ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE APR V2 2024 VOL VII. ISSUE XLVI | LITERATURE
Article Published on: 18TH JULY 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
"CHILD OF DAWN" - BY AUTHOR LESLIE A LEE
"Child of Dawn" presents an epic fantasy tale set in The Vale, a realm where elves and vampires have long been locked in a struggle for dominance. Against this backdrop, the story unfolds, centering on Dagsbrún, the product of a forbidden love between an elf and a vampire. Raised by his elven grandfather, Dagsbrún grapples with his dual nature, haunted by his vampire instincts while yearning for acceptance in a world that shuns him.
However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn with the introduction of Anda, a character whose lineage is equally complex. Born of a human father and an elven mother, Anda possesses uncontrollable magic, viewed by others as a curse. Accidentally crossing into the human world, she seeks refuge in Dagsbrún's home, setting the stage for their fateful encounter.
As the story unfolds, Gammel, Dagsbrún's grandfather, reveals a prophecy foretelling the destinies of both Dagsbrún and Anda. Together, they are tasked with saving The Vale from a dire fate, a mission only they can fulfill. Anda must learn to master her magic, while Dagsbrún confronts his inner demons and fears, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Against the backdrop of a realm inhabited by elves and vampires, the narrative weaves a tapestry of ethereal beauty and dark intrigue. As Dagsbrún and Anda navigate this treacherous landscape, they must overcome challenges, forge unlikely alliances, and confront ancient prejudices. Their journey is one of love, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of destiny, as they come to realize the true extent of their powers and the importance of their bond.
"Child of Dawn" offers allure to fans of fantasy and romance, weaving together elements of adventure, mystery, and enchantment into a spellbinding narrative. Within its meticulously constructed world and diverse characters, the story unfolds as an epic journey of self-discovery and redemption. Central to the narrative is the transformative force of love, portrayed as the greatest magic of all. Readers are beckoned to immerse themselves in this richly imagined realm, where intricate plots and multi-faceted characters invite exploration. Through the depths of the heart, the tale delves into themes of resilience, growth, and the enduring power of human connection, ensuring an unforgettable experience for those who embark on this enthralling odyssey.
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JOURNEY OF THE AUTHOR LESLIE A LEE
In her formative years, our protagonist was deeply influenced by her early encounters with literature, which served as the cornerstone for the rich imagination she would develop over time. Guided by her mother and grandmother, she immersed herself in the pages of beloved classics such as the Chronicles of Narnia, Little House on the Prairie, and Anne of Green Gables, finding solace and companionship within their narratives. These stories became her steadfast companions, nurturing her burgeoning love for the written word and igniting a desire to craft her own imaginative tales.
It was in second grade that she first dipped her toes into the realm of storytelling, inspired by her fervent admiration for Nancy Drew. Fuelled by her passion for mystery and adventure, she penned a short story revolving around a group of friends endeavoring to unravel the enigma of a ghost amidst blizzards. This creative endeavor earned her second place in a Young Author competition, serving as a catalyst for her burgeoning writing career. Though initially disheartened by consistently placing second, this setback only fueled her determination to refine her craft and strive for excellence.
As she progressed through high school, she embarked on her first ambitious project: crafting her debut novel. Since then, her writing has flourished in ways she never envisioned. While she once harbored aspirations of receiving accolades and recognition, she discovered that the true essence of writing lies not in external validation but in the profound impact her words have on readers. She came to understand that the most meaningful moments are those when individuals express how her work has resonated with them, leaving an indelible imprint on their lives.
Real writing for her goes beyond storytelling; it's about crafting narratives that evoke emotions, provoke thought, and spark change. With dedication and a commitment to making a difference, she weaves tales that captivate, inspire, and leave an enduring legacy in the hearts and minds of readers.
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF AUTHOR LESLIE A LEE WITH DE MODE
Q: "Child of Dawn" explores themes of identity, difference, and the impact of societal labels. What inspired you to navigate this fantasy world where characters like Anda and Dagsbrun confront complex relationships and destinies?
