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An interview with Lynn Hardy, author of Prophecy of the Flame
1. What was your inspiration for writing this book?
Prophecy of the Flame is based on a set of dreams I had. If you changed the order and filled in the gaps, it made this captivating story. I would throw myself into the world of Cuthburan each night, exploring the rules and boundaries, the magic, adventure and romance.
2. You have an amazing charity, would you tell us a little bit about it?
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 said, “Of course! That’s what the book is 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.
3. Do you have any advice for someone wanting to publish a book?
The journey to becoming a writer can be a rough road. Look to those who have gone before you and try to miss some of the potholes they hit. Most of all, keep moving forward. If you think your work can’t be improved upon, you’ll never make it to the top of the mountain.
4. What is your favorite book besides your own?
The Dragon Prince by Melanie Rawn. This fantasy book is equal parts romance. It will make you cry so hard you can’t read the words, but you can’t put it down either.
5. What do you enjoy the most about the world your characters have been
transported into?
The best part of Cuthburan is magic. I wanted magic to be fun, like it was when I was a kid. At the same time, I wanted it to have an adult side: consequences.
