Today we are shining the spotlight on Kayelle Allen.
Let's get to know Kayelle. Thanks for joining me today!
BIO:
Kayelle Allen did a tour in the US Navy, where she climbed
around airplanes (on the ground, thankfully) fixing black boxes that helped
pilots find their way home.
She wrote her first science fiction novel at 18 and to this
day, it's hidden under the bed, where she vows it will remain. Gems from it,
however, launched several series in her galaxy-wide universe of stories.
From childhood, Kayelle was the victim of an overactive
imagination and inherited the Irish gift of gab from her mother. From her
father, she got a healthy respect for mechanical things.
No wonder she writes Science Fiction and Fantasy peopled
with misbehaving robots, mythic heroes, role playing immortal gamers, and
warriors who purr. She's been married so long she's tenured.
Here's my FIVE:
I' always asked 'where
do you get your ideas'. So, where do you get yours?
I can't keep them from coming. I have a vivid imagination.
My problem is limiting them!
Which comes
first, the story, the characters, or the setting?
I can get everything all at once, but usually it's the
characters. Once I know their names, they bloom fully born. It's weird, but
that's how I write.
Which of your
heroines most represent you, or the 'you' you'd like to be? Why?
Mehfawni Ruh from For Women Only. She's wise, intelligent,
loving, sweet, and compassionate. She's also a kick-ass warrior who doesn't
deal well with fools.
What is the
single most important part of writing for you?
Evoking a response in the reader. If I can make the reader
feel an emotion that the character feels, I have done my job. I tell that
character's story as faithfully as possible.
What's the most
romantic thing a guy can do (or has done) for you?
My husband spent months looking for a teddy bear that
resembled one I'd had as a child. The bear had been lost in a fire when I was
fifteen. For him to go to so much trouble -- literally scouring the city -- to
find that bear, meant the world to me. It brought back so many wonderful
memories. Is it any wonder I call my hubby Bear?
Here's the THREE additional Kayelle chose:
How long have you
been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?
Always. Since I could hold a crayon. My first written word
was cat, and I told my mother that now I could write a story about cats. Is it
any wonder one of my scifi creatures is a race of catlike humanoids? I think
not.
If I was a first time
reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?
Pick up At the Mercy of Her Pleasure. It's a sweet romance
with adult concepts. It introduces the Tarthian Empire and all its important
citizens. Besides, it's a fun read and will make you laugh out loud. It also
pulls your heart-strings and makes you sad. At the Mercy has a very wonderful
happy ending with a huge twist. One reviewer said she recommended reading it
twice because going back, you find hints throughout the story that you missed
on the first read. I'm very proud of this book.
What is your writing
routine once you start a book?
I write early in the morning. Now and then, a particular
scene keeps me up at night. For the most part, though, I'm an early riser. I am
at my best right after I roll out of bed. It's not unusual to find me up at
four in the morning when I'm on a roll with a story. I submit chapters to my
critique group, edit based on their feedback.
For the Bringer of Chaos series, I've used a story editor as
well. Although she thinks of herself as more of a "story shaper" -- Patricia Cook is fabulous at helping
me keep on track with the plot and make sure all my ducks are in a row. She
will catch inconsistencies and places where I can tighten the plot and layer in
emotion or action. I've come to depend on her advice and am very happy she is
part of my critique group.
When I've finished the first draft, I send it to a few beta
readers. My friends Jean P and Barbara B have been reading for me for many
years now. Once I get their feedback, I make other changes and send it off to my
final editor, Barb Caffrey. It takes me about four months to complete a book
from start to finish. I then allow two months for edits. It's important to let
a story sit and settle before deciding it's final. There are all sorts of
things you forget to do or add or say. That settle time allows me to go back
and make changes if needed.
Let's talk about your book, FORGED IN FIRE
BLURB:
Blurb
When the immortal Pietas is marooned on a barren world with
no food and few survival tools, he knows it could be worse. He could be alone.
But that's the problem. He's not.
Half a million of his people sleep in cryostasis, trapped
inside their pods and it's up to Pietas to free them. He can't release one at a
time. It's all or nothing. He's facing over five hundred thousand hungry,
thirsty, homeless immortals who will call on him for rescue and he has no way
to answer.
It's not all bad. The beautiful telepathic warrior he's loved
for lifetimes is at his side. He's bonded with a sentient panther. He hates
humans but the one dumped on this planet with him has become a trusted friend.
Before Pietas can build shelter, figure out how to grow
food, or set up a government, he must take back command from a ruthless enemy
he's fought for centuries. His brutal, merciless father.
Immortals may heal, but a wound of the heart lasts
forever...
Excerpt
In this
scene from Bringer of Chaos: Forged in Fire, the immortal king must accept yet
another delay in reaching his destination, one he's tried to find for months.
His lover, the telepath and warrior, Joss, hasn't been much help.
Giving in to
her request for time, Pietas indicated the route Joss wanted to take.
"Let's go your way."
"Thank
you for listening to me." She took Pietas by the hand, reached up, and
dragged a fingertip down the cleft in his chin. "This world is stunning. I
hate that so much of it will be spoiled by our being here."
"Why?
Has my mother released environmental impact studies?"
"No,
she--" The look Joss sent his way resembled pity. "You'll see. Not
far now."
"You've
been saying 'not far' for hours. Did I not teach you to mark trails?"
"I'm
sorry, Pietas. It won't happen again."
Oh, but it
would. She wouldn't mean for it to happen, but it would. He'd tried for
centuries to teach her how to find her way, to no avail. He kissed her cheek
and drew her into his arms, savoring her warmth.
"Joss."
He placed his mouth near her ear. "You couldn't find your way out of a
round room with one door."
She jerked
up her head and looked at him, eyes wide.
"And I
adore you for it."
I've only recently begun reading more Sci-Fi - I'm looking forward to adding this to my list.
Kayelle has brought a surprise for everyone today. You receive a FREE download of an Adult Coloring Book - Original art based on the characters in Kayelle Allen's books! Click Below:
You can purchase your copy of FORGED IN FIRE through the following links:
You will find Kayelle Allen at the Social Media sites listed below:
