Calastan, by Cheryllynn Dyess
Today on Meet the Author, please join me for an interview with Fantasy Science Fiction Network (FSFN) member, Cheryllynn Dyess. Cheryllynn is the author of Calastan, Book One of the Jein’s Journey series.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Me, huh, well I love the outdoors. I could sit by running water all day and be completely happy. I am a mom of four, Nana of two, and mommy to three fur babies. I obtained my BS in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix and worked in the healthcare field for almost twenty years. Today I am a fulltime Avon Rep/Recruiter and part time writer.
What inspired you to write Calastan?
Calastan was my way of putting this world’s troubles of acceptance into a new world that others could easily relate to without it being too close to home. In many ways the characters and underlying lessons are those we deal with daily.
What does your heroine, Jein, yearn for?
Jein yearns for acceptance. She is a very different woman of Calastan and has struggled with those differences all her life. She wants to be herself and for everyone to accept that. (How many times has this happened in our lives?)
What’s the novel about and who would enjoy it?
The novel is mostly about Jein and her journey through life. In Calastan, Jein competes against the men when she should not and wins; she hunts with the men and outperforms them when she should not. Calastan is a matriarchal society and Jein decides to take on both roles, she has done this since childhood. She feels she is finally getting acceptance when her Governess comes to her for help.
What do you think makes for great fantasy fiction?
Great fantasy fiction is made when you can feel the story. The timeline, place, and people can all be fiction but you have to feel that the story could be real.
Who are some of your biggest influences as a writer?
My biggest influence in writing is Edgar Allen Poe, he had stories within stories hidden so well that you really had to sit back and think.
How do you approach crafting a novel, and in particular, a series?
Crafting hmm, well I really do not preplan anything. I write as it comes to me. I have tried to preplan a story and I end up changing so much of the story it was useless. I envision the end of the story and work towards it.
What’s ahead for you?!
Well, I have the third book of Jein’s Journey, Kyluna, coming out in August. I am also working on two more novels that should be ready to come out in mid and late 2015.
Synopsis of Calastan:
Follow Jein Kyominias, a girl who does not entertain the established roles other females of the upper class take in her land. Her rearing in a matriarchal society has certain paths laid out. She has chosen to be an elite hunter instead of a mere matron. She is unique in her fondness for activities that are specifically bequeathed for men. She decides she will be different—strong and different that is.
Each person has a distinct trait that’s either held in reserve or pursued without inhibitions. For reasons that vary, the latter may seem an egotistic act. However, not for Jein. Taking a path other than the one she believes is right is like betraying her own soul.
This book features a young girl who deals with her individuality in admirably different ways. It tells a story of how she accomplishes exceptional feats in a world that draws an unyielding line between men and women.
Purchase Calastan:
About Cheryllynn Dyess:
As a youth I loved to write and originally set out to deal with life. I never dreamed I would be writing to share with the world. As an adult my writing continued and have always been told I was talented. I finally listened and put my imagination to the test and started to write a book. Amazingly it took very little time to create an entire world and people and story line. This book reflects how I perceive life and how I feel it should really be!
God has given me a great talent, wonderful support team, and I’m finally using my gift from Him!
Calastan is the first book in the Jein’s Journey series that introduces you to Jein in her seventeenth year. Jein is a beautiful young woman who refuses to follow tradition and wants to do things her own way (kinda reflects my personality to the “T”).
I am a mother of four and Nana to two ~ my driving force is to show them to NEVER give up on dreams and goals, they can be reached if you believe.
Follow Cheryllynn Dyess:
Cheryllynn Dyess, Author of CALASTAN
The Fantasy & Science-Fiction Network (FSF Net) is dedicated to helping fans find the very best fantasy & sci-fi books for children and adults (both young and old) that do not exceed a PG-13 rating. FSF Net seeks to be a primary source for the latest G/PG/PG-13 fantasy/science-fiction (sci-fi) news. Follow them on Facebook.
