The ‘Bloodwitch Trilogy’ - Lily Rooke

It is my immense pleasure this week to introduce you to/write about an author that I’ve had the privilege of connecting with through social media and delight of reading their books. I have been following the writing journey of the wondrous Lily Rooke since approximately 2020, when I began seriously considering my own. They were an incredible inspiration – fearlessly sharing snippets of their work, constantly encouraging/supporting/praising other creatives and throwing themselves wholeheartedly into their writing, reading and reviewing.

It seems fitting to be writing this blog at present, as we are on the eve of Lily’s second book release (1st August, 2022). They are about to launch ‘We Become Shadows’ the second/sequel novel in the ‘Bloodwitch Trilogy’; a captivating, confronting and beautiful dark fantasy that I’m beyond mildly obsessed with. I genuinely cannot speak highly of Lily Rooke, so I sincerely hope that that admiration, adoration and respect comes through in my blog!

Lily’s Instagram tagline reads: ‘LGBTQ+ Dark Fantasy author – author of dark fantasy LGBTQ+ witchy books’. As a writer they have authored two novels (both of which I can vouch for the unfathomable quality of) – ‘The Dying Light’ and ‘We Become Shadows’. Both novels also included insightful and intriguing prequel stories [‘A Swallow’s Flight’ and ‘Embers Burning Bright’] cleverly placed at the back of the novels to offer further depth and meaning to the main plot and characterisation.

These novels, as part of the ‘Bloodwitch Trilogy’ (to be followed up by ‘Morning Star Rising’), tell the story of Charlie Carroway, a charismatic, ‘back consistently up against the wall’, ‘take no prisoners’ protagonist that you cannot help but love despite his often questionable choices. Charlie, manages to escape a nightmarish (for want of a worse word) childhood and spend three years with a new foster family whom he adores. However, as fate often has it, an old enemy resurfaces, setting their sights on Charlie’s loved ones and he has no choice (for many reasons, including his strong moral code and values) but to save them from the monsters. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg…

Lily’s works are so thoughtful and detailed that they include a context briefing, comprehensive content warnings, a cultural explanation for language/diminutives used (I love new things every day!), suggestions on how to read and enjoy the main novel and the prequel stories and a complete soundtrack! Honestly, could you ask for anything more? They’ve thought of everything!

Fittingly Lily’s current goal is to complete the Bloodwitch Series with the publication of ‘Morning Star Rising’ (mark your diaries for a tentative 2023 launch!! And put your hands together for how prolific Lily’s work is – 3 insanely powerful books in 3 years! #goals) I personally love how Lily is working against the grain by trying not to buy into the ‘hamster wheel’ of productivity and endless ambition, but is rather choosing to take it slow. [Can I get an ‘amen’?!?] They say that little by little they are learning that it is better for them not to look to far into the future but to focus on the ‘now’. On putting one foot in front of the other until they’ve come to the end of their current journey. What a beautiful way to look at it!

They say that once they’ve reached the fork in the road that comes at/after the completion of the trilogy, they will rest for a while and then choose their next path. Rest, and ‘productive rest’ are such common themes in the writing community, whether we admit it aloud or not. And I know that it’s something I really struggle with...

There are so many unwritten rules about social media engagement, progress, how prolific you are, finding an audience, meeting deadlines etc. Yet, the truth of the matter is that writing is individual to everyone, and it truly doesn’t look the same for anyone. But, one thing that is tested, tried and true, is that rest is needed. Creatives can’t create without some downtime, time away from projects and time spent on themselves or their wellbeing. Constantly working just leads to creative burn out and writer’s block. So, kudos to Lily for knowing themselves well enough to say that they’ll need a rest/pause before the next exciting thing they choose to embark on.

I have to agree with them when they say, “It’s kind of exciting to think what might be lying ahead, because right now it’s all a big question mark.” I think we can all relate to that confusion, questioning and uncertainty that comes as we travel through our lives. But, if I’m sure of anything, it’s that whatever Lily moves onto next, they will bring their touch of ‘magic’ with them.

One of my favourite parts of this ‘Project Passion’ endeavour is getting to peek ‘behind the curtain’ if you will of different creatives. Who they were before they started pursuing their passion, and how their project of passion came into being. It’s lovely to unravel the layers of these interesting people to see how everything came to be!

