Today I have a special interview for you! Joining me is author Candace Knoebel to talk about her first novel, Born in Flames. She’s currently wrapping up book 2, which I’ll have more info in my new release post for that book, so keep an eye out for that! First, the book!
Author: Candace Knoebel
Genre: YA Fantasy
Blurb:
Red mirrored scales race up my arms as the haze of pain blurs my vision. My bones crack, breaking to realign. I scream. It is then that the realization of my unavoidable fate sinks in; I am of a dying race. I am dragon.
Aurora Megalos, orphaned and teetering on the edge of adulthood, thought finding her past would curb the sting of being an outcast. Having no memories of the time before she awoke on her foster mother’s doorstep, she yearns for the emptiness inside her to be filled. With her fellow orphaned best friend, Fenn, by her side, she has nothing to lose and everything to gain. But something powerful stirred within her that she couldn’t explain. Something wanted out.
In the dark of night, a crazed Seer, dubbed Mr.Creepy, erases everything she’s ever known with an impending prophecy. She now faces two paths. Return to her true home to protect a dying race against a growing evil, or stay hidden in the safety of our realm with a shot at a true love. With a vengeful Arch Enemy stopping at nothing to see her dead, she’s running out of time; a decision must be made. What would you choose?
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Born-in-Flames/book-8rqT-g-ZEUCVw2k0M1tWxA/page1.html?s=4Cjl3LyzcUOgodcXVlh9Aw&r=1Can you tell us more about your book, Born in Flames?
Of course I can! Born in Flames is a fast-paced fantasy that will catapult you into a world where you race against time to save the fate of two realms and an impending prophecy promising death. Aurora Megalos is the main character who discovers that she is not only a part of this prophecy, but part dragon as well.
When did you find out that you wanted to be a writer?
About three years ago. I’ve always loved English and reading, but I guess it never occurred to me that I could actually do it. I had this story swimming around in my brain for a few years and one day decided to sit down and write it out (mostly for fun). Everything sort of grew from there.
Where did you find the inspiration for Born in Flames?
I’ve always loved anything mythical and magical. When I first thought up the idea, I wanted to create something original. At the time when I started the novel, Vampires had taken over EVERYTHING. Don’t get me wrong, I am a Twilight fanatic (midnight premiers and merchandise bought), but I needed a break from it. Thusly, Born in Flames was…born. J But as far as inspiration goes: music, magic, images, good reading…it’s in everything really. Anything that touches my soul.
Did you have to do some research for your book? Like on legends or myths about dragons?
The dragon aspect of the trilogy is entirely my own. I didn’t research anything because I wanted it to come from me. As a writer in fantasy, there are few limitations set. As far as the folklore, I did try to find something that would tie in the island with the dragon (something that will be in the third book). I found a geyser known as the Spouting Horn that has a legend behind it. It’s about a giant lizard family that experiences a tragedy amongst siblings. The geyser is the trapped lizard’s tears. A giant sea lizard-a dragon… it felt like fate to me, thus the beginning of choosing Kauai.
Why did you choose to write Fantasy stories? Why dragons?
I couldn’t imagine writing in any other genre right now. I love fantasy. It is my go-to read. And it allows me to write anything. Dragons-I have always loved the idea of dragons. They are magnificent and wondrous! Throughout the trilogy I get to weave in and out of the mind of a dragon. It’s very exciting.
Where did you find the inspiration for the name of your main characters: Aurora and Fenn?
Aurora has always been a favorite of mine, but I had to make sure that her name meant something to the story. A new dawn is the definition, which is what the entire trilogy is based upon. Fenn was sort of like naming my children. It just felt right. I knew early on in both of my pregnancies what my babies names would be and they fit them perfectly.
Your favorite author?
J.K. Rowling. She is my biggest inspiration. I started reading Harry Potter when I was 11, which is right around the time when her first novel was released, so I’ve pretty much grown up with him. It broke my heart when the last book was out and I devoured it in a matter of days. I’d be lying if I said she didn’t influence me.
If you were a villain from Disney, which one it would be and why?
Lol, I love this question. Hmm…let me think on it because I absolutely love Disney movies and have seen just about everyone ten times each. Umm…I’m going to have to go with Maleficent…shocker lol. She turns into a dragon! Haha.
The cover is stunning, did you choose the book cover, or did you have some options for the design?
It was done by Ravven: http://ravven78.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d4q84ew. She is exactly how I imagined her! I was lucky enough to be included on the process for the cover with my publisher and Ravven. I gave them a paragraph’s worth of description and Ravven rolled with it. The only thing that is different is her scales. They are described as ruby red and mirrored.
Quickies:
Cat or Dog: Always a dog!
Dark, Brown or White Chocolate: I’m not a big chocolate fan, but white chocolate.
City or Countryside: City with a side of country.
Pool or Beach: Pool. I live near the beach. Sand in the pants isn’t fun.
Smoothies or Milk shakes: Smoothie.
Pajama or Jeans : Pajamas
Vampire or Werewolf : If we’re talking Edward or Jacob…Jacob.
Highlands or South America: Highlands.
Bitchy or Nerdy: Nerdy. Always!
Now that you know a little more about Candace, go get her book!
Author’s Links:
Musings of a Writing Reader 