Interview with author Elizabeth Isaacs of The Kailmeyra Series!
I want to first thank author Elizabeth Isaacs for being so gracious to answer my questions. I love her series of books, The Light of Asteria and The Secret of the Keepers! I am a HUGE fan and am anxiously awaiting her third book in the series, The Heart of the Ancients, Kailmeyra's Redemption! I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes YA fantasy novels! On to the interview!
1.
Where did the idea come
for the pure intent of Nora's thoughts?
Asteria
was originally written as a gift for my daughter. I wanted her to understand
that why we do what we do is more important than the action itself.
2.
Is there significance or
inspiration for the name Asteria?
Asteria
is from Greek mythology. Trying to escape Zeus’s advances, Asteria disguised
herself as a bird, flew from Olympus, and plunged into the Aegean Sea to form
an island. What originally caught my eye about her story was the fact that she
left one world for another, and so I thought she’d be a good fit for the
storyline.
3.
What inspired you to
write about elves, fairies and unicorns?
I
knew Gavin was something more than human, but it wasn’t until I was well into
the first draft that I started exploring what that might be. When I researched
various myths and legends, the Alfar just seemed natural. The sprites and
unicorns showed up when the world building began. I can see Kailmeyra in my
mind’s eye, clear as glass. I only hope I’ve found words that do it
justice.
4.
Was there an inspiration
for Edna and Malachi who played the roles of Nora's parents?
Edna
is a compilation of three of the best women I’ve ever known. She has my
mother’s name, my grandmother’s personality, and my great-grandmother’s
physical appearance. As for Malachi, I have no clue. I knew he obviously had to
be old, but his physique, his voice, and his mannerisms showed up in my head,
diamond eyes and all. I’m sure the answer lies somewhere deep within my
subconscious.
5.
Will Nora ever see Kate
and Holly again?
I
had originally planned to include them in the third book, but the storyline has
taken a new twist and so, as of now, we will not see them again. I’ve been
amazed at how many people ask about Kate and Hol, so much so that I’m thinking
of writing a contemporary piece centered on them.
6.
Where did the idea come
for the spider webs to be a protection on the windows?
Spiders
fascinate me. Their webs are extremely strong, can actually help stop bleeding
wounds, and some webs are practically heat resistant. It’s even said that
spiders have no natural cause of death, and so theoretically if one kept a
spider safe from harm they’d live indefinitely.
It only makes sense to me that if regular everyday spiders can do all
that, Kailmeyra’s spiders could protect Nora and Gavin.
7.
Is there a real giant
tree house somewhere that you used for inspiration for the one in the book?
Wouldn’t
that be incredible? No, the Mighty Oak just appeared in my head.
8.
Where did the idea come
for the soul stones?
I
grow weary of the popular message that sex is no big deal. It is. It’s
intimate. It requires vulnerability and trust. Allowing someone literally to
share your body is giving them a gift, a piece of your heart. I wanted a way to
represent that in the story, and the stone developed from there.
9. Do you have
plans or would you consider writing a prequel about Edna and Michael?
After
the Kailmeyra series, I do plan on writing a novella about Edna’s one perfect
day.
10. Will the third
book end the series?
Yes,
I’ve always known the series will end with The
Heart of the Ancients, Kailmeyra’s Redemption. But I’ve had so many emails
about certain characters in The Secret of
the Keepers, I’ve decided not to close the door on future projects.
You can check out more about author Elizabeth Isaacs and The Kailmeyra Series on her website:
Or her blog:
Or on her Goodreads page:
Be sure to check back here at my blog between May 25 and May 31st to enter for a chance to win one of Elizabeth Isaacs books!
Thanks for sharing the interview. I loved both books and can't wait for the third to come out. She is an amazing author and I will be seeking out more of her books.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! I loved both of her books too and am anxious for the third! I hope she writes the novella of Edna and Michael's perfect day!
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