Lily’s story is a rich and interesting one. Although they live in Tokyo with their husband, they were originally from the United Kingdom. It turns out that we don’t just have writing in common, but in fact teaching too. Before taking to full time writing, Lily was an English teacher, who then made the move into Special Education where they specialized in supporting students from the ages of 4 – 18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as those struggling with mental health disorders and/or severe behavioural difficulties. And for that, I take my hat off to them. Teaching, whilst rewarding, is an incredibly challenging career. But any teacher will tell you just how amazing the teachers who work in Special Education and schools for Emotionally/Behaviourally Disturbed students are. It is through their career in this area, that Lily was able to live and work in Berlin, Germany; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Osaka Japan.

These two sides of Lily are so different – the ‘teacher/educator/facilitator/supporter’ and the ‘creator/writer’, that I was naturally drawn to the origin story of ‘The Bloodwitch Trilogy’. Yet, surprisingly I found that despite their differences, both career choices and life paths seemed to intersect, rather than diverging. And it was in fact, whilst teaching that Charlie came to be…

A few years ago, whilst working as a Special Education Needs Coordinator in Berlin, Lily was simultaneously brushing their teeth and daydreaming. The vivid daydream was about a teenage boy, sitting on a window ledge in a rundown basement, surrounded by small children. [I have to admit, as a writer and a reader, there is just something so alluring about a scene like that – the quiet contemplation, the small, seemingly ‘insignificant’ character juxtaposed with world outside their domicile].

Although at the time Lily was unsure of how any of the characters had come to be there, or how they were connected at all really, Lily sensed that Charlie was telling them a bedtime story. [I have to say, that this instance in ‘The Dying Light’ tugs on the heart strings, like so many other beautiful moments in Lily’s writing. I think many of us as readers and writers have fond memories of bedtime stories – whether written or oral]. What perhaps struck Lily most strongly in that moment was how they knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Charlie would do anything to protect those children. To be the hero. The knight in shining armour (who slayed the monsters, one by one).

At the time that Charlie drifted into Lily’s consciousness, they had lots of unfinished stories floating around on their laptop. However, Charlie was tangible. Real. Alive. He had introduced himself to Lily with such clarity and purpose, that it was clear he was here to stay (And can I say – I’m so glad that he did! Because wow!)

Lily has such a beautiful turn of phrase in their everyday writing, as well as their novels and I honestly live for the moments where they talk about their characters, because Lily gives them life, depth and consciousness. From that daydream onwards, Lily began to build a rapport and relationship with Charlie, like they had all of the wonderful children they had had the privilege of working with over the years. And it was through this honest, open, safe space that little by little Lily was able to hear Charlie’s voice. Once the words began to flow, it became apparent just how intense, powerful and inspiring Charlie’s story would be.

Charlie’s story, although unfinished at present, is an important narrative about survival, courage, the strength of family/connections and the future you carve out for yourself. It’s about trauma, mental health, hidden gifts, communication, empathy and compassion. For a dark fantasy novel, it is so real, raw and revealing. It’s impact is tangible and it stays with you long after you’ve read the last page.

What took Lily perhaps a little longer to realise, was just how much telling Charlie’s story was saving theirs. [and I would be willing to say, many others as well!]

As a full-time teacher, and a part-time writer (can you say that, if you rarely write? - I’m claiming it…) I’ve come to realise just how challenging balancing passions, purpose and professions can be. It’s a contributing factor to why I’m so drawn to Lily’s social media, writing journey and work. I would LOVE to be writing full-time and to immerse myself in another world for long periods of time. But interestingly, while Lily appears to be living some people’s dreams, it wasn’t always part of the plan…

The last two years have seen Lily writing, reading and reviewing at a rate that has me both in awe and shock. And what’s even more astounding is the level of professionalism and ‘magic’ they bring to all facets of what they do! I kid you not, their reviews are so impressively knowledgeable and thought provoking (and I’ve had to get out a dictionary a time or two, I won’t lie!) Then there’s the matter of their spectacular books!

