Author Biography
Stephen Sim lives in Scotland. He studied at the University of the West of Scotland, where he got a BA in Film-making and Screenwriting. Overcoming his dyslexia has been difficult, but his love for storytelling has driven him on. This is his first attempt at novel writing, although he has written some screenplays before. His interest in the Arthurian legends is recent, but his passion for history and in particular ancient history made the decision to explore King Arthur a easy one. The language of the book brought about many discussions from friends and family. Stephen wanted a slightly formal language, but knew that the common trend today is to write in a modern style. This of course makes a lot of sense, but if it sounds too modern it takes something away from the atmosphere of the time that you are writing about. So a compromise was made. Some modern diction might creep in, but on the whole it has a sensible and formal feel. The use of Latin names of places; such as Tintagol, Lundonia, and Eboracum also came about after much thought. The Romans ruled for four hundred years in Britain and their names (even today) continue to remain. Ever town that has a 'ester' in it comes from the Roman language. Welsh names also play a part in the story (after all Arthur came from Wales), but the author became aware that too much of that great language and readers might find it tough going. So a compromise again. Only a few Welsh names survived, example; Caerleon (a place in South Wales) is in fact due to archaeologist's recent finds, really Chester (North Wales). Finally, the author's interest in the Celtic Gods made for an interesting debate about theology which led to the inclusion of Joseph of Armathea's much questioned Holy relics. The author wasn't interested whether they exist or not, but whether people would believe that in the sixth century people might be hunting them.
