Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

1.  Do you feel that your birthplace and childhood location gave you an understanding of myths and legends?

Well, my heritage is Welsh and we have several legends and myths that originate from there, but my experience with myths and legends emanates from living in Cyprus, where ancient cultures are interwoven into the fabric of the culture. As its history does not cover just one period, it has many aspects associated with the island that are not just Greek. The island has been occupied by a plethora of countries, Roman, Persian, French, and English to name but a few. It is this diversity that adds to the mystique of the island and its heritage.      

2. Were you interested in Greek mythology prior to writing the series?

Not really, when I was a boy I went to the cinema to watch Jason and the Argonauts and a few Hercules movies, but never picked up any Greek literature like Homer’s Odyssey. I knew about some of the stories but that was about it.    

3. Why did you choose a protagonist with a military background?

The main reason for choosing Richard Cole as the central character was I needed to have a reason for the events that unfold in the storyline, I also needed a specific timeline, so choosing the first Gulf War fitted with the premise of the story, it was then possible to add characters into the scenes as they unfolded. The natural consequence was to make Richard Cole a military man

4. Can you give us an idea of the story in Mistress of the Rock?

Well naturally I would prefer people to buy the books, but to precis the story, it begins in 1991 with the first Gulf War, Richard Cole is seconded to take part in a mission as an observer, where he witnesses some of the most horrific and ugly scenes of warfare. He also encounters for the first time the goddess Aphrodite. Fast forward twenty or so years and Richard and his wife decide to come to Cyprus for a second honeymoon, and a reunion with Richard’s wartime buddy Pete Shaw and his wife Sheila. Peter surprises Richard and Julie with a surprise excursion to the site of Aphrodite’s birthplace by helicopter. It is when they return that Richard’s whole life changes when he scans through the images of the trip they had just been on and discovers something mysterious lying under the water, namely that of a figure, the image of a woman could this be the goddess? Is that why it is called Aphrodite’s Rock? This discovery sets off a chain of events that Richard can’t control with all that he knows and loves in jeopardy.       

5. Did you plan for a series or did it grow into one?

No, the first book was a one-off, it was only after it was completed and I read about another legend did I put pen to paper to do book two Scylla the Revenge, which seemed to have the natural follow-up to book one. Once that was complete Book Three came naturally.  

6. How important is the imagery for these narratives?

For me, I can’t write without it, as I think in pictures, if I can see the action I can then add the words to the scenes. The imagery of these books is vital as you are describing a mix of ancient stories with that of contemporary ones, so the two have to match up,

The beauty of these books as I have been told is that they allow the reader the experience of different worlds, seen from a new perspective. 

7. Where can readers find you and your books?

I have a website www.myronedwardsbooks.com and my publisher www.rockhillpublishing.com is a great source as they have special offers on all three books, in addition the books are available on Amazon and if you Google my name you will be able to check out all the other locations where they are sold.

8.  What is your writing process – planner or panster?

No, I don’t plan. I write when inspired to do so or after I have researched a topic, it is then just fitting the pieces together. I want to get my thoughts on paper as fast as I can that way I can keep the momentum going.

9. Are you working on any new projects?

I have just finished two kids’ books and am looking for a publisher and illustrator, as my present one doesn’t do kids’ books.

10.  Do you have a message for your readers?

Apart from buying the books, I would ask that you support writers, who are not represented by the Big Five, there are so many good writers out there who never get a chance. On a personal note if and when you do read my books please leave a review, it helps to spread the word and is a great boost for any writer.      

Other Books in The Series:

Bio:  Myron Edwards was born in 1952 to Welsh parents, and spent much of his early life in Essex. He worked in the travel industry for thirty years. In the 70s, he freelanced for BBC TV and Radio, writing for The Two Ronnies, Week Endings, and The News Huddlines. He soon became a full-time copywriter at JWT. He created Tubewalking, a set of short walking maps to help commuters and tourists in London. Moving to Cyprus in 2005, he completed his first manuscript, Mistress of the Rock. He has now completed the trilogy of books: Mistress of the Rock, Scylla – The Revenge, and Julie’s Odyssey Alpha & Omega.