A. Readers will always come into a book with the ability to connect to the characters in one way or another. Everyone deals with their identity, being different, and being labeled. So, creating characters who deal with these issues, as well as how to maneuver through relationships and believing in their destinies, helps to connect Anda and Dagsbrun to the reader.
Q: The characters in your books, such as Anda and Dagsbrun, grapple with societal judgments and perceptions. How do you approach developing characters who face unique challenges, and what role do you think fantasy plays in addressing real-world issues?
A. I start with myself. I was the awkward and poor kid who got picked on for my clothes and the car I drove, and then because I was the “weirdo” who would want to write rather than pay attention in biology. I also draw from what is occurring in the world. The book has a war raging simply because individuals are different. Where have we seen that before?
Q: The world of the Vale, with elves and vampires, is rich and fantastical. Can you share your creative process in building such intricate fantasy settings, and how do you ensure they remain immersive for readers?
A. This was my first time writing fantasy. Having worked in a bookstore, I was very aware that there are some perfect fantasies and some bad ones. I wanted to respect the good- LOTR and Narnia, etc.- and stay away from the bad with corny plotlines and two-dimensional characters. I drew on what made my favorite fantasies good – entire fictional worlds, complicated characters, and some fantastic quests.
Q: The title "Child of Dawn" suggests a connection to light and hope. What significance does the title hold for Anda's character and the broader themes of the book?
A. The title refers to Dagsbrun. He was the first character I dreamed up. I wanted a vampire (darkness) but wanted him to have an internal conflict that was more than just fighting his urge to hunt. That’s where his Elf half (light) comes in. This almost genetic conflict exists within him between his darker half and his light. And what period is placed perfectly between night and day? Dawn.
Q: Your writing journey started at a young age, winning your first award in the second grade. How has your writing evolved over the years, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
A. There is definitely more depth. The stories are bigger and deeper, with more insight into me as a writer and a person. There is always a piece of me in my writing. I have learned to be visual in my writing and be very intentional in writing both for the reader with a vivid imagination and the reader who needs a little help.
Q: In addition to novels, you write poetry, Op-Ed pieces, and literary essays. How does your approach to writing differ across these various forms, and do you find that each form serves different creative needs?
A. Whatever I am writing, there is always emotion behind it. Poems tend to come from sadness, and op-ed pieces are from indignation or righteous anger regarding a political or social issue. Essays are reflections, while novels usually encompass all my thoughts and feelings into one literary form.
Q: "Demons in the Hog Shed" falls into the Romance genre. How do you approach crafting love stories, and do you find that the themes explored in romance differ from those in your other works?
A. Demons was a tough one because the love story comes amid the main character's confrontation with trauma. Her relationship had to be delicate, not blatantly passionate. Romance is about the steps to love—trust, faith, belief in the good, and ultimately acceptance that you love and are loved in return.
Q: Charles Dickens, Emily Bronte, C.S. Lewis, and Leon Uris are among your favourite authors. In what ways have these literary giants influenced your writing style and the themes you explore in your works?
A. Most definitely in the descriptive way they wrote. They were artists who painted with words. I read a novel by Dickens in high school – I can’t remember which one, but he spent three pages describing a door. That is incredible. Bronte knew how to convey emotion, Lewis was a master at creating worlds, and Uris knew how to define relationships and the human condition.
Q: Prophecy, destiny, and the intersection of two contrasting individuals are central themes in "Child of Dawn." Can you share your perspective on the role of fate and destiny in storytelling, and how it shapes the narrative in your fantasy novels?
A. I think people think these are themes for stories – but they are themes in life. We all have things we are destined to do, and we will discover that there are people who will both contrast and complement that destiny. That is what makes humanity glorious. If we all complimented one another, it would be dull. Seeing characters face their fate and embrace their destiny is inspirational and needed for many readers.