Q&A With Fern Brady 

I am delighted Mickey Mikkelson connected me with sci-fi author Fern Brady. Fern is the author of the novels United Vidden & Loves Call. Fern Brady | Mysite

Q: Fern, would you please give a brief description of United Vidden & Loves Call? Where did the ideas for both novels come from?

A: United Vidden is the first installment in what I like to call the Main Line of Thyrein’s Galactic Wall Series. It is the story of Verena, the first queen of Dravidia, who faces a shattering truth on the eve of her ascension to the throne – her father never intended her to rule. He betroths her to Amiel ra Aulden before she can exercise power. The book follows Verena as she deals with the difficult task of navigating the world she has been thrust into. A world soon to be embroiled in war across the intergalactic alliance.

Love’s Call is the first book in the Dragon and His Kitten series, which follows the rise to ultimate power of Nichamir Vlanespor on planet Gelderant. As a dragonborn, Nichamir must keep his identity secret and his reputation makes winning the heart of Denipia Leron, the woman he knows is destined to be his mate, nearly impossible. Yet, somehow, he must overcome all challenges and create the destiny he feels is his by right of birth.

The two series will eventually intersect. Love’s Call occurs before the opening events of United Vidden, but Nichamir will play a major role in the unfolding of Verena’s story. Most of the short stories I have published so far intersect either as feeders of the main line conflict following the royal house of planet Jorn – Verena’s family; or as side characters whose lives will connect to that main line somewhere along the way.

This whole crazy universe was born in my classroom when I was a 6^th grade schoolteacher. Since our curriculum is world cultures, I had my students create their own imaginary planet, place strategically geologic and political features, and then we spent the year writing a variety of stories – myths, legend, histories, adventures – in this new world we populated. To model, I came up with my own. Thus, were born the 51 planets of Thyrein’s Galactic Wall and all its marvelous denizens.

Q: How long did it take you to write United Vidden & Loves Call? 

A: United Vidden took nearly 15 years to bring to fruition. It began as a model piece for my students and eventually took on a life of its own. Through my time with Houston Writers Guild and the critique groups they host as well as my work with Max Regan, my writing coach, it became a fully well-developed and award-winning debut novel.

Love’s Call took less time. Just over a year and a half to really work it into shape. I think this is mostly because by then I was in full writer mode and knew the steps needed to polish it more effectively.

Q: Are you currently writing a novel like United Vidden & Loves Call or will it be different?

A: War Rising is book two of the United Vidden storyline. It is ready and will be released in February of 2025. I’m currently polishing a side story, which I’m uncertain where in the ultimate timeline of the universe it will fall. This story is about a stone of power that is used by evil nijar to throw Earth’s history into an alternative development timeline following a steampunk evolution. Lady Nefari Ydarb must get the stone and restore Earth’s history before the ripple effects tear the fabric of the universe apart. I’m thinking it may be ready sometime in 2025 or early 2026. Not sure yet when it will be released as I am in the post beta reader revisions phase.

Q: What lessons and emotions do you hope readers learn and feel after reading your novels?

A: My hope is that readers will feel empowered to fight against evil in our world, stand up for what they believe in without fear, and never give up, even when they have made the worst possible choices. For me it is never too late for you to fulfill your dreams, follow your destiny, and help make this world a better place for us now and for generations to come.

Q: If Hollywood were to get the rights to your novels United Vidden & Loves Call, who would be your dream cast to play the characters you created?

A: That is such a tough question. I think I would be open to letting them field new faces. I love how Game of Thrones brought new talent to our awareness. Who knows which aspiring young actress could bring to life Verena. Most important though is that they capture the spirit of the character and what they stand for.