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We had the pleasure of chatting with Bea Donaldson, author of Pabulum and the upcoming sequels in The Cerridwen Series. Bea shares insights into her creative process, what readers can expect from the series, and her inspiration behind the journey of Pabulum.
Q: What inspired you to turn Pabulum into a series?
Bea: I was inspired to write more about the world of Pabulum when I began to finish the book and realized that I still had more to tell about it. There were so many details I wanted to add to Pabulum, but it felt like it would take away from the storytelling aspect if I did. I'm autistic, and am partial to simple, direct details vs lengthy descriptions. I felt that if I added more to the book, then it would convolute the words. And I was particular about those. I felt, within myself, this story pulling out that just needed to be shared.
Q: What characters will show up in the next books?
Bea: Most of the characters from Pabulum will show up in Pariah (Book two), a few new characters, and definitely some gripping situations.
Q: How did you decide on the series name?
Bea: It was really tough to decide a name! I thought I had one once, and apparently I didn't write it down? Which is a terrible habit of mine. I get my best ideas when I'm gardening or showering haha unable to write it down! So I laid all of my notes out in front of me on the floor and sifted through them. I flipped through the second proof. Then it just popped out and it was like, duh! So obvious! I called a key in the Pabulum "the Cerridwen key" and Cerridwen, or sometimes spelled Ceridwen, was a Celtic Goddess and Keeper of the cauldron of knowledge, inspiration and rebirth. She rules the realms of death, fertility, regeneration, inspiration, magic, enchantment, and knowledge. Cerridwen is a shape-shifting Goddess, able to take on various forms. She is also associated with herbology and astrology. The name Cerridwen is pronounced with a hard C in Welsh (Key-ruh-dwen). I have heard both pronunciations used. When I first heard it in my mind, it was a soft C and for that purpose I will continue to use the soft C in pronunciation. Cerridwen represents the need for change. It's a beautiful story and I thought it fit perfectly with this series.
Q: How do you plan to maintain continuity and cohesion across the series?
Bea: A lot of the same characters will remain throughout the series. They will change and become different versions of themselves, but like the day has different stages, it remains the same day. So will these characters transform from what we started with to what they become.
Q: Can you share any details about new themes or subplots introduced in the series?
Bea: Most of the themes will remain the same: transformation. But there are many subplots, and they grow deeper as everyone ages and experiences more. I want to bring more themes of energy work and magic into the story and share further insight to the invisible realms and how they interact and the effect it has on each character; how it shapes their desired outcomes. I have found that diving into the dark parts of our psyche really help us find the answers we're looking for. So the themes will be more along the lines of having sympathy for the darkness.
Q: Did your writing process change when working on the series compared to the first book?
Bea: Oh gosh yes. I first thought that Pabulum would be a singular book. As I began to finish it, I realized that there was so much more to the story than I had first imagined. My thought process became more serious and I realized that it wasn't just a fun story I wanted to share, but something deeper that might be relatable to real life. I realized that the story wasn't just about characters developing, but also I was as a writer and a human who is still processing traumatic events in my life.
Q: How do you keep track of the intricate details across multiple books?
Bea: I have to go back and read over everything many times and write myself notes so that I remember all of the details. It may seem chaotic from an outside position, but there is order to it for me.
Q: How have your readers responded to the news of the series?
Bea: There has been excitement! Which makes me nervous, "will I deliver?" but also VERY excited to share this story!
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from the series as a whole?
Bea: I hope that readers will take more time to notice the small, intricate details in life and not dismiss them. They will notice when they are seeing a certain type of flower or butterfly and not just think "Oh that's lovely" but wonder if it has deeper meaning. I want readers to understand that they may not feel very powerful, but they can still do powerful things. The point is to do something, anything, to create momentum.
Q: How many books do you plan for the series, and is there a definite ending in mind?
Bea: I have three books in mind for now, and I am hoping that is it. There is ALWAYS more I want to add, but I am not an overly detailed person and so I really do enjoy others interpretations. I like leaving room for questions and pondering. There is an ending in mind, but the details are still a bit blurry. I know they will sort themselves out as I write it down. I definitely didn't go into the first book with a solid ending in mind, but then it all just unfolded as if something larger than me was pushing through.
Q: What are you most excited about in the upcoming books?
Bea: I am most excited for Zylphia's transformation. It's going to be big and when I thought of it, I excited myself. It popped into my head so suddenly, I was in the middle of a conversation with one of my best friends Erin, and I ran inside her house and grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled it all down. When I finished, I cried a little. I was so happy with the outcome. And I hope it makes my readers cry a little too, happy tears! But I also hope that it inspires them and ignites that flame deep inside.
Bea Donaldson has crafted a world rich with transformation, magic, and deep emotional layers in Pabulum and The Cerridwen Series. Through her candid reflections, it’s clear that this series is not only a journey for her characters but a reflection of her own personal growth as a writer. With exciting subplots, evolving characters, and themes that resonate on a profound level, readers can expect to be drawn into a story that touches both the heart and the mind.
Be sure to preorder Bea Donaldson's Pabulum, available September 30th! Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the beginning of The Cerridwen Series. And stay tuned for updates on the second book, Pariah, which promises even more gripping situations and transformations!
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