Interview with Historical Fantasy Novelist Shauna Lawless

 

1. What inspired you to write this book? The Gael Song series (both era 1 and era 2) is an Irish historical fantasy series. I’ve always loved Irish mythology and Irish history, and indeed I can see how both have influenced many great fantasy epics over the years. When I sat down to write this series, I really wanted to make Ireland itself a character, rather than just an inspiration. I also knew quite a lot about this era of history and was fascinated by the Irish queen called Gormflaith. By making her a main character, I was able to set my series in this period of history and give a historically accurate POV character. Son of the Serpent is the 5^th Gael Song novel. However, I have split up my series into two eras. The first era contains The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, The Words of Kings and Prophets, and The Land of the Living and the Dead. The second era contains Daughter of the Otherworld and Son of the Serpent. The third and final book will be out next year, and it will be called Queen of the Ashes.  

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for? The first Gael Song trilogy is a historical fantasy series set in 10^th century Ireland. It was set during the Second Viking Age and around the Battle of Clontarf. Aside from the historical aspects of that time period, I featured characters who are descended from the magical tribes of Irish mythology – the Fomorians and the Tuatha Dé Danann. As in Irish mythology, the Fomorians wish to rule Ireland and will do anything to make this possible. Meanwhile, the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann numbers are dwindling, and their magical powers are beginning to fade. As the Descendants retreat from the mortal world, the Fomorians plot to use the various Irish clans to their own advantage. Will the Descendants realise in time that their old foes are seeking to reclaim such power? The second Gael Song series is set 150 years after the first, and it revolves around the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12^th century. In the first novel, Daughter of the Otherworld, we meet a host of new characters, as well as a few we’ve met before, as the mythological characters are semi-immortal. All are trying to survive amidst the turbulent historical events that unfold, but once again the Fomorians see a chance to claim power for themselves. In this series, our main character is Isolde, a Descendant who has been born giftless. She has grown up in peace with her cousin Broccan. However, she cannot live like this for long. The Fomorians are keen for revenge, and the Anglo-Norman invasion pushes Ireland into chaos. Who have I written this story for? Anyone who likes historical fiction, fantasy, or someone who would like to know more about Irish mythology.  

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? Firstly, I hope they enjoy the story and characters. If they end up (as many of my readers do) fascinated by Irish history, it’s always fun to know that I’ve inspired people to read up on it or even buy some of the non-fiction books that I’ve recommended.  

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? I love coming up with book titles, and I usually come up with them when I’m walking. It’s not an exact science, and publishers sometimes shoot down my ideas, but overall I’m delighted that I (mostly) got my own way! The book covers are designed by artists hired by my publisher. I usually give them ideas and themes from the book, and so far, I’ve been delighted with the results. A big shout-out to Micaela Alcaino and Susan Burghart for their wonderful artwork.  

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? It’s always just to keep writing and to keep having fun with it.    

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?  Obviously romantasy continues to be huge in the SFF genre. I think that will continue, but I also think epic fantasy is about to have another moment. There are so many amazing authors out there, and I’m delighted to see so much variety in terms of stories and genres. Variety is the spice of life as they say, and long may that continue.  

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?  Oh gosh, that’s a big question. I suppose life experiences cannot help but be in my novels. Motherhood is certainly a big theme. How the patriarchy affects both men and women. Unfairness, greed, the destructive nature of war. It’s all in there!    

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? Writing style… hmm… that’s hard for me to say for myself! Writers I greatly admire are Hilary Mantel, Mark Lawrence, John Gwynne and Phillipa Gregory. Is my writing similar to theirs? Again, that’s hard for me to judge!   

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? Probably just trying to balance family life with writing!! This book did require me to work over weekends so that I could submit it in time. My family are wonderful and very understanding when this happens, and it was only for a couple of months… but yes, that mum-guilt can sometimes be overpowering.    

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? If you have a desire to be immersed in a fantasy world that is set in Ireland, I think the Gael Song series is an excellent place to start!

 

About the Author:  Shauna Lawless is an avid reader of Irish mythology, folklore and history, which inspired Gael Song, her historical fantasy series set in turbulent mediaeval Ireland. Her critically acclaimed novel, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, was nominated for Best Debut at the British Fantasy Awards. She lives in Northern Ireland with her family, where you can often find her writing or curled up with a good book. Follow Shauna via her newsletter or shauna lawless.com Instagram: shauna_lawless_author

 

 

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About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 10, 850,000 page views. With over 5,700+ posts over the past 15 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2026, 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2026.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum