Today I’m pleased to welcome author K.H. LeMoyne to chat about her new book Dragon Rider’s Gift.
K.H. LeMoyne has been writing romance ever since someone told her that she had to grow up and get a real job. Then she switched to writing romantic fantasy to keep real life from getting in the way of a good story. The love of things mystical and magical keeps her writing, with characters who fight for never-ending love against insurmountable odds. Well, that and occasionally she gets to write about elves and dragons … but that’s a different story.
1. Tell a little about yourself, what you do when you’re not writing, what are your aspirations for the future?
I’ve already had a career in information technology. Writing is actually my second career, so my future aspiration is to keep writing the stories I love.
2. When and why did you start writing?
I’ve been writing for a long time. I love stories. Love reading them and love imagining new endings for my favorite books and different stories for characters who kept my attention…so developing my own stories and writing was a natural progression for me. I finally decided several years ago that if I wanted to write books then I needed to treat it as a business. I made changes in my life to do just that.
3. If you could only read one book over and over again for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
No. Tell me it isn’t so. I’d have to make up my own stories and spend my time daydreaming.
4. Give us some back story about Dragon Rider’s Gift, where and when did you write it?
Dragon Rider’s Gift is an adult fantasy romance developed as a spin-off of my Portals of Destiny series. That series takes place across several magical dimensions and follows the rise of an evil mage in the world of Tir Thar and his war for supremacy. Dragon Rider’s Gift introduces a determined soldier, his ancient dragon, and the magic and love of the dragon guards’ princess as they combine forces to repel the mage’s attack against their homeland.
5. What inspired your story?
Dragon Rider’s Gift is the first story in a dragon rider trilogy. I had more details about the dragon riders than would work for the Portals of Destiny books and I wanted to tell their story. These are shorter books, following the resurgence of the dragon riders to the glory they held before the mage of Brennagemore began his war.
6. What was your favorite part of Dragon Rider’s Gift to write?
I’ll admit, I really enjoyed writing about my dragon lead, Kraz. The idea of being thousands of years old and immortal with a deep treasure trove of powers is challenging. He was great fun to write, but he wanted to be a scene-stealer! I love writing about magical characters almost as much as I enjoy writing about people falling in love.
7. Are you working on any other projects at the moment?
I am currently finishing the Guardians of Eden Book 3, Destiny’s Mark, which is due out in September 12th. My next project is the second story in the dragon rider trilogy, Dragon Rider’s Soul. The second book in the Portals of Destiny series, Rewards of Valor, won’t be out until next spring.
8. Are you a Pantser or Plotter? Why?
I’m primarily a plotter. I don’t start writing until I have a fairly good concept of where story starts from my characters and where it ends. Then I layer subplots and character growth until I have the bones of the story I want to tell and a scene chart. Writing the first draft always adds new components, surprises from the characters. I update and change this master plan as I go along.
9. Do you have any tricks to your trade, bottomless coffee, a magic pen, a special muse?
I wish! The craft of writing is an ongoing process, but I think the hardest thing to learn is the balance between accepting constructive criticism and advice and developing a hard shell. So I strive to keep an open mind for my writing, listen to new writing approaches, and read books I enjoy to ‘fill the well’.
10. If you could be any fictional character for a day, who would it be and why?
Superman. I’m not fond of heights or flying (especially in small planes). I’d love to let go of the fear and experience both. Then again, Hermione Granger would be fun as well!
Thank you, Suzanne, for hosting me. I hope you and your readers enjoy a huge pile of fun books this summer!
~Kate
Thank YOU Kate!
Don’t forget to check out Dragon Rider’s Gift! Feel free to leave a comment for the author below.
Roark of Nedres spent his life absorbing lore, legend, and rumor to claim his dragon beast in order to save his people. Nothing has prepared him for the ultimate bond fate will demand. Princess Nira Meriel Estar was born with the power of prophecy. Her most recent vision forecasts a dire fate for her people, promises few answers, and will deliver the country of Fyrhall a victorious future or crushing defeat.
Kraz, an ancient dragon of mythical power and knowledge, has eluded capture for a thousand years. However, only a dragon of great wisdom would consider an eternal bond to his warrior rider to save his dragon race.
Three souls. Two hearts. One courageous calling.