However, 2020, 2021 and 2022 could have looked rather different it appears…

When asked, Lily stated that their whole career had been in different Special Education roles, in various school settings and that they still consider themselves to be “an educator at heart”. [This statement made me smile, because I see it so often – the beautiful wording of reviews, the subtle details like symbolism in novels that could easily be overlooked had you not known to look for them, the constant encouragement of other writings on the ‘gram! They scream “I’m an amazingly nice person” and “I’ve definitely worked in education” simultaneously…

Unfortunately, though, like so many others around the world, Lily was affected by the global pandemic. The way travel restrictions and VISA delays worked out during the crisis, it was vital for Lily to turn inwards and look after their mental health and wellbeing for a while. Something I think a vast number of us found ourselves doing…

In the present moment, the plan is to complete the trilogy and then to reassess the situation. To take some serious time out to deeply ponder what they want to do with their life. [Cue the applause!] I really love the way Lily builds purposeful pause and reflection into their life. The way that they mindfully slow aspects of their life, to participate in self-care, productive rest and what is best for them. Not what society tells them.

But perhaps most of all, I love that there’s every possibility that Lily will find something completely different again to go out and do. [And undoubtedly smash out of the park!] There’s such a large part of me that jumps for joy when I hear people talking about not staying in one profession forever. About chasing their dreams. About being unsure where to go next. About not having the next step figured out.

Why do we have to?

If that didn’t drive home the utmost respect I have for this empowered, badass, their answer about inspiration definitely did! I LOVE that a lot of Lily’s creative energy comes from themselves. That they are their own muse! On a couple of occasions, Lily has shared the wonderfully inspiring quote by Toni Morrison that states “If there’s a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” And Lily did! What a ‘mic drop’/’boss’ move.

It doesn’t matter how many times read that quote, I always feel re-invigorated by it. Like it’s a personal message to keep on, keeping on!

Lily tells me that most days they are powered by a mix of stubbornness, spite and herbal tea. [Possibly a slightly healthier version than alcohol, cigarettes and regrets, like so many other ‘classic’ artists?] Lily’s deep-seated drive to raise their voice and speak up about issues they believe in whether on behalf of their ‘inner child’ who suffered so long in silence or for others who can see themselves or a loved one in Lily’s work is beyond admirable. Being that voice, example and space is brave, painstaking, nerve-wracking, anxiety-inducing and overwhelming. Yet, they do it time and time again.

Often, like a true empath, Lily will read a news story that sparks something inside their heart and they need to write to process their emotions. As another empath (that many would label a ‘sensitive soul’) I can relate so deeply to the challenges Lily faces trying to navigate the world without feeling overwhelmed. You only have to turn on your television set to be greeted with the daily forecast of ‘doom and gloom’…

Yet, Lily turns all of that on its head and provides so much hope and positivity. Writing is their means of existing. Of sustaining/maintaining a kind of internal balance. When Lily loses faith or doubts the path, they gently remind themselves of the promise they made Charlie. The promise that if he let Lily tell his story, they would tell it to completion and the best of their ability. A beautiful moment between an author and their main character.

I say that, yet Charlie is so much more than a main character. He is the embodiment of so many sufferers and survivors all around the world. Of the ‘down on their luck’, ‘system is rigged against them’, ‘odd are never in their favour’ youths and adults who find themselves in cycles they can’t escape. He is trauma incarnate. Pain. Anguish. Feelings of abandonment. Uncertainty. Attachment issues. Issues communicating. A child forced into adulthood. A person lost in the system.

But, for all that, he is also kind. Protective. Loving. Affectionate. Strong. Dependable. Committed. Self-sacrificing. Gentle. Reflective. Fiercely loyal.

In teaching they tell you, that the child that marks your life the most difficult (or as they put it, is ‘hard to love’) needs you love and care the most. They’re not wrong! And the same goes for novels. Charlie is an intense, at times irrational, intriguing, very misunderstood lead whom you couldn’t love more if you tried. [And believe me – us Bloodwitch fans have!]

It’s at this point that I’m literally DYING to mention our other leading gentleman – and I do not use that term wisely. Vasco Kovalev. A man whose name has been inside Lily’s head since they were 15. A fun fact for those who don’t know Lily, is that Vasco Kovalev was the main love interest in every one of their Works In Progress (WIPs). He’s been a long-lost prince and a rebel leader amongst numerous other roles. But his manner and demeanour have never been altered. He’s always remained a serious, sensitive and somewhat misunderstood character. Lily’s one rule for Vasco was that once he figured out his feelings (he is best described as ‘Questioning’ and demisexual, whilst fighting religious shame and some internalized homophobia) he would always treat Charlie well. And they delivered! Ten-fold.

