Coming soon; this site is a work in progress. Requests for information accepted at foxlin@bigpond.com
In a cut scene, that may or may not reappear in book ten, Bedwyr confesses to his encounter with Morganna; he also tells a story, that used to be in book two or three, but was cut long ago--it's a sweet little story from Bedwyr's childhood, a wish made, a spell cast, a gift granted to him...in water. So, the water theme was there even in the earliest manifestation's of his life-story in books two and three.
The hardest book that I wrote, and the one that almost killed me to edit, was book Four, Hunters and Killers. I still have the original draft copy, as I do of all the books, hidden in a box under my bed, and it is a murderous book to read. Packed end to end with huge struggles; it was the phase of Bedwyr's life that changed him forever, and opened the door for all future events, his meeting with Marc, the revealing of his true sexuality, that he cannot put into words, or his true nature. His deep love for Marc that he could not speak of till he was mature enough to do so.
Then the cutting off of the traitor's arm, Amr...I do not think Bedwyr will ever confess to his belief in the wrongness of that act, that he believes came back to claim him when he lost his own arm in book six. That act, of cutting off Amr's arm, was a forewarning of what was to come in Bedwyr's own life. It was not Right Action, and he felt tainted by it.
For a long time, my favourite book was book five, Longhand, White-tooth and the Fox, as this is where Bedwyr shows how bloody brilliant he really is, how strong, heroic and able to withstand everything thrown against him. It is where he becomes himself, his own man of truth and strength. Longhand could never break him, but...this secret Bedwyr did tell to Arthur; the one man who he truly feared: Owen White-tooth, Dantgwn...
In Graham Phillips and Martin Keatman's 1992 book, 'King Arthur: the True Story', they claim that Owen Dantgwn was Arthur. I do not agree, but it is possible, and this may explain why Bedwyr was so afraid of Owen. So afraid that his whole world tipped over, and yet still he stood in Owen's way, unflinching.
I think that will do for now. I will write more at a later date or upon special requests.
ps - my favourite book now is The Blacksmith's Hammer...
“The Silurian is art - it is in a different space from the usual publisher's requirements. For some time art in all areas has been going unrecognised. The Silurian will burst out from your computer in a blaze of fire and passion. And it will reach those, like me, who are searching desperately for nourishment - heart and soul nourishment - the real thing, not endless disappointment. The Silurian lives and will be known!” Writer/reviewer Mary Cade
Wonderful Series!
ReplyDeletethank you for reading me!
ReplyDeleteL.A.
I have read all the books and they are great. I cannot wait till the last book comes out. I will cry I now it will be great no matter what.
ReplyDeleteThank you for enjoying my books. The final book is in slow progress due to personal setbacks, but I hope it will make everyone cry!
ReplyDeleteL.A.
OMG!...This series is amaizing I would pay any amount of money to get book 10, it will be a great loss to have our beloved characters meet at their final battle. It will be great I just know it, YOU became ONE of my favorite authours since reading book one. Thank you so much for bringing this amaizing love story between bedwyr and Arthur to all of us who have been fortunate to come upon this amaizing story.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, many thanks for reading me.
ReplyDeleteThe Silurian has been my life's work. Soon, I'll update the main page to let all my readers know what's going on with Book Ten.
thank you again,
L.A.
First of all I would like to say how sorry I am to hear about your father, we fans love this series but also understand that you have a life seperate from the books and do understand the challenges presented to you everyday. We will be anxiously awaiting the publishing of the last book no matter how lowng it takes.
ReplyDeleteHi! I am a reader from the Philippines and i just wanna say that you almost killed me with this series (though i've read the first 3 books only.. coz they're free and i don't have a credit card to buy the other books.. haha).. anyway, like I said, you almost killed me because this is soooo bloody brilliant! I have never felt so emotional in my life... I mean, I cried, and I laughed, giggled, trembled with fear and got so fired up it's as if I am Prince Bedwyr!! haha... I was so in one with him... I praise you for your work... i can even say that your work so much better than those popular authors today... if I was a big time producer or a director, i would make this a motion picture with no hesitation!! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your wonderful comments. It always means a lot to me to hear from my readers, and to know my work is appreciated. It helps me to keep on writing about the Fox and to be motivated enough to finish this series.
ReplyDeletethanks again for your comments...
L.A.
