L. Bossi is a professional artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. She has 10 years of experience in footwear and fashion design and over 15 years in graphic design.
Trained for the game industry at DigiPen Institute of Technology, L. Bossi currently works as a freelance artist to the industry, as well as doing private commissions and contract graphic design work.
With an intimate love for both art and writing since early childhood, L. Bossi has used The Enpirion Project to bring both together in a trilogy of fully illustrated fantasy novels. This one-on-one interview shares L. Bossi’s background and experience in writing The Enpirion Project. The first book, Exordium, was a semi-finalist in the North Street Book Prize.
Tell us about The Enpirion Project.
The Enpirion Project is a trilogy of high-fantasy illustrated novels, with each book featuring hundreds of illustrations. The Project itself contains 1000+ pieces ranging from concept sketches to full paintings.
Set in the fantastical world of Aetrelys, home to the energy-wielding Seri race, the trilogy opens with Enpirion (Piri), a gifted soldier who awakens from a terrible ordeal that has left him with both physical and mental scars. Desperately trying to cope with his issues, he is drawn into a life-altering situation that begins to quickly spiral out of control. In the series, Piri finds himself having to confront issues with his culture, loyalties, and a newly arising realization of who he is, as he struggles to save everything he knows from destruction.
The series has been a labor of love that has spanned many years. Every character and place contained within has a fully documented backstory. There are mini animations and storyboards, merchandise, plans for other novels and stories and much more. For me, this is an ever-continuing journey and I would love to have you along for the ride.
What inspired you to write The Enpirion Project?
While I’ve been writing since childhood, at heart I’m an artist, and I never actually set out to write a book series…it sort of just happened!
The Enpirion Project was born from a series of intense dreams I had while I was working on my BFA. The art began long before the writing, as I spent all non-school time doodling the world of Aetrelys.
While it seems odd, I don’t take credit for creating the story or characters. They introduced themselves to me and are as real in my mind as anyone I know. I met Piri first, and, while it took some time, I was eventually brought into his inner circle. Rather than actively creating or forcing something, I simply listened to what the characters told me and wrote it down.
How did your background and experience influence your writing?
My entire life has been centered around story and art of the fantastic variety.
I’ve not only been writing and drawing since I was a child, but my business background ranges from marketing and sales to design and illustration. I was formerly a fashion designer and graphic designer, creating everything from footwear and apparel to trade show booths and marketing materials.
In addition, as part of my DigiPen degree, I was trained in far more than just art; I honed my craft as a professional writer and storyteller, as well.
The Enpirion Project has allowed me to merge my love for both art and writing together and create something special. I believe my unique background certainly gives me an edge in telling this story and giving it the artistry it deserves.
What is one message you would like readers to remember?
To any creative in any field, be yourself and be true to your own voice.
My books are extremely unique—from the topics they cover to the extensive artwork gracing their pages—and I faced a real uphill battle in the publishing industry because of that. There’s a lot of pressure to adhere to certain “norms” or fit into certain molds to make your work more mainstream, but I’ve never listened to any of that.
Always remember to do what you love, how you love doing it. Don’t ever let someone define your dreams for you!
Purchasing the Book
Immersive, captivating and unputdownable, the first two books of The Enpirion Project are available for sale through the author’s website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online bookstores. The concluding novel is coming in 2024!
Fans of high-fantasy, books with complex characters and social-emotional themes and art, are encouraged to purchase their copy today: www.piriproject.com/shop
Connect with L. Bossi
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Country: United States
Website: authornewsnetwork.com