Author Interview: Jaye L. Knight + a Giveaway!

I'm so pleased to have fantasy author Jaye L. Knight here at A Brighter Destiny!

The occasion of her visit? Jaye L. Knight's highly-anticipated The King's Scrolls, the second book in the ILYON CHRONICLES releases today!

Before we leap into this interview and then shine the spotlight on The King's Scrolls, for those of you who are unfamiliar with Jaye, this is her "official" bio:

Jaye L. Knight is a homeschool-graduated indie author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean new adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

What kind of research went into this novel? What part of it did you find the most interesting?
One of the most notable bits of research I did for The King’s Scrolls was travel distances and times, particularly since dragons are introduced in the story. This had me looking up things like how far an eagle could travel in one day. Usually I do more research on how long and far horses can travel, so this was an interesting change. I also did quite a bit of research on broken ribs . . . *innocent face*

How has your relationship with Christ influenced your writing?
I’m not sure how I’d even be writing without Him. I think it would be awfully depressing. Most of the stories I write have an underlying theme of trusting that God has a plan even when bad things happen. I don’t think I could write without having the knowledge of that truth as a beacon of hope. I also don’t think I’d have very good story ideas at all. Ilyon Chronicles definitely wouldn’t exist. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been brainstorming and writing down notes when ideas hit me that I know come straight from Him. Seeing Him work in my stories is the absolute best part of being an author.

What are you reading right now, or what do you plan on reading next? 

I’ve been working through Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive (quite an undertaking!) and I absolutely love it! One of my favorite fantasies I’ve ever read. I’m not sure how I’ll survive the wait for the other books in the series. I’ve got a couple of books I need to read for the review programs I’m in, but one series I’ve been wanting to read for quite a while is Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series. I just got the first book. Now I have to find the time to read it. 

Three little-known facts about you?
1.) I have a phone phobia. :P Yeah, I hate the phone. It’s not so bad if someone calls me, but if someone tells me to call them, well, it probably won’t happen. 2.) Ever since I was about ten, I’ve been incredibly fascinated with cryptozoology (the search for undiscovered animals). I still love it. 3.) I’m not, nor have I ever been, into Disney princesses . . . with one notable exception—Rapunzel. Yup, I’m a huge Tangled fan. ;)

What will you be working on next?
Right now my priority is finishing Ilyon Chronicles. I’m currently writing book five and hope to have it, at least mostly, finished by this summer so I can start working on the final book. In between writing, I also have to begin editing book three for publication. I do have a surprise project that came along unexpectedly in the last couple of months that I recently finished writing. I’ll be announcing that soon, which is exciting. But beyond Ilyon Chronicles, I’m not sure yet. I have plenty of ideas swirling about in my mind. I’ll just have to see which one takes hold and demands to be written next.

And now, the tantalizing back-cover description for The King's Scrolls:

Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.

When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?

Find The King's Scrolls here: Amazon {clickable link}

Haven’t begun the adventure into Ilyon? From February 17th - 23rd, get Resistance, the award-winning first book of Ilyon Chronicles for your Kindle on sale for only 99 cents! Check it out on Amazon!

And, to celebrate The King's Scrolls, Jaye is giving away a really neat prize package! Please feel free to enter below. :-)

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed Epic Winter giveaway! Prize pack includes an autographed copy of The King’s Scrolls, a CD by Future World Music (some of Jaye’s favorite writing music), a dragon bookmark, a stone hawk pendant (much like the ones mentioned in the book), and a few packages of Twining’s Winter Spice tea to sip while you read! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is part of a fun and fantastic blog tour for the book. For more interviews {with lots of different questions}, character spotlights/interviews, book reviews, and more, visit http://jayelknight.blogspot.com/p/tks-blog-tour.html and follow the tour schedule! :-)