Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

I chose the genre of fantasy because it is one of my favorite genres to read. I love getting lost in an epic fantasy. The world you build as a fantasy writer can be as fantastical as you would like. I was able to create places and creatures that were completely unique. Writing in a fantasy genre allows you to be more creative than others allow. 

Are you a full-time or part-time writer and how does that affect your writing?

I am a part-time writer. I am a full-time student, working on my bachelor’s in history. It isn’t easy to focus on school and writing. I am fortunate to have a very supportive family who understands how important both are to me. I study during the day and write in the evenings and on weekends. 

Do you work with an outline or plot sketch, or do you prefer to let a general idea guide your writing?

I create an outline for all my books. I am currently writing a series of five books; the story line is carried through the entire series. Sometimes I come up with other ideas that I feel fit the plot better, so the outline sometimes looks completely different than how the book turned out. 

How did you decide how to publish your books?

I wrote my book and then sent over fifty query letters to agents who work with other fantasy writers. I either got a polite no thank you or no response at all. After a few months of not getting anywhere, I decided to self-publish. 

Can you share with readers a little bit about your latest book? 

Of course! The first book in the series is called Quest to the Emberlands. It tells the story of Ellie and her three best friends. They travel to Asadore, a world that Ellie’s family has been a part of for generations. She only finds this out after her grandmother passes and she becomes Keeper of the Water Element. This role is vital in Asadore. She meets two other Elementals, Elizabeth, an Earth Elemental and George, an Air Elemental. They embark on a quest to stop the Blaize family, Keepers of the Fire Element from trying to take over Asadore. 

Tell us more about your main character. What inspired you to develop this character?

The main character in my book is Ellie. She lives in Chicago near her three best friends. In the beginning they are in fifth grade and love to play pretend. As they grow older, playing pretend turns into role playing games. She discovers that she is actually part of another world called Asadore, and that she is destined to become The Keeper of the Water Element. She must decide if she will accept her destiny in helping to keep Asadore in balance and out of the hands of those who would use their power for nefarious purposes. Ellie’s inspiration comes from attributes that my daughter has. Ellie is strong-willed, loves role playing games, and is fiercely protective of her friends. She is kind and understanding. She can do anything that she puts her mind to. 

What is your next project? 

Once I finish this series of five books, I am looking into tackling a historical fiction series about one of my ancestors who may be related to Edward III. 

What role does research play in your writing?         

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

One of the challenges I have faced is to make sure that my story makes sense. What I mean by that is my books follow a pattern like other quest books. I need to make sure that the readers know enough of what the “bad guys” are doing, yet not too much. I also need to see that my characters find out some of what those people are plotting, but not too much to make it too easy for them. 

How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?

My quest for reviews has been challenging. As an indie author, I do not have an agent or publishing company working for me to get reviews. I have gotten a few reviews from book review websites; however, a lot of those sites charge a fee for reviews. I have found some reviewers on social media who have reviewed my book, but I am mostly relying on reviews from those who have purchased my book. 

If there was one thing you could do to change the world, what would it be?

If there was one thing I could do to change the world it would be to make sure there was universal income. I would require higher taxes on corporations and anyone who has a net worth of over 3 million dollars in order to pay for it. 

Want to know more about Robin Farella?

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