On today's Chosen One author interview, we talk to fantasy author and content creator Bronte-Marie Wesson about her traditional publishing debut, The Ascension of Souls - the first book in a new high fantasy series that she describes as her 'dark, queer Zelda book'. Join us as we discuss what shaped Bronte-Marie's love of fantasy, why Tywin Lannister is her favourite fantasy character and how she created an immersive fantasy world inspired by her Irish, anti-colonial heritage. This is a spoiler-free conversation.

Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode features author Bronte-Marie Wesson.

Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle, Isabella Francis and Kate Jacobs. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Powered by Penguin.

0:00 Introduction and Bronte-Marie's introduction to fantasy

04:50 The Ascension of Souls and how it came to be 'The Legend of Zelda but dark, gay and for adults'

07:00 The world-building of an empire and a country at war

09:07 The magic tree and Irish cultural influence on the book

15:16 Fairies and changelings vs fae and sexy elves

16:35 Building the prophecy in The Ascension of Souls

20:46 The characterisation of Luminara and the chosen family trope

23:31 Rianthran and the antidote to brooding dark love interests

27:00 Side characters and the gaming influence on Ascension

28:38 Queer representation in fantasy

32:13 Bronte-Marie's advice for queer writers

36:16 Role play and writing with a partner

40:20 Categorising the Broken Cycle trilogy, tropes and building on The Brass Wyvern

47:17 Final fantasy game and sign off