Authors Interviewing Characters: Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin

Author Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin interviews Elizabeth, the female protagonist in the first novel of her trilogy, Sacrifices For Kingdoms—A contemporary romance following the passionate love story between Elizabeth, a sophisticated activist, and Michael, a European Prince with hidden ambitions, and their other loves, lives, and lies. Filled with passion, danger, and intrigue, their journey crosses continents and cultures, places and races, as they navigate secrets, societal pressures, and decisions as to which kingdom gets sacrificed. The story delves into provocative themes of love, eroticism, religion, environmentalism, and sexism, giving it an extra dimension.

Patricia: Despite going through severe heartache, you remain a romantic fool. How do you manage to “keep the faith?”

Elizabeth: [laughing] I guess I really believe the saying that “Love makes the world go round.” Romance can bring such joy and fun into the most ordinary of lives, even if there is heartache at some stage. It may take time, but somehow, the human spirit finds the strength to get beyond a destructive love that can happen in one’s lifetime. We all have that inherent need to be loved, which leads us to love in return. The sweetness of a romance and the memory of it never really leaves us.

Patricia: Unlike most women of today, who eventually get over an infidelity, why did the one you experienced almost destroy you?

Elizabeth: My love worshiped me. As I did him. Our passionate relationship was based on devoted love for each other. We were partners in every sense of the word, including in business. I was raised with a strong sense of integrity and honesty, I believed he was too. It was beyond my imagination that he could ever betray me, with all that we had been through and triumphed over. It still upsets me to think about the whole thing.

Patricia: Did you ever forgive him?

Elizabeth: Even now, I still don’t know. But my family’s support, and my inherent need to love passionately, has enabled me to recover from that depressing situation. 

Patricia: [smiling] Yes, I gather that. The enjoyment of sex seems to play quite a role in your life. 

Elizabeth: Yes. It’s important to have similar desires to the person you are in love with. I have been fortunate to have learned that it was normal to revel in enjoying copious sex with my loved one, that it was not simply a means for procreation. Especially as I, like too many females, had to learn how to embrace my sexuality in a patriarchally religious world that has repressed this aspect, and made females feel guilty for desiring the same pleasure men have been encouraged to feel entitled to for millennia.

Patricia: Do you think sex is more enjoyable in a committed relationship?

Elizabeth: Definitely. Couples are more comfortable, connected, communicative, and free to indulge in their fantasies, which brings them even closer. In recent times, many screen-stories show people having sex shortly after meeting, and it’s usually rough, ripping clothes off, etc. It’s demeaning, and gives the impression that rough, quick sex is normal or fulfilling. Lasting loving relationships are not built on passion alone. 

Patricia: Okay, let’s move on. What’s a personal value or belief that you’ve had to stand up for, even if it meant disagreeing with a loved one? 

Elizabeth: I’ve had to stand up to a loved one about continuing my equality speeches, “God Has No Gender.” 

Patricia: Even when it is dangerous and controversial? Why take the risk?

Elizabeth: People need to be educated about what kinds of people invented the concept: “There’s only one God and it’s male,” and why. This led to the planet being run by unbalanced, discriminatory, and divisive Patriarchy. Learning and sharing the truth is the only way to bring peace, equality, and save humanity, as well as our endangered planet.

Patricia: What led you to this truth?

Elizabeth: Research. Reading, studying, going to seminars, partaking in educational courses, and much world-traveling, primarily to countries with notable historical sites, ruins, shrines, etc, in regards to religions with female and male gods. 

Patricia: How do you handle moments of insecurity or self-doubt?

Elizabeth: My parents instilled a sense of humble confidence in me from young. My mother used to say, “Do not put on airs, act better than others, but neither let anyone denigrate you, because sure as hell, nobody’s better than you!” I delve into that indoctrination in my mind and find my inner strengths.

Patricia: You have a great love of music. What influenced that?

Elizabeth: Growing up on the culturally diverse Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, which are next to South America, in a home with European and North American influences, I was exposed to the widest variety of music from all over the world. Music feeds my soul. I enjoy songs in nearly every language, and the experiences of countless different sounds and vibrations. They bring out the full spectrum of emotions in me, ranging all the way from happy to sad, and love to grief, while always remaining inspirational and enjoyable in some way.

Patricia: What are the primary things you’ve learned about yourself throughout your life journey thus far?

Elizabeth:  I have come to realize each of us is our own kingdom, for which we make sacrifices. My journey has taught me that I am inherently an unconditional lover of people. I survive heartaches, and even sacrifice for my loved ones’ kingdoms. We humans have an inherent need for enjoyment of life, and a relentless instinct for survival.

Patricia: How do you feel about the sacrifices you’ve made—do you regret any of them, or do they give you a sense of fulfillment?

Elizabeth: I still feel torn sometimes. Looking back, I question what it would have been like had I chosen an alternative route. But there’s no point in regretting. Most sacrifices I’ve made were necessary to “keep the peace,” so to speak. And peace is rewarding. So there’s definitely a sense of fulfillment in that. 

Patricia: What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for the sake of your relationship? 

Elizabeth: My Kingdom for his!

—

Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin was born in Trinidad of British and French ancestry. She was educated there, the UK, and the US. She is a world-traveler and an award-winning artist, famous for developing her “Unique Stainings on Wood.” Although she has composed poetry, Sacrifices For Kingdoms is her first novel. She lives in Florida with her husband, and has three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

COMING SOON

The much awaited sequel, Sacrifices Beyond Kingdoms

and

The final book in the trilogy, Sacrifices And Triumphs

SACRIFICES FOR KINGDOMS

When Elizabeth, a sophisticated beauty from exotic Trinidad, meets Michael, a European prince and the world’s most eligible bachelor, they’re irresistibly drawn to each other. As their love deepens, Michael attempts to unravel the mystery of Elizabeth’s past. The life-changing secrets they both hide threaten to shatter their idyllic world.

Elizabeth uses public speaking to help fund the children’s charity she founded, but her passionate speeches on “God Has No Gender,” draw the wrath of religious extremists. Despite his fears for her safety, Michael can’t persuade Elizabeth to stop giving her speeches. 

After an assassin’s bullet hits its mark, shocking secrets are revealed and loyalties divided. Her formidable quandary is how to eventually save the two opposing Kingdoms she flabbergastingly discovers she loves equally.

BUY HERE

*****

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Interviews, On Writing