Q & A with Summer Festival Sponsor Helga Conklin and San Diego Writers Festival
SDWF: What inspired you to write The Trinity Knot?
HC: I became curious about my ancestry and started reading about the UK. I already loved European fairy tales and Greek myths, and all the old stories, so I became enamored with the Celtic fairy tales. My father played the bagpipes while I was growing up and when I read about magic bagpipes in one story, my own story blending the modern world with the old started forming in my mind. I wanted to bring attention to the close bond Celtic faeries have with nature, and the juxtaposition with how we neglect nature today. So it became a coming of age story for the heroine, Mairi, on her Heroine’s Journey, as well as an eco-tale about using Celtic magic to solve the current climate crisis. The series, Celtic Magic, is four books that each cover a season in the year of Mairi’s life. I’m currently writing the fourth book. Books two (The Witch’s Knot) and three (The Faerie Knot) are also available.
SDWF: What’s the last great book/play/poem you read?
HC: I just finished reading Kate Morton’s historical fiction novel, The House at Riverton, that explores women’s lack of rights in early 20th century England. It’s a mystery and a bit of romance, so it was a nice escape from our current world.
SDWF: If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
HC: Don’t be afraid to study the arts. The arts might feel unstable for creating a “good paying” career, but following one’s heart always leads to a more fulfilling life. I found this in a more round-about way.
SDWF: Where can we find your blog/website or any other online links (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)?
HC: Www.wildrosestories.com is my website, both about my books and my Story Circles that I offer. My facebook page is Wild Rose Stories and my Instagram is Wild Rose Stories and Circles, as well as various hashtags for myself (hrconklinauthor) and my book titles. I’m not quite there with Twitter.
SDWF: Thank you, Helga!
