Wednesday 7 July 2010

Interview: Kathryne Kennedy + Fire Lord's Lover contest

Today I welcome Kathryne Kennedy, the author of The Fire Lord's Lover. This great historical fantasy romance.

At the bottom of this post is a giveaway for 2 copies.

Tell me something about yourself, so we get a better understanding about the woman behind the author.

I grew up in the Air Force, so we traveled quite a bit when I was younger. My only constant was family, so they are very important to me. I’ve been married over thirty years, have two sons in college, who I’m very proud of. I’m fiercely loyal, a bit of a control freak, and I love meeting new people. My mother is like one of those earth goddesses, very nurturing and caring, and my father (who I lost last year) was a businessman with a high level of ethics and morals, and loved giving to others (they are both heavily involved with the Lions Club). I’m fortunate to be able to say that I inherited a bit of both of their qualities.



Your newest book is called The Fire Lord’s Lover; can you tell me what it is about?It’s the first book in my new series, THE ELVEN LORDS, about a Georgian England that has been taken over by seven mad elves who use their magic, and humans, in their war games to win the king, who has become nothing more than a trophy. Humans and half-breeds have formed a Rebellion to free themselves from the oppression of elven rule, and In THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, Lady Cassandra was trained as an assassin to murder the fire lord. In an arranged marriage to General Dominic Raikes, a general in the lord’s army, she gets close to the elven lord, but unfortunately, a bit too close to Dominic. Despite good reasons to keep their distance from one another, Dominic & Cassandra fall in love, imperiling not only the Rebellion’s cause, but also their very lives.


How come this mix of fantasy and romance?
I combine everything I love; historical, fantasy and romance. I find it exciting to create new worlds and new adventures, with that first rush of falling in love as an equally important part of the story.


I see that you have written a lot of other books. Could you tell me about those?
MY UNFAIR LADY, a Victorian romance of complete fun, was published a few months ago, and there may still be a copy or two on bookstore shelves. In December of this year, my first novel, BENEATH THE THIRTEEN MOONS, will be available in MM paperback, and this book takes place on a different world of magic and romance. I also wrote THE RELICS OF MERLIN series, which is another alternate magical England, about the descendants of Merlin in the Victorian era.


Who is your favorite hero or heroine from your books? What makes them so special?
For me, it’s always the h/h from the book I’m currently working on. I fall in love with them, and am always sad to say goodbye when the book is finished. And then I start a new one, and begin to fall in love all over again.


Which book of those you have written is your favorite, and what makes it so?

Again, it’s the book I’m currently working on. It takes me 7 months or so to write a book, so I have to be in love with what I’m doing in order to stay with it.


Are you working on something new and exciting right now?

I just finished up THE LADY OF THE STORM, book 2 in THE ELVEN LORDS series. I’ll be doing my final edits on it this week, which is always the fun part for me, as I get to revisit the story and characters once again. I think you’ll be able to guess whose story it is once you read THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER.


What kinds of books do you read? Any fav authors?

I read fantasy, and romance, and any combination of the two when I can find them. That’s not very often, and I think this is why I combine genres. It’s what I’d like to read.

Any advice for wannabe writers?
I’ve given advice several times on my tour, so I would like to add something new. Be aware of how you are marketing yourself. In your blogs, on your website, amongst your fellow authors. When you sell that first book, and you will, given enough persistence, you are launching your name, not just a book. Readers will want to know what to expect from you.

Thanks!

And thank you, Linda, for having me here! I will be popping in all day, and look forward to responding to any comments.

And thank you for coming by :)


THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER BY KATHRYNE KENNEDY—IN STORES JULY 2010
Kathryne Kennedy's historical fantasy romances have garnered awards and a growing readership. This exciting new series, set against the lavish backdrops of Georgian and Victorian England so beloved by romance readers, is deliciously dark and exciting.


Fighting for control of a kingdom that is split into seven domains, Elven warlords use their human slaves to breed an endless supply of soldiers for their armies. Dominic Raikes, the half-blood son of the Elven Lord himself is one such warrior. Betrothed to Lady Cassandra, who has been raised in a convent to keep her pure, he little suspects that she's been secretly trained as an assassin to murder his father. Dominic and Cassandra soon discover that each one is not what they seem, but the price of trust may be their very lives, and the destruction of the magical realm each is desperately trying to save…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathryne Kennedy is a multipublished, award-winning author of magical romances. She’s lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives in Arizona with her wonderful family—which includes two very tiny Chihuahuas. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at: www.KathryneKennedy.com.

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Borders
BooksAMillion
Chapters/Indigo
Kathryne’s Bookseller Directory


GIVEAWAY:
Thanks to Sourcebooks I have 2 copies to give away today.


Rules: Open to US and Canada
Ends July 11th


So be free to ask Kathryne any questions any of you have, or comment on the book.

Or even ask me what I thought ;) (I gladly tell).

