Catching Up with M.A. Abraham

The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome back M.A. Abraham. M.A. is is here today to discuss her new release, Embracing the Light. She will also tell us what she has in store for us in 2014.

TRC: Hi M.A.  Thank you for taking the time to visit us again at The Reading Cafe, and to give us an update on your new releases, as well as what else you may have upcoming in 2014.

M.A.:  Thank you for having me Barb, always uplifting to be here.  I have a full year planned and it looks like it will be one filled with Elves … I am working on a few new ideas, but they will be for 2015 so not a part of this.  My release list for 2014 is as follows ‘Return of the Legend’ Book 5 of the Elven Chronicles Feb.11/14 … ‘Guardians of the Future’ Novella on the Children of the Elven Chronicles Apr. 23/14 … ‘My Darling, Janice’ Historical Romance June 20/14 … ‘Champions’ Scifi/fantasy Aug 1/14 … ‘King’s Daughter’ Book 6 of the Elven Chronicles Sept 20/14 … ‘Lúthien’s Song’ Book 7 of the Elven Chronicles Nov. 3/14 … ‘Living in the Light’ Dec. 7/14 Novella on the children of the Elven Chronicles.

I know it sounds ambitious, but most of it is written already.

TRC: You have just released a holiday novella, Embracing the Light, which is part of your Elven Chronicles series. Can you please give us a brief description of this story?

M.A.:  Embracing the Light is a novella on the Elven toddlers, yes they are getting older, and so mischievously cute.  It starts in the morning on the day of the celebration and has Gabriel and Eden taking care of the little tykes… and they are a bundle of energy, all 24 or so of them… The story runs through attacks on mom and dad in bed first thing in the morning – to tickle times – to food fights – to fun in the snow – and later in the day the celebration with a few surprises for the little ones and visits from other Elves for the others.  In all there is no other word that suits this story than it being a romp – though I do use the words pandemonium and hedge on using riot at times. 

If you have not read last year’s wonderful Christmas novella, Celebration of LIght, it is now free on Amazon & Barnes & Noble

TRC: How many books are you planning for the Elven Chronicles?

M.A.:  At this time, after ‘Lúthien’s Song’ I have 2 full novels in mind, and approximately 4 novellas.  ‘Tratchars’ Book 8 of the Elven Chronicles … ‘Eärwen’s Song’ Book 9 of the Elven Chronicles.  The novellas will probably be as follows: 2 of the novellas about the celebration while the other 2 will be about S’Larea and Larien, but things have been known to change.

TRC:  Last month, you released a standalone book, Theory in Depth.  Can you give a brief description of this book, and how did you come up with the premise of this novel?

M.A.:  I wrote the main storyline for ‘Theory in Depth’ when I was 16 after watching a documentary on artificial insemination.  (And yes I know how much of a geek that makes me sound.) I was fascinated by the concept and this is what came out of it.  I can’t tell you how much I researched to find out more about the subject and how often I came up empty.

The storyline revolved around the thought… “As man was created from the depths of the seas, it is logical to assume that someday man should be able to return.”  The question that followed was; what if evolution was given a push?  What if mankind could find or develop a formula that proved it could be done?  What if someone connected the genes from specific mammals to create a living person who was capable of living both on land and in the sea, only to find out that there were others like her?  When a scientist does that and realizes what he has done, he is faced with not only the results, but the ramifications.  He cannot tell anyone because mankind does not respond favorably to things like this, and lets face it, he has played God, and that is not a good thing. He raises her alone for 15 years, then realizes they can’t hide forever and puts her in the care of his brother and her cousin thinking she will be safe as she learns how to cope with the world around her, what follows is 3-4 years of discovery where she learns about the others as well as a world where she will never fit in.

TRC:  In this past year, you have written quite a few books. How do you come up with all these ideas, and what is your writing process (time, where,etc)?

M.A.:  I borrow a few from my past, but most I have written fresh.  They just tend to pop up, and crowd into my mind… making that part of my anatomy very uncomfortable to have on my shoulders sometimes.  I will write at any time of the day, or night as the inspiration strikes. I can be talking to a family member about where I am in the book I am currently writing on and be at an impasse, and the story keeps going as I talk, I suddenly know where I am headed and how to get there.

TRC: What are you currently working on now? Also, would you like to share with us what you may have upcoming in 2014?

M.A.:  ‘Return of the Legend’ is finished and already in book form.  I am finished ‘Guardians of the Future’ and it is in edits.  I am writing ‘King’s Daughter’, ‘Lúthien’s Song’, and by the time anyone reads this I will be finished ‘Living in the Light’. I am also working on another that I call ‘Tantalus’ but that is a whole new series destined for either 2015 or 2016.  At this time, however, I am saying please, only one year at a time, lol.  A taste of each?

‘Return of the Legend’

Elrohir threw back his head and burst out laughing.  He loved the irony of the situation.  All the great scholars of his Kingdom strutted around like a flock of peacocks at the honor the ancients had trusted them with, and the ancients were now telling them that this was not how it was at all.  This was the ancient’s way of showing them how to insert a little humbleness in their lives, that they were no better or worse than any other Elf.  He could live with that, but he wondered how many of the others from the High Kingdom would take the news.

Elrohir got himself back under control and began to read anew.

“The library is not to be moved from the fortress, this is the ancestral location of the scrolls and if you attempt to relocate them you will destroy the spells that keep them fresh and legible.  Remember this always.  We have surrounded our work in stone to keep them safe from discovery.  The beauty that you expected from the world that was reputed to surround the scrolls are not in the building that surrounds them, but the city that surrounds the fortress.  We have left the plans open for viewing so that our vision of grace and beauty can be rebuilt in years to come. 

We know the first things the Demons will destroy when we are gone will be the homes we loved.  They will not want us to dwell in beauty.  Their belief is that by destroying all that we value they can destroy our spirit.  They do not understand that there is no value in things, only in the light that guides our souls. 

I am Lothrariel, Warrior King of the Ancients.  And to my sons, and their sons, I bequeath this trust.  Keep our faith.”

‘Guardians of the Future’

Gabriel tossed Marious a sour look and replied.  “I seem to remember one Elven diplomat who was more than happy to join in with a portion of the spell the second time around.”

“Not denying it and my contribution to your class is in line with the others.”  Marious added with a cheeky grin.

“Good, you can help with the training.”  Gabriel quickly decided.

“We have lots of help.”  Larek informed Gabriel.  “Any of the parents who are not otherwise occupied have been ordered to teach.  We are to take turns so no one suffers from the newly allocated classes.”

Gabriel merely grunted as he took note of several of the parents standing watch over the children.  Something had triggered this order over the last three days and he wondered what it was.  He didn’t have to ask.  Marious knew exactly what was going through his mind.

“It started with wolf races, escalated with a Unicorn stampede and ended with them skinny dipping at the river.”

Gabriel winced as he glared at his sons.  They were standing at attention at the head of the first four rows.  They noticed and immediately turned a guilty shade of red as if they knew their father wasn’t happy about something they had done.  They also knew there would be no defense they could come up with that would save them from what he was about to put them through.  They were dead Elves.

‘My Darling, Janice’

“An eighteen year old, school room Miss?”  Jeremy scoffed with an exaggerated air of disbelief.  He had three sisters of his own and he was of the firm opinion that younger sisters were nothing more than complete nuisances.   

Martin knew all this, but remembering his favorite sister’s character, he felt compelled to disagree.  “Perhaps I should enlighten you as to what my sister is like Jeremy, for in all fairness, you should not meet her with a biased opinion of the female sex.  Not only has Janice been out of the schoolroom for over two years but she is fluent in five languages.  She is quick witted, intelligent, charming and graceful.  Last year she was the undisputed toast of Viennese society.  I am personally looking forward to her visit.”   

These gems of information caught the attention of the young master Jeremy and he leaned forward to quiz his host.   

“So why is this paragon of virtue coming to London?”   

“One,” Martin held up a perfectly manicured finger to emphasize his first point, as well as to start a count.  “To see me.  Two,” He held up another finger in continuance, “because this year, our baby sister will be introduced into society.  As Janice refused every offer for her hand last year father decided it better to send her away, rather than risk the embarrassment of having two daughters as rivals.”

‘King’s Daughter’

Aredhel didn’t have time to make a sound as a hand snaked across her mouth.  At the same time another arm wound around her mid-drift to pull her back against a solid body of muscle and steel.  Before she recovered from that surprise she found herself turned around and pressed against the rock wall of the cave.  She moved as if to object and all her objections were silenced with a kiss.

Aredhel’s initial objection died quickly.  How could any man feel as hard as steel, yet kiss with lips so soft?  A million questions cascaded through her mind.  Who was he?  What did he want from her?  Why was he kissing her?  What did he look like?  Did she know him?  Why did he hide himself in darkness?  She wanted to know these things and more.  She moved her lips from his to ask, but was quickly warned not to speak.

“Shh, Aredhel.  If you say anything we are dead Elves.”  Liessen warned.  His voice was no more than a breath in her ear, letting her know how desperately serious the threat around them was.

‘Lúthien’s Song’

The darkness moved closer and Lúthien stifled a fear-filled whimper.  She could see the Elves who were carrying the danger closer and she felt a need to reach out to the one who was infected with the malady.  Even from where she stood she could tell he was in serious shape and her heart filled with sorrow.

“Haylo,” Lúthien didn’t realize she spoke aloud until Haylo stood by her side and clasped her hand.

“I am here, Lúthien,” Haylo assured the frightened healer.  “We can do this together.”

“His body needs as much healing as his mind.  He will need both of us in the beginning.”  Lúthien spoke as her eyes followed the progression of the group of Elves carrying the liter.

As the bearers of the body grew closer Lúthien began to hum very lightly and a quiet light seemed to shine from her.  She would have to be careful.  She could see the bandages that covered her patient’s eyes.  He had been kept from the healing rays of the sun for a long time.  It would take a miracle to bring him back.  She was determined not to fail.

‘Living in the Light’

“I almost feel guilty about messing that up.”  Branith admitted in an uncharacteristic statement.

“Well I certainly don’t.”  Eden answered with a chuckle as she shouted a challenge to everyone in hearing distance.  “Last Elf to the top is a rotten egg.”

As quickly as she spoke the words Eden sprinted off towards the top of the hill with most of the rest of their group in hot pursuit.  About half way to her destination she did a quick check over her shoulder to see how everyone was doing and noted Gabriel and Marious standing at the bottom, where they had started off.  Lifting her face to the sky as she continued to lead the pack Eden yelled so they could hear.

“That includes both you and Marious, Gabriel.  Remember, rotten eggs sleep where no one can smell them.”

Marious and Gabriel could not only hear Eden’s taunt, but Tamarak’s laughter.  They exchanged a grin and sprung into action.  They wouldn’t be left in the cold and Gabriel knew that if he didn’t move fast enough Eden wouldn’t only hold to her threat, but the Sentinel would reinforce her declaration.

TRC: Snoop, your cat is almost as famous as you?  Does Snoop help you when you are writing.  🙂

M.A.:  Snoop likes to curl up beside me when he gets the chance and purr, especially if I decide to sit up in bed to write.  Better yet, he likes to drape himself across my shoulders or on my shoulder as I try to write.  Barring the preferable places he will satisfy himself with my lap, or beside me, as long as I have a blanket where he can be covered to keep warm.  As for being as famous as I am, that is a fallacy… he is MORE famous… and he would be the first to tell you so.  He is THE pussycat and the star of my blog. Lol.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

M.A. It is always a pleasure to be on your site, enjoy the feeling of camaraderie and welcome.  I would also love to wish everyone the best of the season, and Elven blessings in 2014, may it be filled with health, happiness and wonder.  May the light guide your spirit and fill your soul with love.

TRC:  Thank you, M.A. for giving us an update on what we can look forward to in 2014, and we wish you the best with both Theory in Depth & Embracing the Light.


M.A. has graciously offered to give one lucky member of The Reading Café a signed arc of her upcoming novel, Return of the Legend.

1.  Please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open U.S. or Canada Only

4.  Contests runs from December 14 to December 17, 2013