In Mythrill Author Spotlight we are introducing you to our exclusive story writer Caitlyn Cline — the author of The Veil; it is new on Mythrill app and has already gathered a loyal readership.
Tell us about your writing? What is your process?
My writing usually starts with the characters, then my world is built around them. I also have a lot of inspiration from dreams, and I'm pretty sure that along with Celtic mythology is where "The Veil" came from. I don't remember precisely because I first got the idea about six years ago. I plan some things about the story, but I'm often surprised at where the characters lead me into the world. It's largely a discovery process for me, which I think is why I find writing so enjoyable.
Who would you say are your influences in writing?
I read many of the classic fantasy stories when I was younger by authors such as Tolkein, Ursula Le Guin, and C. S. Lewis. As I've grown older, I've really enjoyed V.E. Schwab, Andrea Stewart, and Patrick Rothfuss. I've also gotten into historical fiction lately, and Signe Pike is one of my favorite authors. There are so many more amazing writers that inspire me and influence me, but I think that would require a whole essay!
"The Veil" is inspired a lot by Celtic mythology. The most obvious point from that is that there are two worlds. Earth and Althea, The Otherworld. Rhiannon comes from Welsh mythology, and I first read about her in the Mabinogion. Her characterization in that medieval story collection leaves a lot open for the imagination. Arawn is also straight from Welsh mythology, although I don't want to give too much away about him. "The Veil" is not sticking strictly to Celtic mythology though, and the overall plot doesn't come from it. I'm also open to exploring other mythos within this world. For example, Ejnar, who's one of my favorite side characters, comes from Norse mythology. I do not strictly stick to the original mythos of how a Valravn would be created though. There are a few different accounts on how a Valravn would come to be, however for the purposes of my story, they just are.
Did you have previous experience with Serialized Fiction before you partnered up with Mythrill or did you have to adapt to the format?
This will be my first piece of Serialized Fiction, and it's my first long story published. Overall, I'm enjoying writing in the serialized format.
What has been the experience like seeing your characters come alive in Lore Cards?
It has been such an awesome experience to see all my characters come to life! I still don't actually know who my artist is, but they have done an amazing job! I am so excited to see more images of characters, monsters, and places in "The Veil."
You got 2 sentences to hook a reader into your story. Go!
The Veil Within Worlds is thinning. If it dissolves completely, then both worlds will be destroyed to make way for a new one.
Finally, tell us why you partnered up with Mythrill? What made you go for it?
While I've always written poetry and short stories for as long as I can remember, I decided to seriously try to become a writer when I was 20. That was actually the same year that I first had the idea for "The Veil." When I saw that Mythrill was looking specifically for fantasy authors, I decided that this might be the place for "The Veil." I was especially hooked, once I saw that there would be lore cards to bring my characters to life.
You can read The Veil exclusively on Mythrill by downloading the app.