Vasco is a light in the darkness. His integrity, authenticity and humility are palpable. He loves fiercely, but has such a gentle, compassionate and empathetic side. Despite everything he has endured (for he too could be classified as a ‘survivor’) he is kind-hearted, warm and attentive. This side of him becomes particularly noticeable in ‘We Become Shadow’ and the audience are fully supportive!

Lily openly admits that their favourite part about Vasco is his steadfast dedication. Lead by his strong values and driven by the need to prove himself worthy, Vasco spent years mentally, emotionally and physically trapped. This conflict comes to a climax when he meets Charlie in ‘The Dying Light’ and feel compelled to walk away from everything he’s ever known and been told. Vasco willingly steps up to the challenge with unfaltering kindness, patience, understanding and commitment. Experiencing his character arc over the two published books has been such a pleasure as a reader, that I can only imagine the feelings Lily has!

Despite the impressive novels Lily has written and the social media they have built for themselves, Lily does not in fact have any education or qualifications in creative writing. [Which I sincerely hope encourages all of you budding writers out there who are doubting yourself!] Although Lily can see the merit in having a formal education in writing, they personally hold the belief that “if you write, you’re a writer; and if you finish a book, you’re an author and if you publish that book, then you’re a published author.” It’s simple and to the point, but it’s so true! If you write, you are in fact a writer! And if you finish a book, then you can use the title author! It’s not about how you publish or what your sales are like. It’s the act of writing.

Which brings me to the concept of success. Because, in my eyes Lily is the absolute epitome of it in so many ways. I would love to bottle their creativity, intelligence and storytelling and use it for my own writing projects! Lily has definitely arrived on the writing scene and made it their own. There’s no doubt about it!

As a writer myself (albeit a part-time, amateur, ‘lost as all hell’ one) I found a lot of wisdom and food for thought in Lily’s answer. They stated that to their mind, success is informed by your own personal values and that it’s better if it’s determined by internal factors rather than external validation. [Which I think is exactly where a lot of us, myself included, come unstuck…] That concept certainly makes it more achievable and rewarding! As an Indie author with two books now on the market, Lily says that it’s important for aspiring authors to get intensely realistic about their prospects of success in the ‘traditional’ sense. For them to understand what they want to write and why they want to write it. Lily reminds us thar if you only consider yourself successful when you’ve got an agent, have signed with a publishing house, land a six figure book deal or secure a place on the New York Times Bestseller list then you’re in for a rude awakening and a crushed heart! [I can confirm both of these outcomes, because I have done both to myself – I DO NOT recommend it!]

To combat this, Lily tries to focus on the small ‘ins’/successes that they can regularly achieve. Writing is a long slog full of moments that leave you questioning your choices and your abilities. [It can be soul crushing – reviews, ratings, feedback, opinions…] Success can shift depending on your current projects too. For instance, hen Lily is drafting, each completed chapter is a success. On bad days where the words flow about as well as quicksand, sitting down and pushing through to produce some words on the page is a success. Writing ‘The End’ is definitely a success! The first draft (a ‘heart draft’ as Lily calls it), the second redraft, and the third, and every day of editing after that where you spend eight or more hours on a couple of pages exactly right counts as a success! [I would like to point out that each of these redrafts and edits was worth it – Lily’s books are magic. Pure magic! The words blow my mind. The description. The visualisation….ALL of it!]

It is Lily’s firm belief that we must validate ourselves as writers and creatives first. Because, we could spend years working on a book that we’ve poured our heart and soul into, for a reader to burn through it in a matter of hours and tear it to pieces with their vicious rhetoric in a review. [In this way, it reminds me of planning a wedding or writing student reports – you can’t please everyone!] But, as Lily reminded me, that’s the nature of out. It’s subjective. The reason we write and create has to be bigger than ‘to be famous’, ‘to get rich’ and ‘so people will like me’. We cannot control anything or anyone outside ourselves. And it’s useless to try.

So, whilst Lily still has goals around the number of books they sell each month (or would like to sell each month), that’s more to analyse marketing strategies and social media reach. Success to Lily is doing their characters justice and telling their story to the best of their ability. These books won’t be for everyone. They were never supposed to be. They are NOT a ‘holiday’ read. They are NOT escapism. These books (and their stories) are first and foremost for Lily. An amazingly strong, incredibly talented, seriously empathetic/compassionate, utterly kind-hearted and encouragement person who has been through so much, yet dedicates literal years to writing a story that will mean more than words can say to so many.

