A Reflection on Aurora by the Author, Beth Ball
In this eleventh episode of the World of Azuria podcast, Beth shares why she chose Aurora as the introductory story for the Age of Azuria epic fantasy series.
Episode Introduction
Why this novella and this story?
Part of what I wanted to convey with Aurora as the prequel novella for the Age of Azuria series was that, when we really dig into them, it’s difficult to uncover a story’s true moment of initiation. Book one in the series, Buried Heroes, starts with its own origin point to Iellieth’s story, but those events wouldn’t have transpired were it not for Emelyee and Dorric’s relationship. And Emelyee and Dorric’s love would look quite different, if it existed at all, without the influence of Emelyee’s grandmother Olivia and the story of Aurora and her elven lover, Sylris.
This is one of the aspects I love most about interconnected storylines across multiple perspectives as well. At the same time, we have access to a fuller, more well-rounded story and we better perceive the gaps of what we’re not hearing. For instance, we know what Ridel wants and is thinking throughout. However, the perspective and goals of her “bosses,” Lucien and Alessandra, they’re more removed, and we approach them through the perspective of Ridel.
Another thing I like about Aurora as an introduction to the series is that it gives us a glimpse into the wider world of Azuria shortly before (twenty-two years to be precise) the action of the series really kicks off. I had considered introducing Azuria through the lens of some of the characters in Buried Heroes, Iellieth and Teodric specifically, but I decided instead to take things back farther to her parents’ story. Plus, this way, we get to see Yvayne in action as she combats Lucien’s forces!
I also feel that personal character backstories, as opposed to origin stories, can be more meaningful after you’ve already met the character in their present adventure. And once we get into Buried Heroes, if you are curious about Iellieth and Teodric’s backstories, then there’s a second prequel novella just for you—Song of Parting!
This won’t be the last time that we visit the Aurora estate, though I hope that you enjoyed our time spent here, right at the beginning of a grand adventure!
Resources & Links
Thank you so much for joining me for today’s adventure through Aurora and the world of Azuria. If you’d like to find out more about me or my fiction, you can find me at bethballbooks.com. You can also find my books worldwide at your favorite bookstore or ask your local librarian to add them to the library catalogue.
To stay up to date with the world of Azuria and be the first to know about upcoming fiction projects, visit bethballbooks.com/join. I would love for you to be a part of my reading community, the Story Enclave, and, as special thanks to you, for a limited time, you’ll receive a free ebook copy of Aurora when you sign up.
If you’d like to connect with me, you can find me on Instagram @bethballauthor or on Twitter @GroveGuardian. Today’s episode is sponsored by the first novel in the Age of Azuria high fantasy series, Buried Heroes, available at bethballbooks.com/shop or at your favorite bookseller. If you enjoyed our time together today and would like to hear more stories set in Azuria, you can support the podcast at ko-fi.com/bethball.
Happy travels, and I hope that we’ll be adventuring together again soon!
Transcript
Beth 0:00 World of Azuria Episode 11: Writer’s Reflection of Aurora, the prequel novella for Age of Azuria
Why this novella and this story?
Part of what I wanted to convey with Aurora as the prequel novella for the Age of Azuria series was that, when we really dig into them, it’s difficult to uncover a story’s true moment of initiation. Book one in the series, Buried Heroes, starts with its own origin point to Iellieth’s story, but those events wouldn’t have transpired were it not for Emelyee and Dorric’s relationship. And Emelyee and Dorric’s love would look quite different, if it existed at all, without the influence of Emelyee’s grandmother Olivia and the story of Aurora and her elven lover, Sylris. So in Aurora, we have this initial story, joined by threads of other stories
This is one of the aspects I love most about interconnected storylines across multiple perspectives as well. At the same time, we have access to a fuller, more well-rounded story and we better perceive the gaps of what we’re not hearing. For instance, we know what Ridel wants and is thinking throughout. However, the perspective and goals of her “bosses,” per say, of Lucien and Alessandra, they’re more removed, and we approach them through the perspective of Ridel.
And Yvayne is there as well to provide a point of contrast to Ridel’s understanding of the events and world taking shape around her.
Following both Ridel and Yvayne, we learn things that Emelyee and Dorric don’t know. Yvayne knows the true origin of Dorric’s amulet, for instance, and the box that holds it, though the amulet is of greater importance, which we’ll see in Buried Heroes.
Another thing I like about Aurora as an introduction to the series is that it gives us a glimpse into the wider world of Azuria shortly before (twenty-two years to be precise) the action of the series really kicks off. I had considered introducing Azuria through the lens of some of the characters in Buried Heroes, Iellieth and Teodric specifically, but I decided instead to take things back farther to her parents’ story. Plus, this way, we get to see Yvayne in action as she combats Lucien’s forces!
I also feel that personal character backstories, as opposed to origin stories, can be more meaningful after you’ve already met the character in their present adventure. And once we get into Buried Heroes, if you are curious about Iellieth and Teodric’s backstories, then there’s a second prequel novella just for you—Song of Parting!
This won’t be the last time that we visit the Aurora estate, though I hope that you enjoyed our time spent here, right at the beginning of a grand adventure!
In the show notes, I’ll link to a pinterest board for some of the location inspiration from Aurora, and you can also find a link on my website, bethballbooks.com.
My favorite place at the estate is, of course, the ancient sacred site hidden away in the forest where Aurora and Sylris first met and where Emelyee and Dorric act on their attraction to one another.
But as we wrap up this novella, I would love to hear from you! Did you have a favorite moment in the story? Which character resonates with you the most? You can get in touch with me on instagram @bethballauthor or on twitter @GroveGuardian.
I would also love to hear your questions about the characters or story. If you could read one character’s diary entries from this period, whose would you want to read? Get in touch and let me know!
While we’re here with this special bonus episode, I thought it would be fun to give you a quick update on the Age of Azuria series. The next book in the series, Story Magic, is available now for preorder before release on June 1st. I’m currently working on book three, Amber Queen, which is heading to my editor at the end of this month! So exciting!
As always, thank you so much for letting me share these stories and this world with you! I’m working on some really fun new projects for this series and world, so be sure to click the subscribe button on your podcatcher to ensure you don’t miss any future episodes!
