Today we talk about Clobet Valley – The Durbey Dancer, a book by Terisha Govender published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Terisha Govender to get to know her better, how she chose the main characters of her book Clobet Valley – The Durbey Dancer, and if she sees some similarities between herself and the female protagonist of the story.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Where did you find the inspiration to write this story?
I had always loved writing, and wrote many songs and poems since I was a teenager. I was going through changes in my career at the time, and I decided to try my hand at writing a book. The story of Clobet Valleyand idea just flowed. The idea came to me quite easily, since I wanted to write a story about a Utopian world versus real life and its challenges. Also the realistic idea that humans are always bound by some kind of contract, like the Conploy’s are too Hendo enterprises. Technology advancements in Durbey and the use of science to create and illusion of magic is also an integral part of the story, something I have much interest in. My thoughts at the time centred on a young character who wasn’t very content with her Utopian lifestyle, she wanted more until the opportunity presented itself. Since I loved writing as a child, I think it was the perfect time to make my passion more serious.
- How much of you is there, in the protagonist of the novel?
I feel that Floza is an adventurous and confident young lady who overcomes many challenges. She accepts change and the purpose of her journey is to save her father (that is in the first book). I feel that some of me could be in this character, without me intentionally aiming for this. Floza did have a big imagination, she is an opinionated, free thinker who expresses herself without boundaries. She always aims for the truth. I would consider myself to be the same. She is on a quest and serves the people around her, her friendships aid her to move forward and ultimately frees her at the end of the story. She doubts her capabilities as a dancer, the talent she disliked sets her free. I do see Floza as independent from myself, she is on a journey of self-discovery like most people are in real life. Floza is meant to be an inspiration to people who can relate to her odd and free spirited behaviour.
- Why have you chosen the panther as the animal which the protagonist of your book interacts with?
The panther is the dual animal persona of Mr. Hendo Wallen’s who the antagonist is. The fact that Mr. Hendo Wallen’s is a prudish and sly man, who has the capability of transforming into any animal he chooses to be Edor the panther. He is a shape shifter, and can assume any form in any time or place, hence he was Popsicle Mrs. Poppy’s pet. This is the power he possess, which he uses to build a city of illusion. For me a panther is a powerful animal, sly in disposition at times, tactful, all the characteristics that makes up Mr. Hendo Wallen’s. Mr. Hendo transforms into Edor when he is vengeful and on a mission. When he is content with the way things are going, he will assume his human form, a smart man who wears a top hat and green suit. His psyche is twisted in power and struggle with the elders of Clobet Valley (which we come to learn in the second book). Floza is in awe when she meets Edor, his charisma and charm lures her to the city of Durbey.
- How did it feel to see your first book published?
I was quite excited and happy with my accomplishment. It is a good feeling for any writer to have a book published. You put your heart and soul into completing your work, it’s like a piece of you on paper.The nice thing is that people get to experience your thoughts and vision. I had a good book launch and many people attended. Although it was my first book, I did create other unpublished works, such as songs and poems. This book paved the way for my career as a writer, it has given me inspiration to complete the Clobet Valley series and improve my writing skills too. It made me much more in love with writing and to pursue it as a part time career. The first book had also inspired me to make my book into a game, Clobet Valley War of Science is now an android game app available on Amazon app store. It’s free to download and play. The game features Floza on her journey and the protagonist Mr. Hendo.
Game link : https://www.amazon.com/Clobet-Valley-War-of-Science/dp/B088WXG7GV
- Are you planning to write more books?
Yes, I had published a middle grade novel in 2020 called ‘His Royal Chubbiness’. The story is about a royal family of chubs who rule with a love of food. The protagonist is His Royal Chubbiness and the antagonist Queen Adeline who is the mother of the protagonist. There are a lot of interesting themes in the story, about friendship, bullying and being one’s self. His Royal Chubbiness is available on Amazon.
Book Link https://www.amazon.com/His-Royal-Chubbiness-T-G-SHA-ebook/dp/B088TRFL3J
I am also working on completing the second book in the Clobet Valley series. I want to complete the series and aim to write more books in future.
Europe Books thanks the author Terisha Govender once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book Clobet Valley – The Durbey Dancer. We wish her the best of luck for this novel and for her future works.
To you, my dear reader, I wish you to let yourself be captured by this story and find new points of view and reflections that can accompany you in your introspective journey of all days.
So, my dear reader, I just have to wish you to enjoy this very interesting reading!!!
Your editor!