Hello! As an SPFBO 9 author, I am doing spotlights for fellow Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off authors and books! We can all win together! This 6th of July, we have a fantasy novel with a unique and unusual name – The Unchosen – by Laura Huie, originally a chemist and … well, you’ll learn more about that later. What’s really interesting in the book, right?
The Unchosen
The gods have been silent for too long. Humanity is rising up against them, starting with her.
Fia is one of the few chosen by the gods to be bestowed with extremely powerful magic; a master of illusions and portals. Except, anytime she uses magic, it causes headaches and she cannot make a portal back to Earth.
After a whirlwind encounter with an old friend, she can’t remember, Fia discovers the place she thought was her home is a façade and unearths a land hostile to her. The gods have not spoken to her, and they do nothing to save her as she and her friend, Winston, try to reveal the truth about her past. Both want the past for different reasons. She wants her magic back to go home, he wants her to recall who she was and why she should stay. But staying could mean the gods sealing her destiny; to be killed by humanity for a crime she doesn’t remember.
Eeesh. Killed for a crime she doesn’t remember. I wouldn’t want that.
Well, onto the Questions!
As a Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO) Entrant, you’re not just independently published, but self-published. Can you start by explaining a bit about why you chose that route and how it’s been for you?
I had to let go of the story I was obsessed with working on. I was getting a few nibbles from editors and agents, but never snagged a contract. I was doubting myself and started to question what was it I wanted with that story. The simple honest answer, I wanted people to read it and talk about it. I have since succeeded that goal and I am ecstatic I have chosen this path. There has definitely been a learning curve that I am still climbing, but enjoying each handhold I get done and out of the way.
‘I wanted people to read it and talk about it!’ So relatable! Glad for your success and wishing you more!
How did you choose to enter the SPFBO contest? How do you expect to find it? Refreshing your blog’s page every five minutes, or sit back and chill?
“Cuz your book is awesome and more people deserve to read it.” Direct quote from my friend as to why I should enter SPFBO, and I took it. I don’t expect to win, especially with the incredible competition and the returning three finalists in my group, the Weatherwax Report. None of that is stopping me from being excited. Esme reads super fast and has already finished my book, now I have to sit and wait until she is allowed to release her review. Knowing this is helping me focus on my other projects.
Aww, that is the funnest thing, having a friend like that!
Book titles. Why did you choose the title you did for this story?
“The Unchosen” because no one wants it! Kidding, I ended up on the title after I finished the fourth draft and looked at the overall theme that was happening among my characters. The hook for my book sets the tone fairly quick of where the world is at. In the book you follow the story of a god chosen leader and when those she is suppose to sovereign over are done with her reign.
Fascinating! And fun pun there – but it really is The Chosen every time a reader chooses it out of all the books out there to choose from!
I won’t ask for your favourite scene since I know some people don’t have those (like me; I never have favourites), but can you share a (non-spoiler) scene you just have to re-read so much because you can’t believe how awesome it is? Or a character you really like. Or both!
I love the name Fia for my character because it means “Dark of Peace.” It started this whole fantasy story. My favorite scene is when my two main characters, Fia and Winston, have a sit down and talk about magic.
Scene:
The man took a large gulp from his drink. His cheeks puffed out, savoring the flavor in his mouth before swallowing. “Illusions were your specialty. It could be used for performances. Magic is more used for our way of life there. How come you don’t use it as much here?”
Laughter shook her whole body at the idea of her doing illusions. She should buy a magic book to learn the art of illusions and sleight of hand. “You mean I could do actual magic?” She shook her hands, fingers extended. “Like oooh—and something appears?”
His white eyebrows furrowed. “No, you—” He stopped. “There is little magic used here. Let me show you and you might believe my words. Maybe it will help you remember something.”
She clapped and bounced in her seat. The world spun slightly.
Winston’s gray eyes tried to stare at her from the corner. The expression only made Fia laugh more. “You think it’s all right if I do it in here?” he asked.
She could not imagine him doing anything which could cause harm to those in the bar. “Why not? Make it big and flashy.”
The most annoying, pompous smirk crossed his face. It belonged in the jester of movies. It went straight to his eyes. “Flashy is your thing.” He clenched his hand into a fist, looked around the room, then slowly began to extend his fingers.
Her hair began to lift, creating a halo around her head as she stared at his hand. A rattling sound filled the room, followed by the noise of chairs screeching and cursing. She turned around, her loose hair covering her face. She parted it out of the way. Glasses danced in circles before flying up in the air. Tornadoes swirled under all the beverages, coasters, napkins, and dirt of the place.
I liked that about names! (You guessed, didn’t you, after the question about titles? :D) And – wild!! Like the setup!
What are some elements or themes, or combinations thereof, that really make your book stand out to you?
The Unchosen focuses on a world that is deciding to break away from the “chosen” leader. But it doesn’t follow the uprising of the person leading that, but in fact the chosen. Fia and Winston must use their bestowed gifts to survive. How will she use portals to get across a city when there are people who use them to get across an entire country? Will Winston be able to fly them out, and if so at what cost? Are the gods just sitting on their hands or will they inact a punishment? Another twist is the magic system, if though it falls under the elemental magic category with portals, I wanted to show a world that was truly affected by that lifestyle. If portals could be made, use that instead of a door. A city would not feel so large if you could cross it in a minute. Highway roads diminished, a visit to a whole other country would be as easy as a daytrip. I also spent a lot of hours thinking of how different infrastructure would be if you could easily grow your own trees and food.
Neat!
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I am an active discord member and been shocked by how helpful the communities are on there. I have found communities to help strengthen my craft and learning how to self-publish (one never stops learning). The SPFBO has already been a great insight about going wide, something I want to do. Especially as I get close to wrapping up the edits on book two for The Thedre Trilogy. My goal is to have that book out by the end of the year 2023. If you want to follow, feel free to check out my website. The Unchosen is a dark fantasy story, so on the side I write a story to help counter balance that mentally. I am co-writing a comedy science fiction that we distribute out for free (our goal is just to have readers). You can find it at Royal Road. I also have a short story set in the Thedre world available on Bookfunnel.
Thank you for sharing that! Want to share a parting comment about yourself?
I am Laura Huie, originally a chemist who worked in the back of the lab developing all sorts of colors. Now I do back-end programming in dark mode. I currently live in Ohio with my family. I love cooking and baking. If you wish to see any photos of my pets or the food I make, follow me on Twitter.
Neat!
While Laura has plans to go wide, you can already find The Unchosen on Amazon and check it out on Goodreads.
Enthralled By Love 