Today, I’m doing something different.  Kristy Brown, author of the YA novel, Kiera’s Quest: Awakenings is here to share a little about her book.

Hi Kristy,
Welcome to Emma’s Ramblings. Can you tell us a little about your book Kiera’s Quest: Awakenings.

Thank you Emma. Nice to be here!

Meet Kiera, a pretty, intelligent, and talented girl, brought up by her uncle, and abandoned by her parents. Life is as normal as she believes it to be, apart from the deep ache inside her, telling her she’s different. For years, Kiera had dreams where she ventures into a different reality. She’s not alone; a presence is always there, keeping her safe, yet she feels vulnerable, and hunted.

Zakk, Prince of Zantar, is under the Witch Queen’s spell as she tries to take over his world. He crosses paths with Kiera, and their fates are entwined.

As their journey unravels, she learns that she is not the only one affected by this prince. Who is on her side? Will she find out why she has been chosen? How can someone so young, defeat such evil? Will she find the strength to save the ones closest to her? Will this be Kiera’s only Quest?

How did you go about publishing Kiera’s Quest?                                                       Well after getting many rejections (mostly unread), I thought I’d try the E-book publisher’s route. Thankfully the first good one I tried offered me a contract.

I often buy books because of their beautiful artwork. The shadow on the artwork intrigued me. Can you explain where the idea for the book cover came from?                                                                                                                                       I wanted a girl sat on a beach as it is set in a small seaside town. I didn’t want her face shown, as I like the reader to imagine that. I wanted a looming hand to show the fantasy element of something otherworldly out to get Kiera. My publishers ‘Muse It Up’ and cover design artist also had a big input.

When you’re starting a new story, do you create the plot or the characters first?                                                                                                                                         Usually the plot follows the characters.

Do you spend much time on Social Media networks? Have you found them useful for promoting and interacting with other writers?                                           I do indeed! I set up a Facebook page with two chapters on and asked for honest feedback. Also I try and support authors where I can, as it is a very hard industry. It’s good to have people on your side that know what you are going through!
Here are the links to my pages if you are interested.  Facebook  and Goodreads

Thanks for the links Kristy and I totally agree about supporting other authors.  Twitter and Facebook can be great places for authors to get to know one another.                                                                                                                                 What authors/books inspire you?                                                                                       There are so many! Roald Dahl, J.K Rowling, C.S Lewis, Harper Lee, Becca Fitzpatric , Lauren Kate, Suzanne Collins……

Who would play Kiera and Zakk in a film?                                                                      No one comes to mind. I think they would have to be unknowns!

What book are you reading right now?                                                                                 I have just finished The Hunger Games and have started Snow White and The Huntsman.

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?                                               I read a lot. I love movies. My two children take most of my time up! I do like to catch up with my friends for a good old natter!

Can you tell us a little about your background: where you live, work etc?
I’m from a small seaside town in the U.K. I trained to be an actress when I was younger. All my life I have written short stories and poetry. But it wasn’t until I had my first child that I realized I wanted to write a book.

Sounds like you have always been a creative person.  What’s next for you?      Well my second book comes out this July- Kiera’s Quest – Sacrifices. I’m nearly at the end of writing the third book in the mini series. There is a fourth book in mind. After this I have a different book sketched out but I’m not telling you more than that!

No problem, we won’t push! Thanks for stopping by Kristy.
Kristy has provided an extract below. Enjoy!

Chapter One

Zakk felt his throat grow tighter, barely able to breathe. Sweat dripped from his brow.

“What ― what did I do wrong?” Zakk gasped helplessly. He could see nothing, but felt the invisible hands clamped around his neck. “Please stop, please.” Zakk was on the verge of falling down a bottomless black hole. He felt heavy like lead, dragging him deeper and further down.  Knowing this to be his ending he managed to push out with a thin, shallow breath, “I’m sorry.”

Suddenly, the vice gripping his throat loosened and discarded him to the ground like a crumpled tissue. Maybe an apology was all that ‘it’ needed. Minutes passed, feeling like an eternity. All seemed quiet in the icy air. He dared not move. Zakk tried to collect his thoughts and regulate his breathing. In and out… in and out slowly, he told himself. He tried to catch a glimpse of his jailer, but couldn’t see past his own shadow. There was a definite presence watching him, enjoying the show. A wave of emotions passed through him; pain, loneliness, emptiness, dread, but most of all fear. They seeped into him, like black ink coursing through his veins, devouring his consciousness. For the first time in his life, he felt totally alone. He knew if he could scream, no one would come. If he tried to run, his legs would not aid him.

“Who are you?” Zakk whimpered.

“Who am I― who am I?”

This voice somehow seemed strangely, and uncomfortably, familiar to him. The voice broke into a spine-chilling laugh.

“Don’t you know?” it mocked. “Look hard, deep into yourself. You know who I am. I am your darkest fear when you close your eyes. I lie in wait at your very core. Who am I?” The voice seemed outraged not to seem significant in Zakk’s life.

Zakk nervously fiddled with the dull glass ring on his middle finger. It had belonged to his mother, and just touching it reminded him of her warm smile, her golden silky hair and the lullaby she sang to him to tuck him up each night.

“You’re the Witch Queen!” He realised instantly, like a storm cloud had passed letting the sun reign through. He’d waited so long for answers, but still was not face-to-face with this cold blooded murderer. “You killed my mother.”

“Clever, clever Zakky. Clever child,” she hissed. “Your mother would be so proud of you.”

Silence fell upon him again. He felt deeply saddened, but immensely angry. If he was going to die here in this cave, he needed to know.

Intrigued? Check out Kiera’s Quest: Awakenings on Amazon  HERE

If you’re an author and you would like me to mention your book on this blog, either through an interview or guest post, please contact me.

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