I am just starting to read book 9 and already dread coming to the end of the story - although I realise there will be a wait for book 10. I've been adicted to reading all my life, historical fiction being a favourite genre, but I have NEVER been so enthralled by any other series of books as I am by these! Words cannot say how they makes me feel, I've read and re-read some passages and it's the first time the written word has actually brought tears to my eyes. The stories are triumphant, rich, passionate, joyous, wrenchingly sad and so beautiful - all of these things. They are truly art but also well grounded in factual detail (I live near Aquae Sulis) and with thumpingly good story lines. I wish you all the best, you have made a life-long fan out of me and I shall await the last Silurian book with baited breath! Andy
ReplyDeleteAndy, thank you so much for your comment; much appreciated! I wish I could say book ten is almost finished, but really, it's only just begun. It's just been a matter of unusual circumstances that have all come at once during the writing of The Sons of Avalon. This has never happened before in my writing of the series, and it just happens to be the last book too...
ReplyDeleteI do try really hard to be close to historical fact as possible; it means a lot to me to ground Bedwyr's story in reality, but new information is always appearing concerning the Dark Ages of Post Roman Britain and it's impossible to keep up, so I have to compromise a lot, and leave things as written.
And living in Australia, it's not easy for me to write accurate descriptions of British landscapes. I have to go by maps, pictures, and the Internet. I am British myself, but was raised in Australia from the age of 3, but I know Somerset and Devon fairly well as I used to live there many years ago before returning to Australia...thank you again for your comment.
So i recently finished book nine after reading them one after the other for the last few weeks. I went to get the tenth and discovered it isn't out yet and i immediately turned to Google and had to find out why!?! Well after reading this blog here i am relieved to know that it will hopefully be out later this year! So i just wanted to let you know that i LOVE these books! And I hope the Tenth book is the LONGEST :) Cant wait to see how this series finishes as I'm sure it will be great and i will cry. Thank you again for sharing these great stories and characters with us readers.
ReplyDeletethanks Anon...I'm planning on book ten being as long as I can make it without it being hideously unwieldy to read, especially on screen. As a paperback, it'll be lovely and fat! (I hope).
ReplyDeletethis book is already at 100,000 words, so it's progressing well, but slowly.
I downloaded the first few books free from Smashwords and loved them so much I bought all of the rest! I am now on book 9 and coming dangerously close to the end in book 10 so I am hoping it comes out soon. The thing is, you have said book 10 will be the last and I can't believe these heroes will stop their larger-than-life rampage across the fields of our collective imagination. Your Arthur is the best of all of the many books I have read on the Arthurian "legend", simply because he is so real, and I will be so lost without him and the Fox
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen for your comments and for staying the course with my series. And like you, I have no idea how I'm going to survive without Bedwyr, without Arthur...they are my life, but all things have to come to an end and I wish it otherwise, but no...book ten is in slow progress, but is in production now. I was hoping to publish book ten by Christmas this year, but I have a huge amount of other concerns happening at year's end, maybe in early 2012. thanks again for your comment.
ReplyDeleteI found Book One several weeks ago when looking for books to haul with me on vacation. I read the first three chapters and immediately downloaded the entire series. I left them alone awaiting vacation, but got bored last ween and began reading the rest of Book One, then Two, Three and now I'm almost through with Nine. I haven't even started my vacation yet!
ReplyDeleteI've really fallen for your story and you tell it so well...I can see the story so vividly in my mind that I could almost paint the scenes which has always been my number one criteria for ranking a writer.
Today I realized that the final book was not yet finished and to tell you the truth I was crushed that I had to wait for the end. So I'm waiting and anxious...
Thanks Donster...sorry to spoil your holiday reading!
ReplyDeleteWill post something soon in regards to the progress of book ten. slow but sure so far.
thanks again for your kind comments on my work. LA
I just started reading the eighth book, and have to say I was hooked from the very first. I cannot stop reading and find myself spending eight to ten hours each day doing so. I am dreading book ten and the final farewell, I find myself getting emotional just thinking about it. Bedwyr and Arthur have become a part of my life and I know how it feels to have the one you love most taken from you and be left to pick up the shattered pieces afterward; it is something I struggle with even 16 years later. This story really brings out lot of my own emotions, so I know when the end comes, I'll be a wreck... but I'm ok with that, as I wouldn't give up the love I had and lost for anything, and neither would Bedwyr.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for such an amazing story.
