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| www.themermaidstory.com |
Meridian: What inspired you to write the first book?
Don: Epyphany is the first book of a Three Book series
called The Mermaid Story Trilogy. It is the fulfillment of an idea I had in
1999. At that time I was refining my skills as a sculptor. It was 4:00 AM and I
woke up with an idea for a unique mermaid sculpture. I knew I didn't want her
to look like the traditional image we have all grown to expect. I wanted her to
be an authentic creature of the sea. As I considered the design I pondered the
possibilities of her origin. How might such a creature have been conceived? What
characteristics would she retain from her unique origin? If she was a mystical
leap upward on the evolutionary ladder, what powers might she have? As is often
the case questions lead to more questions and a story started to evolve. Over
the years I continued to visit the idea and started writing more details and
adding characters. In 2008 I redesigned my lifestyle slightly in order to gain
more creative time which allowed me to give the project a bit more attention.
In 2011 after showing a couple of chapters to a friend whose opinion I value
and receiving his sincere encouragement I finally decided to put it on the top
of my to-do list.
Meridian: What is the story behind the Cover Art?
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| Epyphany:Mermaid Back. Concept Art |
Don: Since the story was inspired by a visual concept, I had
a pretty good idea about some of Epyphany's defining characteristics well
before the book was finished. She was first and foremost a creature of the sea.
I knew she must be powerful and intelligent with abilities beyond those of any
previously known species. In a sense she was an alien in her own world. Several
years after the original concept I began to transition from traditional clay
sculpting to 3D digital design. The cover was created from a 3D model I
designed in a 3D program called Zbrush. The final graphic was composited in
"Motion" - Apple's video effect software. By the time the book was
finished I was ready to commit to Epyphany's final design. The cover is meant
to inspire curiosity as well as to introduce an unexpected vision of what a
truly aquatic mermaid species might look like.
I hope the cover conveys the combination of feminine strength and
beauty, thoughtfulness, honesty, and purpose. Meridian: What is your favorite thing about Mermaids?
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| 3D design created by Sev using Pixologic's Zbrush. For more Sev designs check out www.sevhead.com |
Don: Sensuality! Anyone who has ever enjoyed the feeling of
moving, floating, or swimming in our planet's wonderful oceans, lakes and
rivers knows the sensual delight of living in a water-world. To me, mermaids
are the symbols of our longing to indulge our sensual nature, to transcend our
human limitations. Mermaids are to the sea what angels are to the sky.
Meridian: Did you learn anything from writing your book and
what was it?
Don: Wow - the whole project was like a joyful research
assignment. I started out with a general knowledge concerning the destruction
of ocean habitats and the precarious condition of our environment but when I
read some of the statistics relating to ocean pollution, overfishing, reef
depletion, the glacial melt and the inevitable rising sea level and so much
more, I was overwhelmed and saddened. On the positive side I rediscovered the
wonderful island of Bali and became intrigued with Seattle and Puget Sound. I
was amazed at some of the incredible aquariums that exist and the myriad of new
equipment and technologies.
Meridian: While you were writing, did you ever feel as if
you were one of the characters?
Don: I must admit there is a part of me in all the main
characters. Or at least a part of what I wish I could be.
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| https://www.facebook.com/MermaidStory |
Meridian: Do you have anything specific that you want to say
to your readers?
Yes . . . be kind to this planet and be conscious of how you
use our limited resources. And set your imagination free . . . suspend your
disbelief for a few hours and dive into Epyphany's world . . . the world of
Oojai.
Meridian: Do you believe in real life Mermaids?
Don: I believe in the spirit of mermaids. If that spirit
lives in you then it is real.
Meridian: Where can I buy this book?
Don: The Mermaid Story: Epyphany is available as an e-book and paperback at:
http://www.amazon.com/Don-Sev-Severance/e/B007NQ3FY2
You can find more background info as well as mermaid designs and posters at http://www.themermaidstory.com/
and don't forget to give Don a "like" at https://www.facebook.com/MermaidStory
<3, ☮, & ><((((º> Meridian's Thoughts <3, ☮, & ><((((º>
I love this book, honestly way more than I thought I would. I felt the pain of the characters, the love they all shared, my heart raced as I read about their triumphs and fell when I thought the end was near. I could see Oojai in my minds eye and could almost hear her song, I was drawn in and felt apart of the story. A good book will hold your attention, but a good author you make you believe. To Sev, you made me believe! Now my final question is...
When will the next book be available in paperback???
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| "Meet Blyss. This is my bronze sculpture of Blyss - Blyss is a central character in The Mermaid Story: Epyphany. She is a wise woman and mystic whose task is to guide Epyphany through her transition from the idyllic world of Oojai into the harsh realities of our troubled planet and it's endangered ocean." ~ Don Sev Severance
More info at www.theMermaidStory.com
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