Interview Roberta Olsen Major

by

Andrew Warrilow

1) So, if a reader isn't familiar with your series, what's it all about?

The Royal Pains series is full of interwoven story lines from many of the classic fairy tales from around the world. They are full of puns, with a healthy dollop of attitude on the side. They are quick reads. They are overrun with magical "short ones", princes both handsome and ordinary, and princesses, many of whom would rather be sword fighting than gearing themselves up for fancy dress balls.

2) What is the future for the series: movies, a television show, more books?

There will definitely be more books. And my daughter has promised to produce a film series of all of them when she grows up.

3) When do you get time to write?

Summer break is my best time to write, but I go in fits and starts all year long.

4) Who's the first person to whom you show what you've written?

The aforementioned daughter. She has a very practical take on everything. She helps me see the holes and contradictions. I read each manuscript aloud to her and, if she doesn't fall asleep, I figure it must be okay.

5) Do you have a muse or muses?

No, but I am often a-mused.

6) If you wanted me to ask you a question that I didn't ask, what question would that be?

Where can I buy a thousand copies of each of your books, and to whom should I mail the check?

7) Do you have many fans; what are they like?

I don't know what you mean by "many". How much is "many"? I have at least five people I know personally who will buy whatever I write, even if it is a grocery list. (Okay, maybe not a grocery list.)

The majority of my fans (I prefer "readers") are female, who range in age from ten to seventy-five years of age. They like to laugh. They like a happy ending. They like a little romance, but without any heaving bosoms or swelling manhoods.

8) What's you're favourite book (not including your own)?

That changes on a regular basis. I just finished A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS, by Khaled Hosseini, which was riveting. A few months ago, I read every Elizabeth Gaskell book I could lay my hands on, especially enjoying WIVES AND DAUGHTERS. I love Robin McKinley's vampire tale, SUNSHINE. I reread JANE EYRE on a regular basis, and adore Jane Austen, especially PERSUASION. I am an unabashed Harry Potter fan. I thoroughly enjoyed Shannon Hale's THE GOOSE GIRL. I love the mysteries of Anne Perry and Elizabeth George. I am, quite frankly, all over the map.

9) How did you come up with the idea of the series?

I started what became THE PRINCE IN THE FLOWER BED in college. One thing led to another. And another. And another...

10) I think it's Book Six, so how does it fit into the series? Can you read it alone without reading the others?

Each of the Royal Pains books can be read on its own, but there are little references in each of them that tie all the tales together. I encourage everyone to buy all of them and recommend them to their friends (or buy multiple sets for Christmas and birthday gifts). THE KNAVE OF DIAMONDS (Book Six) is one of my favorites in the series. It was great fun to write.

11) Is the main character, or are other characters, based on someone in real life?

The hero, Prince Jacot, is based on someone in real life who is very dear to me, and who has changed my perspective in a thousand wonderful ways. It is, in fact, dedicated to him.

12) To what age group is it targeted?

About age ten to ninety-two. (Anyone older than ninety-two might find the print too small.)

13) Is there a message of the series?

There are universal quests, battles between good and evil. We each have a destiny to fulfill, whether large or small. And no one is completely beyond redemption.

14) How long did it take you to write this?

The first few chapters were difficult. I had to rewrite from several points of view before I finally found the right one. After that, it went very quickly--until a critical pre-reader pointed out that I needed to add three or four thousand words. I have no idea how much time that adds up to. I tend to work on several projects at once, so I don't really ever stop and think about how much time I have allotted to each one.

15) Was it easier/more difficult to write than the others in the series? Why?

Not easier, not more difficult--just different. They are, all of them, fun to write, but fun in different ways.