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samantha de la porté
get to know the author
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Samantha lives just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband and furbabies. When she's not writing or helping clients improve their digital marketing efforts, she enjoys travelling, painting, attending concerts, and discovering new eats. She also loves to connect with readers, writers, and other artists and creatives. You can find her on social media or reach out to her directly via email. With so many things on the go, be sure to subscribe for the latest news on The Ashes of Eyrondale series or sign up to get monthly content designed to help aspiring authors and self-publishers.
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where it started
Samantha de la Porté's journey as a wordsmith began in her formative years, where a budding fascination with the English language hinted at the literary odyssey to come. However, it wasn't until a significant moment - winning a national poetry contest in 2008 - that Samantha truly grasped the transformative power of storytelling. Inspired by the complexities of human emotion and experience, Samantha delved into the realm of poetry, weaving verses that resonated with themes of love, longing, and introspection. Despite the recognition that followed, including winning more poetry competitions and being personally requested to craft and deliver a poem for a government Women’s Day event, she remains grounded, recognising writing as both a personal passion and a means of connection with others.
how it evolved
Taking a break from narrative essay writing and poetry in late 2010, with a brief return to the craft in 2014, it was not until 2021 that Samantha returned to the pen, where she saw inspiration in all aspects of her life and her complex and dynamic relationships. Having studied aspects of law, education, and marketing in the interim, personal tragedies and the need for emotional release saw Samantha create over 500 poems in a single year, igniting a fire in the heart of this creative where daydreams of fantasy worlds saw the birth of what would later become the foundations of The Ashes of Eyrondale series.
how it's going
In moments of introspection and reflection, Samantha found solace in the limitless realms of fantasy. It was here, amidst the whispers of magic and the promise of adventure, that the seeds of her magnum opus, The Ashes of Eyrondale, were sown. What began as a personal escape soon blossomed into an idea for a pentalogy that stands testament to the enduring power of imagination and the transformative nature of storytelling. Guided by a profound sense of gratitude and humility, Samantha embarked on a journey to share her tale with the world, trusting in the transcendent magic of storytelling to captivate hearts and minds alike.
meet the author
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What do you hope readers take away from your work?I wish that whether five people or five hundred discover and engage with my words, each one will find something within The Ashes of Eyrondale to cherish. My hope is that readers will immerse themselves in the world I've crafted, finding a sanctuary for their imagination to roam freely and envision themselves within its depths.
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How can readers stay up to date with you?If you're an aspiring author or self-publisher, I offer a blog filled with invaluable tips and tricks for navigating this field. You can subscribe here for monthly emails covering everything from the latest blog posts to downloadable guides and e-books. If you're eager to stay informed about my progress on The Ashes of Eyrondale series, including upcoming announcements, cover reveals, concept art, release date notifications, and details on how to apply as a beta reader or receive an advanced reader copy, sign up for a separate mailing list. You'll only hear from me when there's exciting news to share about the series – sign up here.
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Where do you draw your inspiration from?Though I could likely list a hundred different moments throughout a day that spark a bit of inspiration, I would have to say that music and a passion for magic and folklore are what help shape the worlds and characters that reside within my mind. The notion that each individual experiences things uniquely is truly what's inspiring.
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What are you working on besides The Ashes of Eyrondale?The Ashes of Eyrondale series is keeping me too occupied to consider anything else at the moment. Nonetheless, it keeps things stimulating. I alternate between writing, editing, drawing, designing assets, working on the website, and world-building, among other tasks. Currently, I find joy in handling everything independently. While I acknowledge that seeking assistance would streamline the process, this project is my passion, and I find immense satisfaction in being so hands-on, and witnessing my vision gradually come to fruition.
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Why did you decide to self-publish?Honestly, I never envisaged sharing my work with anyone, let alone deciding to publish it for the masses. However, as what began as a personal project evolved into an idea for a pentalogy, I came to the realisation that there was no use in being afraid to put it out there. Whether people appreciate it or not, if even just one person feels the magic of The Ashes of Eyrondale as I do, then it would all be worth it. Sometimes, you simply need to have faith in yourself and disregard others' opinions.
