Soul Coin is set in India and the flavor of that country really comes through in this story. This is one country I’ve never visited, so I have to rely on my East Indian friends and what I’ve read about it. But here’s some interesting things I’ve learned from afar.
Once a colony of Great Britain, today 125 million of its inhabitants speak English. The U.S. is the only country with more English speakers. If it weren’t for this linga franca, a lot of people wouldn’t be able to talk to each other in India. There is no national language, but there are a multitude of regional dialects.
Want to test your knowledge of India? Try these True/False Questions and next week I’ll be back with the answers–I hope.
- Salman Rushdie’s novel, Midnight’s Children, describes English as the native tongue of children born in the 1950s.
- While the surname, Souza, is Portugese, it’s a common name in parts of India.
Now I want you to meet another author from Full Dark. Here she is!
Laura Rich is an emerging author of young adult fantasy fiction about witches. She loves to read in a hammock with a glass of iced tea, bake cookies, garden and dress up for Halloween as (you guessed it) a witch. She lives in Texas with her family and works as full-time project manager. Magic may be involved in pulling all this off.
Hi! I’m Laura Rich, author of Soul Coin, a short story about a young woman who thinks might makes right. Indira began her life as a sidekick in my novelette, The Binding Witch and the Fortune Taker. As every sidekick has a good backstory that doesn’t always make it to the page, I decided Indira deserved one when Melissa Maygrove mentioned she was publishing a benefit anthology under the theme, What Happens in the Dark Will Come to Light. Soul Coin was born shortly after and accepted into the anthology, Full Dark, which was released on October 30, 2017. Indira’s story is not over and you’ll definitely see more of her in the Kate Roark Magic Series. I hope you check it out! If you like it and want to see more of Indira, sign up for updates here.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Drawing on my fine command of the English language, I said nothing.” Robert Benchley
Sage says
I have enjoyed a number of books by Indian authors over the years…
When I was in Michigan, I was part of a group bringing over a number of Indians in my field for 6 weeks–the only language they could talk to one another was English as they were from all over the country.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks for the corroborating data. I like more than my own research to back up what I write. Thanks, Sage.
Stephanie@Fairday's Blog says
I have never been to India either- but I always love learning new things. Wonderful to learn more about India.
Wishing Laura all the best. Sounds like an interesting book/series. Thanks for sharing.
Great quote!
Heather R. Holden says
Love witches! Sidekicks getting a chance to shine in their own stories is something I’ve always enjoyed, too. Many congrats to Laura on the anthology acceptance!
C. Lee McKenzie says
They are fascinating, aren’t they? I’m playing with a story about witches and enjoying the experience.
Crystal Collier says
You know, I really, really liked Soul Coin. I liked the entire anthology, but that piece was especially fun: the spunky protagonist, the mysticism, the environment…
C. Lee McKenzie says
The protagonist went up against some major challenges. I liked that, too.
HR Sinclair says
What an awesome setting! And I love witch stories. I’m in!
Hilary says
Hi Lee and Laura – your tale sounds so interesting … it’s an area I’ve never been to – yet sometime would love to go. I guessed English is the main language, yet hadn’t realised there is such a diversity of dialects and languages = yet makes sense from a country so rich in history and knowledge. Good luck with the anthology .. cheers Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
I had a friend who told me her parents could only talk to each other in English. Their native dialects were completely foreign to each other.
Hilary says
It happens doesn’t it – did then … and still does for some people … amazing how we can communicate … I better try speaking Canaadiaaane!
Sheena-kay Graham says
Congrats on your book Laura.
Lynda Dietz says
Laura’s story sounds interesting! I must admit to being intrigued by the beauty I’ve seen and heard about from my Indian friends online. I have a friend who travels to India each year and is in love with both the country and the people there. Let’s face it: I just love to travel and rarely get to. My list of places to visit is growing by the year.
I like the quote. If only I could keep my mouth shut at least half the time I speak . . . I’m just as surprised as anyone by what comes out sometimes.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You and me both on the mouth issue. I could use that editor more when speaking than when writing.
Yes, to India. Maybe each of us will travel there one day.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
Interesting. I know so little about India or any other country. Since I don’t travel, I must read about some of these exciting places. It would be a nice change.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think of colors every time I think of India. It seems that it’s a place where the brighter the hues, the better.
Sandra Cox says
Fascinating. I didn’t realize India didn’t have a national language.
C. Lee McKenzie says
As I remember, Hindi is the government language and that’s the closest to a national language outside of English. I think there was some kind of law passed trying to make Hindi the official language. I really should brush up on this before saying more.
Liz A. says
Sounds like an interesting story. I actually know someone named Indira.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love the name.
Pat Hatt says
Giving the sidekick some time to shine is a great idea indeed. Nothing wrong with a little magic to pull things off haha
C. Lee McKenzie says
It is a great idea, and it gives the other work they appear in some more visibility.
Natalie Aguirre says
Congrats to Laura! I met my husband in India so have a soft spot for stories set there. Sounds like a great story.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s fascinating, Natalie. You’re the only one here so far who has set foot on that land.
Yolanda Renee says
Congratulations, Laura! Soul Coin sounds interesting. I like the idea of a character’s backstory becoming a short story.
India sounds intriguing and mysterious. And that quote is wonderful!
C. Lee McKenzie says
We could do a lot with characters we’ve already created and want to continue to explore.
Elephants Child says
Thank you so much for introducing another author – with a tantalising story to share.
I was in India briefly and loved it. Rich, confusing, beautiful, heart-rending…
C. Lee McKenzie says
I must go. I know it has some stories for me. Your word choice to describe it only confirms my feelings.
Elephants Child says
Oh go. Definitely go. I think it has stories for everyone with an open heart, eyes, mind.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Ironically, a friend called last week and asked if I was interested in going to India. I said I’d get back to her. 🙂
Hilary says
Looks like you’ll be going!?!? Fascinating to see … and yes EC’s descriptive words: “Rich, confusing, beautiful, heart-rending…” would appear to ring true … so much going on there now … Kerala I gather is stunning … another place for me to visit perhaps! Cheers Hilary
Julie Flanders says
Great to meet Laura and I am looking forward to reading her story. Sounds really good.
LOVE the quote of the week! 😀 😀
C. Lee McKenzie says
There’s always something to said about knowing when to remain silent. I have to remind myself of that a lot.
J.H. Moncrieff says
Sounds like an interesting book. I’d say both statements are true.
As a side note, for some reason City of Ghosts is extremely popular in India. Over 12,000 people downloaded it in a couple of months. I have no idea why.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Ghosts are a hot topic in India. You’ve struck a nerve, so congratulations on that.
Carrie-Anne says
I love Indian mythohistory, culture, food, religion, and history! It’s such a fascinating subcontinent.
Congratulations on your book being published, Laura!
C. Lee McKenzie says
It’s an ancient land that is rich in history.
Thomas Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl! Hi, Laura!
It is a pleasure to meet you, Laura, and I congratulate you on the publication of Soul Coin in the Full Dark short story benefit anthology. Witch tales are consistently popular across the media spectrum and I know your story will resonate with YA readers. Cheryl’s introduction outlining the facets of your life convinces me that you are a very good witch indeed.
I appreciate the quote of the week by Robert Benchley. Sometimes, many times, arguably most of the time, it is a good idea to say nothing. 🙂
Have a great week, Cheryl-Lee. You too, Laura!
C. Lee McKenzie says
How true. I often wish I’d just remained mute in a situation. I would have come off so much better and appeared so much wiser.
I’m a fan of the mystical in literature. It’s a great escape from the hard facts of daily life.