Guest Blogger: Celeste Simone, author of Oriana's Eyes

Celeste Simone is here at The Fairytale Nerd to talk about her book Oriana's Eyes!

Celeste Simone has been writing and reading fantasy for as long as she can remember. At 23 years old, she is embarking on the publication of her first novel Oriana’s Eyes: Book One of the Great Oak Trilogy. For years Celeste has pored over her novel in order to capture both a powerful meaning and poignant love story. Celeste’s short stories and poetry have been published in multiple literary journals and she currently works as an editor and journalist of a publication in New England. She enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, horse-back riding, and biking. **

Oriana's Eyes

As a pure-blood Winglet, Oriana isn't supposed to look at a half-blood much less speak to one. Half-bloods are the lowest of all races at Odon's University, because they are half Winglet and half Finlet. But when a half-blood, Dorian, locks eyes with her in the hallway, Oriana can't help but be intrigued by his daring nature. After sneaking out to the garden in the middle of the night to talk to him, Oriana knows she can't let her feelings go. She fears not following Odon's rules, but the more she sees Dorian the more she wants to break them all. When Oriana's idea of perfection crumbles she seeks a way out of the imprisoning University that threatens not only her happiness, but her very life. Dorian promises he has a plan to take her far away, but Oriana doubts they can escape Odon's all-seeing eye. Oriana isn't sure what she fears more, being stuck in the University or finding out what lies beyond its walls.

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Hey everyone! My name is Celeste Simone and I am the author of Oriana’s Eyes - Book One of the Great Oak Trilogy. I wanted to talk about the lead character, Oriana, and how she developed over time. Oriana’s journey is a story of love, inner growth, and fantasy adventure! People often ask me if Oriana is a representation of myself, but I think that all of the characters in my novel are in some way a part of me. However, Oriana is definitely the main focus of the book. This is because I wanted to create a heroine that wasn’t naturally strong, bold, or outspoken, but was able to use the strengths and weaknesses she did have to accomplish something great.

In many ways, I can relate to the pressure Oriana faces throughout the novel. I began writing Oriana’s Eyes when I was 15 years old. At the time, high school had felt less like a place of independent thought, and more a lesson in survival: Trying to get through homework, avoiding failure, and staying invisible to bullies. It was difficult to struggle against the expectations of society and the labels others tried to give me.
Being a teenager comes hand in hand with personal discovery and looking forward to gaining independence. Still, these challenges can shape us and force us to grow. We all have fears at some time or another that we aren’t cool enough, smart enough, or pretty enough.

Oriana faces similar challenges and feels a bit out of place inside the University. She views her emotions as a burden and a weakness because the University demands she suppress them. In the end, Oriana comes to realize that her emotions are her greatest asset. She learns to overcome her fears and most importantly, trust in herself.

Looking back, I’ve learned to be more forgiving of my failures and appreciate my successes over time. In high school, I was more of a quiet student, so tackling jobs as a journalist, editor and social media specialist later in life became a great accomplishment for me. I’ll always prefer a quiet space to myself, but I now have a new appreciation for meeting new people.

Well, that’s a little bit about me and Oriana’s Eyes. Please feel free to connect with me on Facebook, Goodreads, Blogspot or Twitter! To all of you dreaming big, life is short, so follow your passions!

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Thank you for visiting The Fairytale Nerd, Celeste!

For a chance to win a copy of Oriana's Eyes, head over to Goodreads! Celeste is giving away 3 copies of her book! Contest ends on October 1st, so sign up now! Open to US and Canada only.