Gothic Divine Magazine: February 2014

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05 February 2014

Interview to..Rebekah Armusik, author of "The Gothic Memoirs Series"

Rebekah Armusik a talented female writer from USA, author of "The Gothic Memoirs Series", a 13 book opera full of dark romance fused with epicism which gets better and more engaging book after book. At the moment only the first 5 books of the series are complete and available to buy on Amazon and Barnes&Nobles. Rebekah is now working on the 6th and 7th book that should be ready by Fall this year.

Read below this short interview I made to Rebekah to find something more about her and her artwork!

When did you discover your talent for writing?

I began writing short stories around 9 years old and soon after began writing poetry.

Why did you choose gothic as genre for your books?

Since I was a child, I’ve been enthralled with the darker and more mysterious aspects of life. Gothic literature by nature is deeply romantic, dark and utterly emotional – all the things that stir me. I honestly don’t think I could ever write in another genre – nothing else appeals to me

Sadly, I think most people have preconceived views concerning gothic literature and tend to shy away but once they are introduced to my work, they become enchanted with the romantic and epic nature of the tale – it’s never what they anticipated.

What is "The Gothic Memoirs Series" about? What inspired you to write it?

My tale begins before time was recorded, during the first celestial war when God threw Lucifer into hell and separated his army. Some remained neutral and God felt that He could not trust these angels to remain in heaven and serve Him well, so He banished them to Earth as punishment. The fallen had to adapt and because they were not born, but created, their bodies adjusted and mutated – hence the need for blood.

Without ruing the story, I also have incorporated the legends of Lilith, the first wife of Adam. Throughout history, Lilith has been demonized; she has been called the first vampire, a succubus, and sadly, the cause of stillborn deaths. But, I never liked or bought that idea. She simply didn’t dig Adam and in my opinion, that’s not a sufficient reason to make her the origin all things rancid and foul. So, taking some artistic license, I made her an ethereal goddess who catches the eye of Samuel- the Arch Angel of the elements and master of the wind. They fall in love and have 7 daughters with angelic blood and gifts. Thus, the Guardian race is born and is, eventually, critical in helping the fallen adapt to their life on Earth.

However, the story is told in present day through the voice of Nadija, a young woman from the line of Lilith. She is not aware of her linage because her grandmother has kept it a secret for own selfish reasons. Though it’s rooted in the past, it’s relatable because it’s told in a present and modern voice. I want to engage the audience, not distance them, and I achieve this by welcoming them to be part of the story, to be present on the journey. Consequently, the reader learns most of the dramatic back stories from the characters that assist Nadija on her adventure to becoming the active Guardian Queen.

My inspiration has always been my grandmother and her love of telling dark tales and Slavic folklore. My mother’s family is from Bratislava and I was immersed in the traditions and culture since I was a child. Plus, I spent way too many years in Catholic school – eventually, it begins to blend into every aspect of your life. In my teens I became interested in Jewish mysticism and witchcraft and these subjects really had a huge impact on my work.

Does any of the character resemble you and/or your personality and which of the characters you have created is your favourite?

My favorite character will always be Nadija – I know her the best, we are inseparable. But I love writing each character for different reasons. Most are based off of real people so when writing them, I imagine their mannerisms, what they would say, or how they would say it. Writing Alexei is easy because I live with him – he is based on my husband. My husband is very nurturing and protective and has a very quick and dry sense of humor. So most of the conversations between Alexei and Nadija are actual conversations we’ve had.

I remember you told me your husband is the artist behind the artworks on the book covers. Where does he get inspiration for his works?

I am very fortunate to be married to a well-known traditional painter. My husband’s work is terribly romantic and captivating so his style is a perfect fit for my novels. I often marvel at how well he paints emotion - a slice of time that would otherwise, be forgotten. Essentially, he does with paint what I do with words so the artistic marriage of our art forms is very natural. I usually give him an idea of what I want and he’ll make a quick sketch and then after some conversation he’ll begin to paint it for me. As he works, I stop in the studio and give him feedback. I could never have my hard work covered by something that did not represent it properly – I am far too attached to my world and its representation.

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If you are interested in Rebekah Armmusik's work check the first five books at the links below: