Roxan Burley is an author who delves into the intense world of urban fantasy, one where the segregation of magic has a powerful resonance on her characters abilities to change society. She also runs her own business as an interior designer. She lives in rural Devon where she is converting a barn with her husband, two children and their many pets. She spent her childhood lost in the world of magic and the possibilities it could create. She finally put pen to paper, despite the challenge of being dyslexic, with her debut adult novel Bloodstream of Moonlight in her Equal Rise series.

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Welcome to the Hive, Roxan. Let’s start with the basics: tell us about your series, Equal Rise – why should readers check it out?

Thank you for having me. Equal Rise is an urban dystopian fantasy series set in an apocalyptic reality where creatures of magic exist. It is a captivating tale of resilience and rebellion with a fight against a ruthless dictatorship. In this world, oppression and injustice have become the norm, suffocating the hopes and dreams of its inhabitants.

Readers who enjoy character-driven stories told from multiple points of view will find Equal Rise particularly engaging. It’s a journey of self-discovery for each character, filled with impactful and often dark themes. The narrative is highly emotional, and I make sure to put my characters through a lot of challenges.

Tell us a little something about your writing process – do you have a certain method? Do you find music helps? Give us a glimpse into your world!

I struggled with confidence, particularly due to my dyslexia, which made me doubt my ability to write. For years, I held onto the idea of my story without taking the plunge to put it onto paper. It wasn’t until I made a conscious effort to push past those barriers that I was able to start. Planning the plot and characters gave me the structure and motivation I needed to begin. I realised that I had a story worth telling, and I wanted to share it with others.

Initially, writing the first few chapters was a daunting task that took me days to complete. However, once I found my rhythm, I began writing whenever inspiration struck. I write little and often, normally on the go, using the notes app on my phone to quickly outline chapters, allowing me to jot down ideas. I don’t worry about spelling or grammar errors during the initial drafting phase—I just focus on getting my ideas down digitally. Then I copy it to my computer where I edit and rewrite parts. I normally do this with loads of distraction with my daughters around.

Speaking of worlds, what inspires your worldbuilding? Do you have a magic system/s? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?  

Drawing inspiration from myths, legends, and historical events, I began weaving together a narrative that blended fantasy elements with real-world contexts. I wanted to create a world where magical beings existed alongside humans, shaping and being shaped by our history. One aspect that particularly intrigued me was exploring the cultures and backgrounds of these creatures, which led me to imbue them with traits from various mythologies and cultures. For example, I envisioned gargoyles whose culture was deeply rooted in Native American traditions, giving them a unique identity.

An urban setting, specifically a once bustling city where the Dark’s influence has stripped this away leaves a dark, undertone for rebellion. I wanted to add a twist by placing much of the action underground. The Myth’s have learned to function and resist in an efficient network of tunnels, and hidden passages. This underground network not only serves as a means of survival but also provides the perfect backdrop for starting a rebellion against the oppressive rule. In my second book Bond of Eternity, I take the reader on a journey into the high race’s kingdoms, the gargoyles and the welkin. These hidden kingdoms have been shaped by the lack of human interaction and give the reader a glimpse of these different magical worlds.

The magic system within Equal Rise, is broken down into three types of power – Elemental, Mind and Time. Magic users have natural reserves which allow them to use their type of magic depending on their genetics. Hybrids, like two of my central characters, are feared as they have cross genetics and can command more than one type of power. The high races – elves, gargoyles, welkin and shifters – rely on bonds and oaths to make partnerships and alliances. 

Can you tell us a bit more about your characters? Do you have a favourite type of character you enjoy writing?

The series unfolds through the intertwined perspectives of its three central characters, offering readers a deep and intimate understanding of their individual journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.

• Eira Mackay, the determined doctor who grapples with the burden of her hidden power to heal and the ethical dilemmas it presents of being discovered by the Dark. She is left exposed when she heals the virus from a rebel captain.
• Captain Cole Hawkins finds himself thrust into a realm of magic unlike anything he’s ever known. He is no stranger to danger and adversity, but when he becomes injured deep in enemy territory, he must confront his own vulnerabilities and rely on the kindness of strangers to survive.
• Oran offers a deeply personal exploration of identity, heritage, and the search for acceptance. He carries within him a hidden truth that he has long kept buried. But when he is tasked with a mission to hunt down a powerful artefact, he finds another which is like him.

The humour and camaraderie among the characters breathe life into the narrative, infusing it with warmth and relatability. A fast-burning romance blossoms between Eira and Cole. As they find solace and strength in each other’s arms, forging a connection that transcends everything. The tropes of chosen family and soul mates is a strong theme within my books.

