girl who ‘saved herself’. However, I also didn't want Brokk or Tymon to be weak and unimportant to the story. I hope I got the right balance. Some characters had to stay constant and reliable like Taliesin. My only disappointment is with the development of the Harridans.When i started the series I didn't want them to be one dimensional evil witches, but I think they have turned out that way. Maybe one day I will write their story and change that.
What inspired you to write the Tarnade series, and how have your themes and inspirations evolved over the course of the three books?
My love of nature has been a constant inspiration in writing these books. I wanted nature and it's importance to be central to the plot and readers always comment on my descriptions of the natural world as something they enjoy. My spirituality, interest in shamanism and other magical/ pagan systems has developed more as the series progressed and I think this shows particularly in Book 2 and 3 with the connection to crystals, elemental magic the mycelium network. I have learnt so much through research for the series and it has enhanced my own life and beliefs.
Can you share some insights into your writing process? How did you approach writing the final book differently from the first two?
This last book has been the hardest to write. I felt I had a responsibility to my readers to tie up loose ends, conclude story lines and bring everything together. I found I did a lot more planning for this book. Post it notes were everywhere! I also have had a planning book from day one of writing ‘The Eve Stone’. In this I wrote ideas, collected research and mind mapped characters and events. This book became very important for book 3 as a reference.
The world of Tarnade is rich and immersive. What were some of your strategies for world-building, and how did you maintain consistency across the series?
The map of Tarnade helped greatly with world building. I had a layout and also created an overview of what each place would be like and what sort of peoples would live there. I am a very visual person so I found images on the Internet that matched the ascetic I was going for and printed them off into a note book. I then surrounded the images with words and ideas. O think if the writer is emmersed in the world so is the reader. The image books and the map also helped with consistency.
Do you have any favourite scenes or moments from "The Spirit of the Oak"? What makes them stand out to you?
I think everything surrounding the final battle against the Harridans. I don't want to give everything away but not only did it bring all the different peoples and creatures together, It also brought two special people back together. The battle also created a chance for certain characters to show true bravery. And, of course, there has to be some sad loses too. A piece of writing is nothing without feelings.
How have readers' reactions to the series influenced your writing, especially in the final book?
Reviews and feed back from readers is so important to a writer. If it's positive it boosts your confidence and makes you want to keep writing. I have also had lots of constructive criticism from readers and i appreciate this equally as it keeps you on your toes. I was very aware, whilst writing book 3 that readers have favourite characters and also certain ‘hopes’ for the way things turn out. I didn't want those ideas and hopes to influence me too much, I wanted to create some surprises along the way.On the other hand, I hope I don't disappoint anyone!
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while writing this series, and what were some of your most rewarding moments?
The biggest challenge for me with all three books was procrastination when it comes to actually writing. I could research for ever, create countless mind maps and notes but actually getting down to the nitty gritty is another thing. In the end what worked for me was a commitment to at least 500 - 1000 words a day. Once I started writing everything seemed to flow.
Rewarding moments are when you come to a plot problem and you work it out! Or comming up with a great plot twist that makes you giggle to yourself with delight as you write it! Often the best ideas come at the most inconvenient time either just before sleep or in the shower.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are working on their own series or embarking on writing their first book?
Just write, write about anything and everything. Plan and research but don't worry too much when it comes to writing the first draft. Don't get bogged down with grammar or using the ‘right’word. All that can be sorted out later. Let the story flow.
How can readers connect with you and follow your writing journey?
Readers are welcome to email me or contact me through Facebook or Instagram. I hope to have my own website soon and I am also thinking about Tik Tok ( if I'm brave enough)...
Jayne's final book of the Trilogy: 'The Tarnade Series: The Spirit of the Oak' will be AVAILABLE OCTOBER 2024!
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