My short stories and plays incorporate peculiar characters. The Irish Within Us is no different, but as my first novel, it started a new era. As I tackled the business end of writing, I found that my quirky novel defied categorization – a marketing nightmare!
Fantasy? Irish fae run throughout the story, unseen or seen manifesting in human form, interfering, manipulating, thwarting, but not flapping their tiny wings. Obvious magic is minimal. There are no spooky orphans raising themselves in a cave, talking pigeons, damsels with enchanted swords, and Dungeons and Dragons-y warriors (just people who think they are).
Humour? Tricky – it’s really a matter of personal taste. The humour is gentle and silly, and I defy you to read anything of substance into it. G’wan, give it a go!
Romance? Ah romance! Here’s a total failure. The main characters don’t hook up. Alas, there are no heaving breasts, no rippling muscles. Perhaps the jury is out on where Imogen ends up, but we know she will be cold and rational. There are two budding romances amongst the secondary characters, and if you are like me, that may be close enough. But if you are not, rest assured that the next Ballybeg novel will expose complicated romances blossoming in the lush countryside, with a little help from the Fae. Fifty shades of green.
Pastoral-comical-magical or historical-magical-romantical? Or another blend? Tell us your favourite combination of story in the comments section.
Photo credit: M.studio for Adobe.
C.A. Logan Author 