Oran holds a special place in my heart. He’s a complex character with a unique background, being half-gargoyle and half-elf. This hybrid heritage makes him physically distinctive, which sets him apart from others within his clan. However, it also brings about challenges for him, as his powers and appearance make him the subject of jealousy and suspicion among his peers.

What (or who) are your most significant fantasy/sci-fi influences? Are there any creators whom you dream of working with someday?

Recently, I watched the X-Men films, and it struck me how much they had influenced the themes and dynamics within my books. The abuse and prejudice against mutations, as well as the struggle to control those mutations, are very strong influences in Equal Rise. The X-Men series explores themes of discrimination, identity, and the fear of the unknown, all of which resonate deeply in Equal Rise. The way mutants are ostracised and persecuted in X-Men parallels the treatment of magical beings in my series. This struggle for acceptance and control over one’s abilities is central to my characters’ journeys.

I love everything Marvel – so maybe one day! One can dream!

 We see such varying opinions from authors when it comes to the time of editing their books. How have you found the editing process? Enjoyable, stressful or satisfying?

I feel that the editing process is very important, especially with my dyslexia. I can’t stress how much value a good copyeditor and proofreader adds to the writing process. I found an amazing local one who has done all of my books to date. I found the process quite enjoyable, as a third person’s perspective helped greatly.

We always appreciate a beautiful book cover! How involved in the process were you? Was there a particular aesthetic you hoped they’d portray?

Well, I actually designed the book covers myself. I am an interior designer by trade and have always been good at illustrating so I took on the task myself. I had a very clear idea of how I wanted the series to look, so it was the case of experimenting with ideas, textures and colours, until I got it right. 

To ensure the covers stood out, I aimed for a unique and eye-catching design that immediately conveyed the tone of the books. Additionally, I wanted the covers to have a cohesive look across the series, so I maintained a consistent style while allowing each cover to have its own distinctive elements. This helps create a strong visual identity that readers can instantly recognize.

The world shifts, and you find yourself with an extra day on your hands during which you’re not allowed to write. How do you choose to spend the day?

This is such a hard question as I am always writing, reading or drawing. I would have to go for a simple answer; I would spend a day with my husband and daughters either on the beach or Dartmoor.

I love the tranquillity and the chance to disconnect from the usual hustle. The beach offers a calming atmosphere with the sound of the waves and the open sky, which is perfect for relaxation and family time. Dartmoor, on the other hand, is beautiful and rugged, offering a sense of adventure and exploration. Both places allow me to recharge and create wonderful memories with my family.

One of our favourite questions here on the Fantasy Hive: which fantastical creature would you ride into battle and why?

In Bond of Eternity, I introduce thunderbirds as transportation to my characters. They are huge birds, which can create gales with their wing flaps, draw the cloud as invisibility around them and produce thunderstorms. I would love to ride one into battle as they could topple the enemy with one wing flap and snap them up in their sharp beaks. The influence behind these birds came from Native American mythology. I wanted to choose a different creature which I hadn’t of read about before, something different to the norm which seems to be dragons.

Tell us about a book you love. Any hidden gems?

This is such a hard question as I read so much fantasy. One of the books which I read a long time ago, but has stayed with me is Stranger the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. It was such a rare type of book that had its own genre, which I still can’t explain to this day. The world building was eloquent, plot twists heartbreaking and the characters finding their way in life so endearing that it is one of my favourite books to this day.

Can you tell us a little something about your current work(s) in progress? Have you any upcoming projects which you can share?

I have finished editing back the next three books in the Equal Rise Series, and they are due to go to my copyeditor. I am playing around with a story based in Devon in the 1700. It has a loose tie with Equal Rise, and tells the story of how two of my characters met, invoking themes of class division, gangster culture and forced decisions at a time of instability. 

Are you planning anything fun to celebrate your release of Bond of Eternity? Do you have any upcoming virtual events our readers may be interested in?

The release of Bond of Eternity, coincides with my husband’s birthday, so we both have the day off and are going to celebrate both with a day together. Bond of Eternity, is starting its virtual book tour in a few weeks, so there’s going to be loads of reviews and things happening on social media. 

Finally, what is the one thing you hope readers take away from your writing?

The one thing I hope readers take away from my writing is a sense of resilience and hope. Despite the darkness and challenges my characters face, their journeys are ultimately about finding inner strength and fighting for a better world. I want readers to feel empowered and inspired to face their own challenges with courage and determination, and to believe that even in the toughest times, there is always a possibility for change and growth.

Thank you so much for joining us today!