AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Kayelle Allen + Freebie!

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:

FREE ADULT COLORING BOOK

You can purchase your copy of FORGED IN FIRE through the following links:

AMAZON US     AMAZON UK     AMAZON CANADA     AMAZON AUSTRALIA

You will find Kayelle Allen at the Social Media sites listed below:

WEBSITE/ BLOG     FACEBOOK     TWITTER     PINTEREST     GOODREADS 

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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