I am happy to welcome the award-winning author, Candace Knoebel, today on the blog.
She is busy promoting her new novel: Embracing the Flames the second book in Born in Flames-a young adult fantasy trilogy. Published by 48fourteen in 2012, Born in Flames went on to win Turning the Pages Book of the Year award in February of 2013.
In Book 2, The Stone of Immortality has always been kept under the watch of the Draconta. That is, until the betrayal of a Fate. Now everything is about to change.
Aurora Megalos accepted her destiny without blinking-even if it meant succumbing to her dragon side. Deemed the Progeny, she left the ordinary life she knew and has done everything in her power to learn the ways of her new realm and what it means to be part dragon. But when her mentor, Astral, suddenly disappears, she is forced to take the reins.
With war on the brink, she sets out on an epic journey to not only find her mentor, but to stop her Arch Enemy, Zordon, from obtaining the Stone of Immortality. But what she discovers about him along the way is far worse than she could’ve ever imagined. She will be tested and pushed to the limit. Lives will be lost, love will be questioned, and a battle will begin.
So lets get on with the questions!
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
– About the same time I first typed the words the end back in 2009. Before then, I didn’t even know I could write a full novel. Now it is all I want to do.
How was writing your second novel different than writing your first?
– I knew the character and where the story needed to go versus sitting down with a vague idea and a glimmer of a character. I had more confidence and knowledge in what I was doing which made the words and the concept flow easier for me.
What has been the biggest thing you have learned in this process of writing a novel? Most challenging thing about being an author?
– The biggest thing is to not compare yourself to anyone else or worry about what others think. Take from what you hear and grow from it, and always try to top yourself. You can only keep improving. The most challenging part has been following that advice.
If you could choose anyone to be a mentor, which author would you consider?
– J.K. Rowling. She is brilliant.
What is your favorite book?
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Who is your favorite character?
– Harry Potter of course lol.
Who designed your covers?
– The very talented Ravven. She is awesome to work with. You can find her here: http://www.ravven.com/
Are the names of the characters in your novels important?
– Yes. I believe every name should have a meaning whether it pertains to the story or to the personality of the character. It’s like naming a child. Their name has to meansomething or else it’s just another name.
What makes you laugh?
– My husband. He is a human encyclopedia filled with sarcasm and jokes.
You seem like you are industrious, do you ever go on vacation? Where would your dream vacation be?
– I am very hard-working, but I find plenty of time for my family and for myself. We are actually getting ready to go on a vacation in August to either Washington D.C. or to the Keys. We haven’t decided yet lol. My dream vacation would be backpacking through Europe though. Hopefully one day I will.
Most of the readers of my blog are other writers, any advice to share?
– Practice makes perfect and it will only happen if you make it happen. Keep writing! 😉
Want to read more? Check out Born in Flames and Embracing the Flames!
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