-Brad
Brad, I understand your feelings. I am dreading writing book ten. I have had loss this year with the death of my father, and many changes that have held up the book's writing. I think a lot of Bedwyr and how I am to deal with his final moments, and his end seems to meld into the loss of my father.
ReplyDeleteAt times, I'm close to failing, but will carry on. I must. And you are not alone in spending so much reading time. I had one reader who read each book in a day! I must pull my socks up and get on with it. Thank you for your kind comments.
LA
Thank you for your reply. I just finished book nine last night, and was very happy with how it ended, even though I know it's just the calm before the storm.
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you that I woke up early Saturday morning and cried for almost an hour- thinking about Bedwyr's future and all of his pain and loss and how it mirrors a lot of my own life. I also thought about you and how difficult this all must be, to not only write the death of your characters but also the end of the series as well, after just losing your father. I completed an 80,000 word story once, and cried and mourned for two weeks after writing "The End", so I can only imagine what it must be like for you.
Please know that my heart and prayers are with you.
-Brad
Brad, I fully understand how you feel, that is how Bedwyr's life and experiences move out into real life. It's that way with me. I tell people that he's such a powerful survivor and he deals with his own pain with such strength, I try to keep that in mind, and learn from his example; he has the same power of survival my father once had.
ReplyDeleteI become the Fox as I write, but he is not me, and yet, I feel everything he goes through. I hope I can hold together for the final pages, as already, I'm struggling to put down the words as he speaks it.
Finishing a book, is like a mini death, and grieving for your characters is something very strange to explain, and yet very real. but Bedwyr has become far more to me than a character in a book; he's real to me, a real person, as has Arthur, and Bedwyr has become my alter ego so completely, I often don't know where he ends and I begin.
Thanks again for your thoughts,
LA
I adore these books and cannot wait to read the final book
ReplyDeleteI cried and laughted and feel so involved with all the characters
That I shall miss them when ten is published
Some of which I would like to meet in real life
Arthur especially
Renny
The story is so beautifully executed descriptive
ReplyDeleteEmotionally I am connected to Bedwry such a brave soul
Wish so much that at last Arthur and he were united physically and emotionally to complete the love of each other is clearly so deep
Thank you so very much for writing all these books deeply touching and fascinating
Renny
Renny, thank you for reading my work, and connecting with my characters; it is what all authors hope for--to go beyond our own experiences and develop originality and strength. At the moment, I'm very tentatively aiming for an April, 2012, finish for book ten. I hope it will live up to everyone's expectations; yet it is all about death and endings, that paradoxically births the Arthurian legend. thanks again, LA
ReplyDeleteDear Bedwyr, you too L.A., I agree with everyone else's comments. I finished book 9 over a month ago and have been in withdrawal ever since. Thank you for the tentative date of next April for book ten. It gives me something to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteA note to you L.A., Bedwyr has become a part of me. His story is , well, i find it hard to describe. I miss him. I guess i'll just have to re-read books 1-9 . I've even had dreams about him. Silly old me.
In any case, thank you L.A. for your stories. Thank you very much.
Dear Unknown, I've had other readers say they dream of Bedwyr! I never thought that would happen. I never even thought anyone would like my books or bother to buy them. Hope your withdrawal symptoms aren't too severe...will try hard for next April and you can get back with the Fox.
ReplyDeletethank you for being a reader.
LA
There's a loose end that's been driving me crazy. Imperia tells Bedwyr he has a half-brother in book five and that this brother was placed in fosterage by his uncle, Tannan. In book six during Owen's coronation, Bedwry thinks about this brother when he looks over at his Stag Clan; almost as if he could be part of the clan's war-host. Later, in the same book, Bedwry states that Manos looks very much like himself--more like a brother and a cousin. In book seven Bedwry states that Manos' personality is very much like his own. Tannan dies without Bedwry ever asking him about this brother. Is Manos Bedwry's half-brother? Or, is this loose end to be resolved in book Ten?
ReplyDeleteA loose end! NEVER! ha, just kidding.
ReplyDeleteStrangely enough, this issue is being addressed in the coming writing I have to do for book ten, when I can get back to work. I guess you'll be going crazy for a while longer, Donster! Sorry! I hope you can hold on for that.
LA
LA,
ReplyDeleteI know you are busy with writing the final book, but I wanted to know if you eventually plan to create Facebook pages for your series? It would be a great way to get some free advertising. I noticed a lot of authors don't use this feature, and I think it would be a great idea to help spread the word. I know I have been plugging and praising The Silurian series every chance I get. :-)
-Brad
P.S. Your amazing series has inspired me to start writing my own story. A tale about a 4th century Gaelic prince who must overcome his lack of physical size in order to survive in Britannia's hostile world.
