Interview

The second-best way to learn about a literary work is to talk to the creator. Cristiana Leone was nice enough to sit down for a Q&A about her series and other works.

Please introduce yourself.

I'm Cristiana Leone, an Italian dreamer and a lover of art and fantasy. I'm 32 years old and I live near to Romel. Drawing is my hobby and my way to relax and... escape from reality!


How long have you been writing?

Actually I have never been a writer. I have always given priority to drawing. However, starting from 2008, I decided to try to write in the form of a novel, the story that for too long I had in mind. And that is the only thing I've ever written in my life, except for some very short story.


Tell us a little about your novel/series?

The project is of a novel divided into two books, each of 19 chapters. However, the final could leave room for a possible follow-up.


When/How did you come up with the idea of your novel/series?

I think the first vague idea was born in the far 2001. Everything started with Ria and Kyed. At the beginning it was only their story and it was born as a comic in manga style... And in a period of 3 or 4 years I could drew only about 50 pages of comics. Then, after having abandoned it for years, in 2008 I found it again. I realized that it was a pity having abandoned it, so I decided to continue it but at the moment my drawing style had changed too much and I couldn't continue the already started comic. Starting it from the beginning one more time was just impossible, so I decided to try to write it in the form of a short story. I wrote the first 2 or 3 chapters, only about Ria and Kyed's story. Then I abandoned it again... Again after a year or so, I got it in my hands one more time. I decided to try again, but this time I also wanted to create a more complete and articulated history, not just focused on Ria and Kyed. I wanted to give depth and substance to the world around them. So I created the whole universe of Kherming and other lands, giving life also the other characters: Vondel, Aralyn, Varelèn, Gar and many other minor.


Who are your two favorite characters and why? (Yes, I know picking only two is hard.)

Though in all of them there is something I love, I've no doubt about this: Ria and Kyed. They're the first two, those that gave rise to everything and those around which everything was born.

I love the determination of Kyed, his endless love for Janilee, the lost girl, who leads him to have an incredible faith, patience and a spirit of endurance. However he also hides a deep shadows in his personality and despite he seems always cheerful and sly, actually there is a dark side that torments him.

I like Ria's determination, her fortitude and the ability to not be deterred easily, but I also love her indomitable personality, and the fact she is sullen, unpleasant and basically arrogant...


What’s one of the best compliments you’ve gotten on the novel/series?

Surely the thing that pleases me most is when people tell me they're curious and would like to read more, because the story seems interesting. This is very inspiring.


What would you estimate the readership of the work has been/is?

Only 3 people have read the whole first book, people very close to me. As for the chapters posted here on Deviantart I don't know, but not many, I think.


Just for fun, if you could pick an actor or actress to pay the lead protagonist and antagonist, who would you choose?

I filled an actor meme about it!

Natalia Vodianova is not an actress, but her beautiful face features are what I imagine for Ria, though, Ria is much more shorter than her.

About Vondel... This is hard. I'm still searching for the perfect match!! I chose Olyphant after having see him in Die Hard. His cold, calculating and basically insane way to do, had reminded me Vondel's attitude! Although physically he is not perfect, his gaze and his eyes are perfect, I think!


Aside from this novel/series, what are some of the other works you’ve done (if any)?

A couple of short stories, not translated, and a collaboration I did with the lovely `Endorell-Taelos. It is a crossover about her and my world. I had very much fun in writing that, though it was a real challenge 'cause I had to translate in English my parts...! The Sacrifice of Young Hearts


What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

The being able to completely become estranged from everything that surrounds me and the reality. When I can find the right inspiration and concentration, I can completely immerse myself and I can almost be able to live my characters' emotions. I'm very instinctive and impulsive, so the creative side is what I prefer. The technical side instead, such as planning of the chapters and organization of the story, etc. it's more difficult for me.


What are your goals for the series/novel?

Of course to finish and illustrate it, and maybe one day see it published.


Final words?

First of all, I want to thank `mirz-alt not only for this nice opportunity, but also for her neverending support. Then I want to thank those who constantly support me and are interested in my characters and my story! Your encouragement is very precious to me!

Want More?

You can follow the "The Deathless Keeper" and the World of Kherming through *PiccolaRia's page, as well as the deviantART group #Kherming-Chronicles. The author also has a Facebook page you can friend and follow here.

More Compass?

You can view past editions of the series here ---> [link]

<sub>If you would like to recommend a novel or series to be considered for Literary Compass, please drop me a note. A series or novel must have a deviantART base , be fairly established, have supporting art, and offer some 2-3 excerpts/literary pieces for reading.  You MAY self-suggest your own work.

Guidelines and FAQ for the series can be found here --->  [link]</sub>

Credits

_{Commissioned journal CSS and map background created by `GillianIvy
Coding modified and formatted by `Ravenswd
Art featured in article courtesy of *PiccolaRia}