If by now, you’re not already astounded by Lily’s fantastic work ethic and writing prowess, then perhaps consider that profits from all sales go to charities that assist and support child sexual abuse survivors. Not only is Lily using their voice to tell their story (a very real, raw and unfortunately for many relatable story) even when their ‘voice shakes’, but they are directing their hard earned proceeds into a better future for other people.

These books are not about sales. They’re not about fame. They’re about attacking the real issues of the world. And creating a safe space for those who feel like they don’t belong. These books offer so much to so many disadvantages, ‘othered’ groups and I think that makes Lily’s power beyond measure.

And it’s in these moments, when I reflect on awe-inspiring books like ‘The Dying Light’ and ‘We Become Shadows’ (862 pages in a paperback – yes, read that again! 862!) that I wonder how any of us will ever get close to the magic Lily has produced and continues to produce…

Which is precisely why I LOVE asking my interviewees about the personality traits they feel people in their chosen field should have and the pieces of advice they would give future creatives. Lily was bang on with their choice of personality trait. A willingness to read and write a lot, goes without saying. But arguably the most important thing is resilience and adaptability. Lily says it’s about the ability to take critique, to discern which voices should be listened to (and which should be ignored), having inner faith, showing yourself patience, strong vision, endless humility and consistent determination. Beyond that, Lily says that curiosity probably sums it up best. But not curiosity for one thing in particular, but more curiosity for something that grabs you and won’t let go. That incessant itch that you can only scratch by using your own words and experiences.

Hence, Lily’s advice is simple – never give up! Always believe in yourself and the story you want (edit: NEED) to tell. Your writing may not be for everyone, but it will be everything to someone. And some of those ‘someones’ may be more grateful and touched to be able to read your words than you ever thought was humanly possible. So stay the course!

As for writing itself, and productivity hacks that help to get those words on the page, Lily’s productivity is currently more out of necessity than intention. If they’re working somewhere unusual, or out of routine, they disconnect from the internet, open up their document and write. The hardest part (as any writer will openly admit I’m sure) is getting into the ‘flow state’. So, naturally, if you can keep yourself focused for a few minutes until everything else fades into the background, before you know it hours will have gone by without you even realizing it!

And if you didn’t think that that was advice enough (because gosh have I learned plenty!) Lily’s own question for themselves is both inspiring and helpful. Each interviewee is welcome to add their own question that they wished I, as the interviewer had asked them. Lily question was “If I am starting out on my creative journey as a writer, how can I build my community?”

Their answer was: “Writing can be an isolating experience, but it doesn’t have to be! I would recommend getting involved with #TheWriterCommunity on Instagram. Search the hashtag, and you’ll find lots of writers and authors at various stages of their careers discussing their books and their writing process. @the_writer_community is the main account, and the four moderators post regular content with which you can engage and meet other creatives. You might be looking for a critique partner, beta readers, ARC readers, or just friends to connect with who are going through the same journey as you, and whatever you’re looking for, you’re likely to start feeling much less alone if you start commenting on other people’s posts or send someone a quick, friendly DM, even if it feels scary at first.”

I can most certainly vouch for this advice, because the Instagram writing community was precisely how I came across Lily and I am regularly grateful for us crossing paths! I am also gaining the confidence to spread my wings within the community and become an ARC reader for both Lily and another writer friend I’ve connected with, whilst also reading and reviewing other material. The writing community is such a fun, fabulous, fantastical rabbit hole to fall into – I highly recommend having a squiz at it!

So, without further adieu, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Lily all the best with their launch of ‘We Become Shadows’ and their future endeavours with ‘Morning Star Rising’. I for one am already sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation of its release. [At least the break will offer some solace after the killer ending in ‘We Become Shadows’! – You have been warned!] Whilst Lily says that the horizon is a little too distance to clearly see what comes next” they feel that most days it looks bright and I would most certainly have to agree with that!

If you’d like to see Lily’s amazing work for yourself, or follow her socials, o witness the frantic scribbles of dialogue from her notebook or WIPs before she forgets them or whilst she is surrounded by half-consumed cups of herbal tea, please see the links below:

Instagram: @lilyrookeauthor

Twitter: @lilyrookeauthor

TikTok: @lilyrookethebloodwitch

Website: www.emily-rooke.com

Goodreads: Emily Rooke