54 comments:

  1. Thanks for coming by today Kathryne :)

    I already did tell you, but I sure enjoyed this book. It was the mix of fantasy and historical that did it for me.

    Do you have any plans on how many you plan to write?

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  2. Nice interview! =) I ordered my copy yesterday and I can't wait to read it. I love the concept!! I love Historical romance and I'm all for fantasy so the mix must be perfect *g*

    (don't enter me)

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  3. Wow, the new book looks very interesting. I haven't had a chance to read any of your work yet, but it is definitely something that will be added to my to-be-read pile.

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  4. This would be a new author for me, sounds good! tWarner419@aol.com

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  5. Hi Linda! It's so great to be here today!
    I'm so glad you enjoyed THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER. It's a world I loved creating.
    I am contracted to write three books in the series, and I'm just finishing up book 2, THE LADY OF THE STORM. I'll be starting book three at the end of my tour. I can give you a bit of a hint that book two is about the source of magic. And book three is the key to Elfhame.
    :}

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  6. Hi pattepoilue! I really enjoyed answering Linda's interview questions. So great to hear you were excited about reading the book and already went out and bought it! I do so hope you enjoy!

    Hi Lacy! Great to hear too!

    Hi tetewa! I love new readers! :}

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  7. Hello, Kathryne! Did you have a muse who inspired you to write Dominic's character? I'm picturing him as Legolas/Orlando Bloom from Lord of the Rings. :-)

    Diana
    bookofsecrets(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  8. Pattepoilue,
    Like I said, I sure hope you like it, I will keep my eye out for your thoughts :)

    Hi there Lacy and Tetewa!

    Diana,
    Good question, I wished I had pictured Legolas now ;)

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  9. Kathryne
    Hm, I am pretty sure I know how will be in book 2 now, must check the book to be more sure, and book 3 with the key to Elfhame, liking the sound of that.

    I do have another question but will save that one if someone else would happen to ask it first

    But I do wanna know, any fantasy authors that you do read?
    I love finding more authors :=)

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  10. Hi Diana! You are absolutely right! I have always been in love with the fae, the true Sidhe, but when I saw Legolas in LOTR that's when I knew I had to write my own world of the elven.
    Gracious, I wish I could have had him as a model for the cover. ;}

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  11. Woops, I missed your post, Linda. I read a ton of fantasy authors. The favs that come to my mind right now are Patricia Mckillip, cause I'm reading her newest release, and Robin Hobb (esp her assassin series), Robin McKinley, Patricia Briggs, Andre Norton, Mercedes Lackey (esp her Victorian fantasy series). Some favorite books are Sorcery & Cecilia, The Hero & the Crown, Soulstring, The Hobbs Bargain, When Demons Walk. And I'm probably forgetting some. :}

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  12. Haven't read the new book yet but really looking forward to it!

    What is your favorite genre?

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  13. Appreciate the interview. Surprisingly, I read many of the same authors you mention in your response. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. Great interview! I can't wait to read this book.

    hewella1 at gmail dot com

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  15. Great to know, Candy! My favorite genre is what I write, a blend of historical, fantasy & romance...although it's really considered a subgenre. Maybe one day...:}

    Hi Pat! We share the same interests & voices, then.:}

    Thanks so much, Ashley!

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  16. Great interview ladies! I'm lovin' the combination of historical and fantasy genres. Makes for something new and has my interest totally piqued. Fantasy is somewhat of a new genre for me but each time I delve in, I'm in love.

    Count me in!

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  17. Great interview ladies! I think I had said yesterday that the book sounds intriguing - the mix of fantasy and historical is a good one!

    No need to enter me Linda - I don't know what to do with the books I already have.

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  18. Great interview. Katheryne's book sounds good. I like how the book is a mix of two genres.

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  19. Hi VampFanGirl! I hope you enjoy diving in to TFLL as well!

    Thank you for commenting, Darlene.

    Very nice to hear, CrystalGB. :}

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  20. Blodeuedd honey...you are aware you were named for the awards aren't you? Yap, I gave you those awards so come pick them up!

    Hugs
    Hawk

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  21. Kathryne
    I have read and loved Robin Hobb, but those others are more new to me. Must have a look :=)

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  22. Thanks for stopping by candy, Ashley

    Pat,
    Good taste in fantasy then :)

    VFG
    I love fantasy, lol, yes it might be something I have said before ;)
    And since I alwys have enjoyed HR then this was the perfect mix for me

    Darlene
    Lol, more bookcases perhaps ;)

    ChrystalBG
    That was sure what sold it for me

    Hawk
    Oh I would never miss that :) I did see it, just very very behind on posts

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  23. Great interview. Fire Lords Lover does sound good. I enjoy both fantasy and historical so this grabs my attention.

    http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

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  24. They are wonderful stories, Linda. BTW, congrats on your award!

    Naida: Thanks so much for your interest!

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  25. Hi Kathryn,
    This is a definite new trilogy for my TRL.I've heard a lot of good things regarding this book so I look forward to reading it.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

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  26. Kathryne
    Well this is all for me tonight, since it's close to midnight here :)

    But I did wonder, how did you come up with this idea? To let elves rule England?

    Thanks for coming by today :)

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  27. Naida
    It sure has the best of the genres

    Carol
    I do highly recommend it ;)

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  28. Not entering, but I'll mention it Friday!

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  29. Carol L: What a wonderful thing to hear! Thanks so much!

    OMGoodness, Linda! It was so very kind of you to stay up so late! To answer your question, I had always loved the Sidhe, and then I saw Orlando Bloom as Legolas in The Lord of the Rings, and THEN I knew that I'd have to write a book inspired by that gorgeous character. I created the alternate world of Elfhame, which is a paradise, and then seven mad elven who hated the boredom of peace and tranquility, stole seven sacred scepters to open the doorway between the worlds again and began to conquer England... Everything grew from that point on.

    I can't seem to thank you enough for having me here today. It has been such an absolute pleasure chatting with you and meeting your readers. I'm so glad to find those with a passion for the same type of books that I do!

    Wishing everyone my very best!

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  30. I just finished My Unfair Lady and LOVED it. I'm adding this one to my TBR list right away.
    I love your advice for writers, too.
    Thank you.

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  31. The Fire Lord's Lover definitely sounds like a new and inetresting read. I love the concept and story created.

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  32. Looks like a book I would enjoy reading too! All of my favorite genres rolled into one book. Love the cover.

    Thanks for the chance to win.

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  33. I've got this posted at Win a Book for you Linda :)

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  34. You have no idea how excited I was to see that this was a giveaway! I saw your earlier post about this book and immediately added it to my wish list on paperbackswap, then looked to see if our library was ordering it (they're not so far). I haven't read anything by Kathryne before, but put one of her books on hold at the library because it sounds like just what I need right now.

    This was a very nice interview.

    Kathryne - I can't believe it only takes you seven months to write a book! That's fantastic! Anyway, I've been in the mood for more fantasy reading lately, so I'm looking forward to reading some of your books.

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  35. thanks for the opportunity to read this your fabulous novel Kathryne :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  36. Thanks Chris!

    Hi Amber, Jeantte, Jules, Yvonne thanks for stopping by today!

    Oh, I didn't know you had anything to do with that Dar :)

    Alyce,
    Lol, I sure knew that after my review that I wanted a giveaway too, spread the love a bit. Cos I do love fantasy, and historical books.

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  37. Kathryne
    Well to be honest, we are on holiday here and I tend to be up late reading ;)

    Legolas would sure inspire me to write too, and I have always found the Sidhe fascinating.

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  38. Hi Kathryne, Wow, you're busy with all the blogs. Your fantasy sounds fun. Its always great to escape into a fantasy world, whether reading or writing one.
    Best wishes. Sandra

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  39. Sounds like a deep book.Can't wait to read it.
    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

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  40. Hello.

    Did you work closely with someone to create the cover; it's wonderful!

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

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  41. Sound like a great book! I really like the cover :)
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  42. Great interview. Great book. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

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  43. I read romance voraciously but have never been much of a fantasy reader. Fire Lord sounds like a wonderful marriage of the two. I'd love to read this one. Thank you :)

    jenma76 at hotmail dot com

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  44. Great interview! I have THE RELICS OF MERLIN in my TBB! I ordered a copy, since I love the mix of historical and fantasy.

    (don't enter me)

    Carole
    The Romance Reviews

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  45. Insightful interview -- the author seems very well grounded!

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  46. Hi Sandra, Tracey, Stacey, the roue, Tore :)

    Scorpio
    I can vouch for it working :)

    Hi carole
    Nice of ya to stop by :)

    Dc

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  47. Hey Blodeuedd! Ohhh, I have seen this one float around blog land... I was wondering when you were going to get your hands on this one!! =)

    You always know how to give us variety! I am glad that you enjoyed the book. And ladies your interview was great!
    Please count me in!
    Have a great weekend Honey!!!

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  48. Thanks for the interview and the giveaway. I had never heard of this author before. I'll have to go try to find some of her books now.
    peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  49. Stephanie McCarthy10 July, 2010 07:56

    I like your interview. Cannot wait to read this book and any upcoming ones.

    Are you going to continue with your Relics of Merlin series as well?

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  50. Thanks Cecile
    Oh yes this one was sure for me, I am sooo glad I got to read it.
    I hope you are having a great weekend hon!

    Melanie, Stephanie, thanks for coming by

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  51. oooh, i'd love to enter!! i love historical romances that have a little bit of fantasy/magical elements as well!! thank you for the contest!

    inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

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  52. I saw a list that Kathryne had posted about 10 Reasons to be love Dominic and the one that totally got me was the pointy ears. I'm really looking forward to reading this book.

    jen(at)delux(dot)com

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  53. CLOSED Winners

    Sarah Leeswith and Jules onebookshy

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