Rainbow Quest by Colin Gibbins
Two orphans, Shaun and Ava, from Cork in Ireland suffer constant bullying in their orphanage, making life miserable. The only thing making life worthwhile is the close bond they’ve developed for each other and their shared love of music. On a rare trip out of the orphanage, to Blarney Castle, they get separated from the others and eventually find themselves in a strange and eerie location. As they try to find a way out they follow a beautiful rainbow and meet a leprechaun, Louis O’Shay. They travel with Louis over the rainbow on a Quest – facing untold dangers, adventure and intrigue.
Author Interview with Colin Gibbins, author of Rainbow Quest
At what point did you decide to be an author and what was your path to publication?
I had to retire early to look after my wife who has Multiple Sclerosis and became her full time carer. As it was difficult to leave her on her own I took up writing as an indoor hobby. I tried to find a publisher but they did not accept unsolicited work and eventually found Self Publishing Partnership who I heard of through another local author, Sheila Quigley. They have worked with me step by step and I would recommend them to any would-be authors.
What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?
I prefer to finish my current project first.
Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot and plan, or is your writing more organic?
I decide on a theme, in this case bullying, then create a protagonist who leads me on through the story.
Tell us what you enjoy most about writing fantasy.
Writing fantasy seems to transport me to a mystical world and my current worries and problems disappear.
Describe the book in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
Two vulnerable children, victims of bullying, become heroes in a far off distant land. (Sorry, failed the 10 word test!)
Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?
Victims of bullying do not have to accept the bullying and remain victims – stand up, be proud and happiness and success is possible.
What has been the toughest criticism you have received as an author? What has been the best compliment?
Luckily, I have received no criticism to date, and the best compliment one of my readers has given me was that they could picture the landscapes, and hear the sounds of nature and music described within the adventure.
What is your favorite line from your book?
The three of them stood in silence, their senses tingling as they tried to take in the sights, smells and sounds that were around them. A large lake shimmered like silver under the clear, moonlit sky, with an array of twinkling stars, their reflections dancing on the surface.
To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?
My favourite chapter is Chapter 5, where Shaun and Ava travel over the rainbow with the Leprechaun, Louis, to Colgilor where they meet the Grey Elf who prepares them for their dangerous quest with the help of magic.
About the Author
Colin began his career in the building industry studying at Newcastle Polytechnic where he gained a degree in building works. Colin worked within the Department of Public Works, first as a plumber and going on to become a Junior Quantity Surveyor.
Colin continued to study his craft at Charles Trevelyan College in Newcastle upon Tyne, and was ‘top student’ in his field at Trevelyan and second top student in the country. Colin spent time as Quantity Surveyor working in Iran and was soon ‘head hunted’ to become a project manager.
Colin enjoyed the luxurious living quarters and swimming pool which accompanied his post and had a chauffer driven car to take him where he needed to go. Colin returned to England and worked on several restoration projects within Durham City and the local surrounding area.
Colin retired from the building industry to take care of his wife who has MS. With time on his hands Colin took up writing as a hobby. He has worked with and been coached by Northern Film Media, and has discovered his ‘passion’ for writing about adventure. Colin’s first book to be published is Rainbow Quest and he has high hopes for this and is busy working on the sequel.
Great interview! I can certainly see where this story could lend itself to vivid imagery. And I like that bullying is the central topic. Very relevant. 🙂
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