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Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?It's daunting. It's downright terrifying. But regardless of whether you intend for your work to be read solely by yourself or if you're apprehensive about self-publishing or pursuing traditional avenues, whatever your reasons for writing, whatever your goals, whether it's for personal pleasure or widespread recognition, just take the plunge. Because one day, you might regret not unleashing that inner spark and wish you could turn back time to reassure yourself not to let fear hold you back.
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How do you spend your time when you’re not writing?I'm a digital marketing specialist who collaborates with clients globally, concurrently working towards my Honours in Education. Juggling work and studies keeps me busy, and with the ongoing tasks related to The Ashes of Eyrondale series, my remaining time is spent with family and friends, exploring new destinations, and savouring delicious cuisine.
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How many books are planned for the series?Originally, The Ashes of Eyrondale was conceived as a brief novel, but it quickly evolved into a comprehensive narrative. As I delved deeper, it became evident that a single book would not suffice to do justice to the story. To fully flesh out the characters and provide them with a richly developed world, it became apparent that the series would span five volumes in total. This decision was essential to ensure that readers could fully immerse themselves in the intricacies of the tale and its vibrant setting.
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Can each book be read as a standalone, or is it necessary to read them in order?The Ashes of Eyrondale series is unequivocally intended to be read in sequence, as each book seamlessly connects to the next, with subtle clues foreshadowing future revelations from the outset. As the series progresses, the tone gradually deepens, becoming more intense with each instalment. Without revealing too much, I can affirm that Book 1 is crafted to introduce readers to the Kingdom of Eyrondale and the realms of power, leaving them yearning for more before Book 2 immerses them fully into the narrative.
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What is The Ashes of Eyrondale series about?In The Ashes of Eyrondale, the delicate balance of power in a world governed by Cosmic, Destiny, and Magical spheres is on the brink of change. Katherine, the lost daughter of Time, embarks on a transformative journey, holding the key to a prophecy that could reshape reality itself. As mortals and beings of power collide, ancient forces converge, unveiling hidden truths and dark betrayals. Readers are transported into a mesmerising tale of magic, destiny, and power struggles, set against the backdrop of the Kingdom of Eyrondale, where the fate of existence hangs in the balance.
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Why read The Ashes of Eyrondale?I believe the characters in The Ashes of Eyrondale are inherently relatable, allowing readers to effortlessly immerse themselves in the narrative and develop a deep connection with them from the very beginning. Whether you find yourself cheering for them, sympathising with their struggles, or despising their actions, the journey is bound to evoke a range of emotions. Of course, as the creator, I may be biased, so I encourage you to experience the series firsthand once it's available. I eagerly anticipate hearing your thoughts and feedback on the characters and their journeys.
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When can readers expect the first instalment in The Ashes of Eyrondale series?Ah, the anticipation! While I'm hesitant to divulge too much, I'm aiming for a 2025 release for the first instalment. Ensure you sign up for updates to stay informed of any developments and be among the first to embark on this thrilling journey into The Ashes of Eyrondale.
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What inspired you to write The Ashes of Eyrondale?I've always possessed a vivid imagination, using it both as an escape and a means to navigate through challenging times. The genesis of The Ashes of Eyrondale is a culmination of myriad influences, too numerous to recount. Nonetheless, I'm grateful that every path has converged to bring me to this moment. I eagerly anticipate the unfolding journey and am excited to discover where these characters will lead me next.
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Do you have any plans for spin-offs or related stories set in the same universe?Had you asked me in early 2024, my answer would have been a definitive no. However, following the invaluable feedback from beta readers for Book 1, a plethora of ideas now swirl in my mind, hinting at the potential for additional series. Stay informed by signing up for The Ashes of Eyrondale newsletter, where I'll keep you abreast of any developments.