When did you get the idea for Mark of the Dragon? Was it something that started small and snowballed into the world and detail we have now, or was it like a supernova – all the details and characters were there and you just had to be sure you knew it all?
I believe it started small. It was just a thought or an idea. I wanted a journey and dragons. When I approached my dad that was about all I told him too lol. It took a lot of brainstorming to get the plot and story we now have.
What was it like for you working with your father? Was it easier or harder than doing a standalone?
It was one of the greatest blessings to be able to work with my dad. It’s something that brought us closer I think and in many ways my appreciation and understanding for him grew too. He’s more than just a dad, he’s my dad, and getting to work with him was the best thing ever. As for writing wise, it was easier for some things, but also harder. One thing I liked about writing with him was that if there was a scene I really didn’t want to write I didn’t have to lol.
Was there any part/scene that was difficult for you to write?
In the beginning, I had Andra and Liam and went to my dad with them and a short, fast idea… it was more like a scene. That scene isn’t with us anymore (a good thing, you didn’t miss much) but it helped because I was already invested in those characters. BUT this brought about a new set, Terrax, Tyroth, and Christina. Their scenes were harder for me because they were my dad’s characters… I think that was the same for Andra and Liam for him.
What was most important to you about Andra’s character and how she was written?
Oh goodness, she was a strong character. I love how strong willed she was. She grew up in my mind (maybe not on paper so much) that I was proud of who she became. I think the most important thing about her is that she remained that way. She wouldn’t be the same if she were afraid or frail.
Same question about Regina.
Hahaha… Regina is one I love to hate. She is a great character. Her evilness stemmed from losing her parents and it evolved. I think if she were calm and sweet, we wouldn’t have the story we do now.
What is your favorite aspect of Mark of the Dragon?
The dragons. I have always loved them and to have a story with them is awesome. Our dragons are strong, massive beasts with a sense of humor that I love.
What makes the dragons different than other dragons in books available?
I’d like to say their humor. Not all dragons are known for comedy, but more for their strengths and abilities, or that the can fly and breath fire. While ours have all that, they also possess just a hint of comedy.
Does this universe exist in the same as your other novels?
No. The world of Santerrian is solely a world/universe for this series.
History, personal and national, is important in the book. Are you a history buff at all?
I love history. We can learn a lot from it, but for the most part if just intrigues me.
MotD favorites….
Character: Andra (with the exception for the dragons)
Dragon: Tyroth and Amoreth
Overall moment: The Vetaunex
One-liner: “I’m not a dirty dragon and you know it.”
Excerpt:
“Psst.”
She jumped at the noise and looked down at Liam who strained to see her in the tree. “What are you doing awake, warrior?” she mocked him.
“Looking for you, it seems that’s all I do these days.”
She raised a brow at his curious words. “You should climb the tree. There is something amazing you might like see.”
It didn’t take him long to reach the branch where she perched. Even under the moonlight she could see the wide smile he greeted her with. “Show off,” she whispered.
He got situated on the branch next to her. His bare chest touched her arm, making her body tremble a bit. She pointed out the dragons. “Over there, watch how graceful they are.”
Least liked character: Cica
What are you most proud of with this book?
That I was able to write it with my dad.
Any writing routines/must haves while you work?
Lots and lots of music.
About the Authors:
M.R. Polish was born in Idaho, a long, long, long, well, maybe not that long time ago…. Writing has always been there for her. Growing up, her mind was filled with stories, some she shared and others she filed away to write down later in life. It wasn’t until 2011 that she decided to publish her stories for everyone to enjoy. Her first award, and when writing became more than just an idea, was in the 5th grade. She won the scary story contest for the school newspaper. It is one story she still has tucked away for memories. Her teacher told her she could be anything she wanted and that she had a talent for writing, being creative and drawing people into her stories. M.R. took that to heart and continued to write, although mostly in secret until recent years.
Now you can find her enjoying life with her family – wrangling her four kids, setting traps in the house with toys for unsuspecting victims (aka, her husband) and writing down all her crazy and fun stories.
“Life is too short to stand by and watch everyone else live your dreams. The bigger the dream, the bigger the adventure!” ~ M.R. Polish
Bill Morgan is M.R.’s dad, and if she was born that long ago, You all should shudder at how long ago he was born. He has always been creative. As an amateur artist and an avid woodworker, he always could see the hidden beauty in a blank piece of paper or a piece of wood. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1986 and spent twenty years saving lives and serving his country. He always had stories running around in his head, but he never tried to put them onto paper until M.R. convinced him to do this book with her. Now he is actively writing two additional sci-fi/fantasy novels. Hopefully she hasn’t created a monster. Bill’s favorite thing is his family. He has a wonderful wife, two adult daughters, four sisters, and more wonderful nieces and nephews than you can believe. His last count was over one hundred and he loves them all. One of his favorite quotes comes from a movie, but it applies to writing a fictional novel as well:
“Don’t know where we’re going, but there’s no sense in being late.” ~Mathew Quigley
Buy Links:
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