An Interview with Myrddin Young
Despite the connection between his first name and that of Merlin, Myrddin has had to reluctantly accept that he is neither a wizard nor a magician. He does, however, harbour a deep love of fantastical tales, and if imbued with a twist of sinister, macabre darkness then so much the better.
Myrddin Young lives in Hampshire, UK, with his wife, teenage son, a rather demented dog, and an overactive imagination. When not writing, he tries to manage a tempestuous relationship with guitar playing which stretches back over many years.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
I don’t think I actually started out with the intention of writing this particular story. The initial idea that bounced around my head involved a scene with my protagonist, a grizzled assassin called Blayne, being questioned at the point of a knife by the formidable Lady Oryanne. Once I had these names and this setting in my head, I was off. There is a subtle hint of ‘something’ between the two of them in years gone by. However, I should add that this book does not really qualify as a romantasy. Hints of attachment, but that’s not the main vibe of it.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
So, this is the gruesome bit. Turn away now if of a delicate disposition! The Vellum Morta is a piece of parchment that is made from skin flayed from the body of a god. Please don’t ask where that thought came from, I really have no idea. My wife is quite horrified at what is lurking within the recesses of my mind. I suppose we all love a really good baddie, and having this concept enabled me to have heaps of fun writing some deliciously unpleasant characters.
Describe your dream book cover.
Good question, and a tricky one!
I’m not, personally, overly keen on covers with people and faces as I prefer the reader to form that opinion and image themselves. I totally get that faces are great on lots of books, it’s just not my preference. So, within that framework, something that encapsulates what the book is about, something that makes you ask a few questions as soon as you see it.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
I read a lot of history books as I find them great for inspiration when trying to construct a fantasy world. No matter what you’re trying to dream up, there’s normally some example from history that you can draw upon.
I think it’s good (essential, really) to read outside of the genre you write in. I have come to writing slightly later in life, so have had the advantage of being able to read across comedy, thrillers, historical fiction, classic literature, mythology. and so on. I like reading!
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
For many years I worked as a guitarist, guitar teacher, and guitar examiner. It was the music and playing which, somewhat bizarrely, drew me to writing about two or three years ago.
I was a reasonably accomplished guitarist—a bit rusty now, but still playing. However, the one thing I could never do was compose music. I would have a go, of course. I tried many, many times over the years. But I could never write anything that I was confident and proud enough of to want to openly share.
When I did start writing words, it was an incredible experience. I was transported into this wonderful world where I could just lose myself. And I could transform a blank piece of paper into something I was proud of. Not a feat I ever managed whilst trying to compose.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
Another good question.
No one thing really. I’ve probably answered this to some extent in my previous response. I think the love of telling stories, and finding I was quite good at it, started with bedtime stories for my son which I would just make up. These would turn into epics that would stretch night after night.
He is now way too old for stories, so I guess I had to take that somewhere else!
Where is your favorite place to write?
Have laptop, will travel. Anywhere and everywhere. The stories are in you!
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
I should have started this years ago! Although, maybe I wasn’t ready then.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
That, for just a short time, they will have lost themselves within the dark and sinister twists and turns of the city of Cap Freyn.
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