Interview with Lynn Hardy, author of The Prophecy of the Flame

I’ve always enjoyed reading a bit more about an author or how they found inspiration for their novel.   I feel very blest to have had the chance to interview Lynn Hardy as part of the blog tour of her novel, The Prophecy of the Flame.

Synopsis of Prophecy of the Flame

In a blinding flash of light, five strangers are yanked from this world and thrust into a land of sorcery as they are granted the looks and abilities of the people they were playing.

This band of wannabe heroes soon discovers that having the powers they have always dreamed of, does not make life a dream come true.

The Crusaders of the Light struggle to form a cohesive band as they blend twentieth-century technology with the supernatural powers of this new world, fighting to liberate the kingdom of Cuthburan from the evil horde threatening humanity.

Battle is also waged within Reba, an ordinary housewife who has become the most powerful mage on the planet, as she struggles to remain true to her wedding vows.

Drawn against her will to the arms of Prince Alexandros, Reba must choose between a marriage to a handsome prince in a magical world or returning to the husband she left behind.

Interview with Lynn Hardy

Where did your inspiration for Prophecy of the Flame come from? Were youinto role playing games (Dungeons & Dragons, etc.) or was there something else that sparked the idea?

In college, I had an interesting set of roommates. Not only did they play D&D, but the went to the Arizona Renaissance Faire every year and did everything from Live Action Role Playing to sword fights. I thought it would be really cool if there was a place they could combine both of their passions. That’s why the story starts out at The Renaissance Hotel and gaming World.

The group of players that gets transported are such a varied bunch. Do you relate to any in particular or are any of the characters reflecting people you know in real life?

Since the book was based on a set of dreams, I can’t deny that there is a bit of me in the main character. Jamison was inspired by a guy my sister was dating. He had a surfer accent and sun-bleached hair. The rest were my idea of a typical group of gamers. You always have the know-it-all, a clown and I hope at least one good-hearted guy.

Being optioned for a Hollywood movie is such a wonderful validation of the story’s impact. Could you share more about this and the charity you created, Agape Assistance – Shelter for Families One Book at a Time?

I always told myself, that when I was a rich and famous author, I would start a charity to help kids get a warm bed. Just because parents have hit a rough patch, lost a job, had a medical emergency — kids shouldn’t suffer. When the recession hit in 2009, I knew it would only get worse. These kids needed help sooner rather than later.
I decided to started Agape (uh-GOP-pay) Assistance so that when my book became a movie, there would be a charity I could trust, one that didn’t pay board members salaries, one that made sure the money got to the kids that needed it. I have dedicated 100% of the proceeds from the first book in my series to the charity. I figured if people didn’t trust a new organizing, perhaps they’d just buy a book, that way they’d have something for their donation.

It really shocked me when a local producer said, “If we make a movie based on the book, would you be willing to donate those proceeds, too?” I thought I was creating the charity so I’d have some place for the money to go. Now a movie is being made for the charity!

Kickstarter is an online site that provides a forum for projects with an artistic expression. I started the Prophecy Project on Kickstarter last week as a way to rally support for the movie. A couple of days later I was contacted by an Oscar nominated Director, who has won of the Sundance Film Festival Award and an Emmy. The Director said, “If Kickstarter tells Hollywood that people love our project, producers will back the movie with big bucks to make a Blockbuster film.”

I have been in overdrive since that moment. We need to get the word out about this event. Having major backers could mean a lot to The Prophecy Project.

Writing can definitely become a passion that takes over your life. Do you have any tips to share with those of us who are constantly writing with how (or maybe if!) you are able to balance writing with other aspects of yourlife.

I’ve never been good with the balancing act… Luckily I have a very understanding husband. He helps drag me away from my desk for lunch and dinner.

What are the last few books you’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed?

I loved Patricia Briggs Fantasy line: Raven’s Shadow and Raven’s Strike as well as her Dragon’s Bones duology.
One week ago, I picked up Hunger Games as a study to see what they left out for the movie. I enjoyed the book – it was a fast-paced read, but I’m not sure I’ll finish the series.

Many thanks to Lynn for taking the time to respond to my questions and for Mandie at Promotional Book Tours for providing the opportunity for me to review the book as well as do the interview.

A Review of Prophecy of the Flame

I enjoy a good fantasy story and I have to admit I wasn’t sure how I’d enjoy this particular novel.  My hesitation was given the connection to role-playing as in Dungeons & Dragons.  I have no real experience with anything like that which lead to my hesitation over this novel.

However, Prophecy of the Flame is so much more than a D&D story.

Yes, the characters were all role-playing based on D&D storylines.  But, the depth is far greater than I might have envisioned for the story.

To me, I was intrigued by the inclusion of Reba’s Christian faith as a guide in how she approaches certain aspects of life in the kingdom of Cuthburan. The two avenues where this really comes through are when she refuses to bow down at the altar of their God and her restraint in the advances of Prince Alexandros in a world who does not value monogamy.

Overall, the story was interesting although it needed a little time to soak in as I read.  And, I am quite curious about both the sequel of the novel and the upcoming motion picture.