For years I struggled seeking an idea that would bring my love of Roman history, fierce battles and romance together... and reading about Bedwyr's life helped me find the right period for the elements to come together. So I not only owe you a huge thank you for giving the world this amazing story, but also owe you gratitude for inspiring me to start my own.
Brad, nice to hear from you; I think this is the link to the silurian fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Silurian-by-LA-Wilson/173576869342092
ReplyDeletebut I don't know what to do with this page, or even how to get to it from my own FB page; my FB page is linked on this site's homepage on the top left.
Good luck with your writing; don't forget to let me know when you're finished. Do you plan to publish, or it it a private project? I'm still doing book ten, slow but sure.
Hey LA,
ReplyDeleteIt was strange because when I did a search on FB for The Silurian, it never came up. It wasn't until I 'liked' it from the link you added and then 'shared' it, that it finally showed up when I did a search. Have you checked your security settings- not sure how they work for 'pages'- but I know on a regular account you have to manually set it to make your profile searchable.
I am definitely planning to have my story published. As of now, with my outline I have divided the story into five parts- five different periods in the main character's life. I just finished chapter 15 last night, and I've only been working on it a little over two weeks.
My writing history is spotty. I have started a few other stories in the past, but ended up losing focus. The only project I ever finished was a fanfiction story based on the 'Twilight' series- it turned out to be 26 chapters and over 80,000 words, but it is something I can never publish. Still, it was great experience and it showed that I CAN finish a project. ;-)
This time things are different from my other unfinished works; this new story is allowing me to bring in so many things I have been interested in, along with the fact that I'm not letting myself play out the entire story in my head. That was a problem with other projects, I would sit and daydream about the story and play it out completely in my head- once it ended I lost the desire to go back and write it. Now, I am simply staying focused with the chapter at hand and not thinking so much about what is going to happen beyond it. I have several aspects of his life that are planned- which tie in to real historical events- but beyond that, I am allowing myself freedom to develop the story as I write it.
I will definitely keep you posted on my progress.
As I mentioned in my earlier (anonymous) posts, I understand the emotional roller-coaster you are experiencing with the tenth book. A good writer FEELS what their character's feel, which is what makes it so real to readers. I can honestly say that this is the first book series that truly touched me so deeply. I am hoping that I can convey as much reality in my own writing, as you have done with The Silurian.
-Brad
Brad, thanks for liking my page and linking and so on; I can't work how to use that page of mine. I think I've set up the wrong kind of page; it should be an author page, but mine is set on 'people' and no matter what I do, I can't change it. I'm going to spend a while working this FB stuff out.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed with your artwork and your energy to get down and write what you need to do. I don't know if you read that article on my homepage here, but I say the same thing as you. If I play a story out fully in my head, I then have no desire to actually write it. I can only write if I don't really know what's going to happen next. The joy of being a writer of this kind is living your characters lives, and like them, you don't know what the next day or the new year will bring.
I also wrote a vampire book, In Blood Covenant; it was my first conventionally written and structured novel. It's about a Spanish vampire from the time of the Spanish Inquisition, named Altair Salvar; he gets involved with a man named Lorne Jagger (weird I know, but it works in the novel). Altair thinks Jagger...no that's giving the story away! When my contract with Eternal Press runs out, I'm going to republish it on Smashwords and Lulu. I love a great vampire story and my favourite is Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire and I love the movie... (But Arthur is still my all time obsession).
Keep on writing!
LA
wow... wow. wow. wow. what a series. im simply at a loss for words about my feelings. Bedwyr's emotions seem to latch on to my everyday life and i must admit it is the closest i have felt to a character from writing ever. simple amazing, i wish you the best with your writing and cant wait for the last book even though i know it will make me cry again and again. Your books are so well written and i am in awe. Wishing you and Bedwyr the best.
ReplyDelete-Blayne
Thank you so much, Blayne. I'm at work right now on book ten; if you follow me on Facebook, you'll see the latest news. I should update this site more often, but I get caught up elsewhere and doing all the revision on B10, now renamed to 'Last Man to Avalon' (I found out there is already a book called sons of avalon...I can't use that title now).
ReplyDeletethanks again for your kind words,
LA