Beyond the Veil (27 page)

Visit the
Beyond The Veil website
for exclusive access to character bio
’
s, artwork, and
Muse’s personal blog:

www.pippadacosta.wix.com/beyond-the-veil

Beyond The Veil has a Facebook page where you can comment on the book and chat with likeminded readers:

www.facebook.com/theveilseries

If you liked Beyond The Veil, why not
review the book on Amazon and Goodreads.
Let other readers know what you thought and who
’
s side you
’
re on; Stefan
’
s or Akil's?

This is the first novel in The Veil Series. Did you find the story came to you easily?

BTV (Beyond The Veil) was one of those rare books that writes itself, by that I mean the plot carried me along at a blistering pace. I
’
ve slogged through many a book, practically dragging the story out by the scruff of the neck. Compared to those, BTV was a pleasure. I wrote the first draft within six weeks. Even during the editing process (editing is something I usually dread) BTV was gentle with me. I think it comes down to a concise plot and clearly motivated characters. If you can get that right, the rest flows naturally.

Did the idea of Muse’s world come to you already developed, or did you have one particular starting point from which it grew?

The opening chapter of BTV came first. I had the scene in my head and was meant to be working on another novel at the time, but this damn image wouldn
’
t let me go. It was so ripe with conflict on so many levels that I wrote a quick outline, thinking that would be enough to placate my imagination, but the idea had its claws in me now. I had no choice but to sit down and write the scene, or risk going insane trying to hold it back. Many authors will tell you that the first chapter in a book often gets rewritten by the time the ending comes around. BTV
’
s opening chapter is much the same as it was in the first draft. Once I had a few thousand words down I attempted a rough outline for the story and the rest, as they say, is history. The world that Muse inhabits, the framework, relationships, and characters, all grew from that one scene.

What was the most challenging aspect of Beyond The Veil? Were there any surprises?

Stefan was a difficult character to pin down. In fact, his motivations were always a little sketchy and still are. To fit the genre I tried to push him in the direction of would-be hero, but he wasn't having it. After much internal wrangling, I let him have his way - hence the reveal at the end when Muse learns of Stefan
’
s outright betrayal from the first chapter. He
’
s consistently lied to her throughout the book; some might say he
’
s worse than Akil in that respect. What do you think?

What is it about urban fantasy that keeps you writing more?

I was writing urban fantasy before the genre existed. Back in my teens, some twenty years ago, I buried myself in fantasy within a contemporary setting. I
’
ve been influenced by the likes of the Highlander TV series, The Last Unicorn, Dark Angel and Buffy. At one point, I devoured every urban fantasy novel I could get my hands on, including the early Laurell K Hamilton books, Patricia Briggs, and Charlaine Harris. There
’
s something about paranormal occurrences happening in the same place and time we all live in, that really appeals, especially when you put all the ingredients in an urban setting.

Where do you write and do you have a routine?

Anywhere, and no. Well, let me explain. I have two children, aged 4 and under, so I snatch time pretty much whenever they allow it. Mostly, I write when the little devils are in bed, and I
’
m guaranteed a few hours in the
‘
zone
’
. I use a laptop for the first draft. I pop earphones in, and I
’
m gone. Editing is a little easier to work around the kids as it requires a more analytical approach, which I can dip in and out of throughout the day.

Do you plot every aspect of your novels?

I start with an idea. It could be anything; an image, a character, a conversation, and then I drum out a few thousand words to see where the story takes me. Once that process is complete, I attempt to create an outline, but whether I stick to it or not depends on how the story plays out. Occasionally the plot can take an unexpected turn, in which case I stop and rework my outline to see if everything still conforms to the initial idea. For me, writing is an organic process; the first draft, a creative roller coaster. Each book is different. For example, for the second book on The Veil Series, draft-titled Devil May Care, I had a clear outline. It
’
s obvious from the end of the first book, where the characters will be going (physically and mentally) so an outline was required to pin these vital plot points down.

Some readers have likened your style to Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files; would you agree?

I was late to the Dresden Files and am still playing catch-up with the series. In fact, it was only when a number of readers mentioned the Dresden series that I took an interest in the books. I do write in a similarly conversational first person narrative, but beyond that, the worlds and stories have very different arcs. Although, I would like to witness a conversation between Muse and Harry.

What are you planning next for The Veil Series?

Devil May Care, the second book in The Veil Series, is currently going through many rounds of editing. We get to further explore Muse
’
s complicated relationship with Akil, resulting in a much darker book than BTV. We also visit the netherworld, where Muse was raised. It
’
s not somewhere you
’
ll be holidaying any time soon. And of course, we can
’
t have a Veil book without
‘
Mr Cool
’
making an appearance.

I
’
m also busy writing the third book in the series.

I
’
d like to explore both Stefan and Akil
’
s lives before events in BTV, plus there may be some Institute short-stories in the works. I
’
m limited only by my imagination, which shows no sign of letting me rest any time soon!

Which character is your favorite? Stefan or Akil?

That
’
s a cruel question. How can I choose between them? That
’
s like asking a parent to pick their favorite child. But
…
those who know me, know I have a soft spot for Stefan, but Akil is temptation personified. He
’
s the bad kid at school, the guy the girls
’
lust after, and the one the parents don
’
t want their daughters to bring home.

***

Visit
www.pippadacosta.com

Born in Tonbridge, Kent
 
in 1979, Pippa's family moved to the South West of England where she grew up amongst the dramatic moorland and sweeping coastlands
 
of Devon & Cornwall. With a family history brimming with intrigue, complete with Gypsy angst on one side and Jewish survivors on another, she has the ability to draw from a patchwork of ancestry and use it as the inspiration for her writing. Happily married and the
 
Mother of two little girls, she resides on the Devon & Cornwall border.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

For my Dad. For all the adventures we had together. I know he would be proud, but there was always room for improvement. Miss you.

FEEDBACK

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