Today, I'm happy to host Emma Right here on my blog. She's going to tell us about her new book, "Keeper of Reign." I haven't read this book, but she say's it's a "young adult Christian fantasy has a christian theme although it is not a preaching sort of book. More of an alternative for moms and grandmas looking for an alternative to Harry Potter/ vampire type fiction for their readers 11 and up."
So, Emma, how did you come to write "Keeper of Reign"?
When I first began writing Keeper of Reign in January 2008 it was just a story I made up for my five kids, then younger. They wanted a fun, adventure story set in a fantastical setting and as a mom, I wanted the story to be more than just a fairy-tale. I wanted them to learn about the importance of loving each other--as they grated on each other a lot --and the importance of family, and the value of persevering and so on. So I wove these themes into the tale, at the time called Kingdom of Reign. Then I thought, hey, maybe I could publish this…hence the journey to self-publishing. So it did take me a long time--6 years in all! I sure took my time.
What do you hope "Keeper of Reign" accomplishes?
I wanted to write an allegorical fantasy about the fall of man and the redemption story set in a fantasy setting that's filled with danger and adventure. Something young readers can enjoy but still have a Christian message.
I hope my readers (11 and up) can see that with the power of the gospel, we can overcome our problems and difficulties. I want to empower young readers with this message, that if they seek the truth (the Ancient Books, in Keeper of Reign) they will find wisdom and answers to life's problems. It doesn't mean the answers are going to come easy, but persistence will pay off, and the BIble has the answers.
Which character spoke to you the most during the writing process? Eleazer in the prologue. He's the King's helper, and he knew the King personally, yet even he felt fear, and didn't have total confidence that what the King had left for the people of Reign, Books written in the King's own blood, was enough to overcome Gehzurolle (german word for "confounder'). And that feels like how things are for me sometimes. Even after all the miracles I have seen and witnessed I still have fear, and that is what the enemy will use to try to overcome me.
Will there be a Book 2 for Keeper of Reign?
Yes. I hope to get this out by early 2014. And, in fact, some readers have asked for a prequel to Keeper of Reign, and I am planning on that, too. But maybe it won't be such a thick book. More like a novelette for those wanting to know how Reign's condition came to be.
For my authorly friends, what did your editing process look like after you had an initial manuscript, and did you have anyone help you in that effort?
I hired an English professor, and then after that I hired another line editor, but I must confess, I still see mistakes. But there comes a point when I feel I have to move on. And also I have found that some of the minor "errors" are subjective, as every editor has his/her little quirks as to what is deemed as grammatically correct. I would never print my book without at least one editing professional. I have minor dyslexia and tend to reverse even simple words like "it" becoming "ti" etc. So I NEED an editor.
Thanks for stopping by, Emma.
If anyone is interested in learning more about Emma's book, you can find it on Amazon.
Author Bio:
If anyone is interested in learning more about Emma's book, you can find it on Amazon.
Author Bio:
Emma
Right is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West
Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after five pets,
which includes two cats, two bunnies and a Long-haired dachshund, she also
writes stories for her children. She loves the Lord and His Word deeply, and
when she doesn't have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs
in one.
Ms.
Right worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won several
awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before she settled
down to have children.
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