You may have spotted Marigold Deidre Dicer hanging around. She just published The Black Swan Inheritance, which will be on sale between today and April 6th. Let’s hear what that’s all about, then.

Hi Marigold, thanks for visiting. Now, the Black Swan Inheritance has a lot of paranormal stuff in it, doesn’t it? What inspired you to write it?

Witchcraft fascinates me, so I wanted to delve into that and see what I could do with the trinity of the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone in an urban fantasy setting. The first book only scratches the surface, but the sequel (my WIP) gets into the nitty-gritty.

What was the first thing you ever wrote?

When I finally came to terms with the knowledge that “globe-trotting adventuring archaeologist” was not a real job, I decided to write a book about an adventuring crime-solving archaeologist. Best fun I ever had, but the book will never see the light of day. It was just good silly fun.

Seriously? Globe-trotting adventuring archaeologist is not a rel thing? (pulls off gloves and throws away whip). I knew that of course. Anyway, what are you working on at the moment? Tell us a little about your current project(s).

The Black Swan Hecate includes Leviathan, the Rainbow Serpent, and Baba Yaga. Anita’s character arc continues to build and she finally meets some other witches who can train her, at least until the sh*t hits the fan.

That’s gonna be some pretty big sh*t, judging by the names thrown around here! What genres do you read mostly and what are you reading now?

Just about anything! I’m currently reading a paranormal book featuring mermaids as one of my reads requested by an indie author. I love magic of all varieties, mythology, scifi, but I also have a fondness for cozy mysteries. I think the only books I don’t like to read are ones that obsess over sex (specifically, where the book is >30% sex). I find they don’t have much plot.

Well, the plot will certainly be under 70%. Are you an Indie author? If so, do you have any advice for other indie authors?

Honestly, I’m treating my self-publishing adventure as like a craft stall at a market. It would be awesome if I could make a living out of what I create, but I’m realistic and I’m just happy I have the time to do what I love doing and have the means to get it out there. My advice would be to ensure that writing remains your labour of love – it is for your benefit first. Any money you make is a bonus.

That sounds like a very healthy attitude. Are there any sites or writing tools that you find useful and wish to recommend?

Aside from your own and the ones previously mentioned on your blog, I don’t have much to add to that. However, I’m not Amazon exclusive, and I found Smashword’s free premium service to be an amazing service to get my book available on so many websites! I’m surprised at how many books I’ve sold at Barnes & Noble through Smashword’s system. Not every indie author knows about it, so you don’t need to format your book for every retailer – just get it right once at Smashwords & they’ll distribute for you.

That’s a great tip, thanks for sharing! Tell us about your website/blog. What will readers find there?

I post a book review every Tuesday (usually an indie book; I do accept requests however I have less time to read now I’m back studying), and I post a flash fiction every Thursday (and I try to dabble in every genre, since I read pretty much everything). I do participate in two weekly challenges: Ronovan’s Weekly Haiku Prompt and the Daily Post’s Photo Challenge. They keep me on my toes and keep those creative juices flowing 🙂

What are the things in your life that you’re most grateful for?

I’ve been incredibly lucky with my family. I also feel lucky to be born in Australia. It’s not perfect, but I’m glad to call it home.

It is a lovely place, indeed. How would you like to be remembered?

A mad scientist… who wrote some truly excellent books.

Who is Marigold Deidre Dicer?

Since Marigold hasn’t sent me a photo, I thought I’d use this, based on her response to my last question.

Marigold Deidre Dicer is my pen name.

Marigold: For all the beautiful things I love.
Deidre: For the old soul who resides within me.
Dicer: For my love of stylised violence. Yep.

I’m an Australian writer living in Brisbane, Queensland. I like to explore things in my writing that I would, quite frankly, never do in real life. Some of things my characters say and think I agree with, and some I don’t. Therefore, I try to make them as much into real individuals as possible.

Black Swan, you say?

The Black Swan is a powerful legacy that brings both temptation and danger. Having now inherited the title and all that comes with it, Anita finds herself beset upon by ancient abominations that won’t take no for an answer. No wonder the Black Swan had been driven to seclusion and banishment in the past. But Anita is determined not to run away – she is here to help, whether the medieval dragon-wolf or the undead cultists want it or not.

Buy links:

The Black Swan Inheritance will be on sale until April 6th! You can buy it on any of the following bookstores:

• Amazon US
• Amazon UK
• Barnes & Noble
• Smashwords
• Kobo
• Goodreads