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I have a special treat for you this week! Today I’m interviewing Hope Ann, the author of Healer’s Bane, Shadowkeeper, and the Legends of Light series.
This is part of my 50-email-subscribers-before-I-graduate campaign. You can read more about it in last week’s post.
My questions are in bold and Hope’s answers are in regular text.
About Hope: Hope Ann likes to think herself a dragon-riding, griffin-taming founder of worlds and explorer of legends. Using chocolate, she bribes a wide ring of spies, from the realm leapers of Aslaria to the double agents of Elkbend, for their stories. She thrives on frost, steel, and the tears of her readers which she secretly mixes into iced coffee. Deep in her hobbit hole, her actual life involves staying up too late writing, reading, researching stab wounds, and struggling to remember the difference between ‘effect’ and ‘affect’. Based in Indiana, she is the author of the Legends of Light series. Hope Ann is also the Communications Coordinator for Story Embers and a writing mentor. Click here to go to her site!
Hi, Hope! I’m so happy to have you here on my blog!
Let’s jump right in with my first question, what inspired Healer’s Bane?
The main driving force behind Healer’s Bane was actually the theme–the idea that no one person can take on the pain of everyone else and fix them, and that being able to isn’t actually a good thing. This theme came from discussions with a friend who cared so much for others that she’d have taken on everything for all of them if she were physically able to. The book was basically for her.
That’s a really good theme!
What was the hardest part of writing Healer’s Bane? (or any of your books for that matter)
It varies from book to book, but one of the hardest things for me, once the story is in place, is figuring out how much to explain and how much to simply show when it comes to backstory and worldbuilding. I have a tendency to under-explain and I don’t want readers confused. Though I also want the powers and world to unfold naturally, not just sit down and explain it all.
I struggle with the same things! Particularly under-describing my story world. I think the powers and world in Healer’s Bane unfolded very naturally.
Now for a fun question: If you could take any of your characters and bring them to life for a day, who would you choose and why?
Probably Ethaniel. He’s from Fidelyon, a work in progress that I’m letting rest for the moment. But he is so sweet and kind and just needs some care. I’d love to spend a day with him.
He sounds like an awesome character! I hope to read that work-in-progress some day.
If you could live in any country (real or imagined) where would it be and why?
I’d live in Lothlorian in Middle Earth. It is so beautiful and peaceful and I could just relax and write.
From my little Lord of the Rings knowledge, I think I would join you there.
I love asking this next question. What authors have influenced you the most in your writing journey?
I feel like Tolkien did some in that he introduced me to fantasy, and I started writing it more after reading and watching Lord of the Rings. Kate Flournoy, my best friend, also influenced me and helped me quite a bit as I was figuring out aspects of prose in writing. And then there’s Brandon Sanderson–his worldbuilding, magic systems, characters, and plots are amazing and I’ve been learning as much as I can from them.
I could have guessed Tolkien. 😉 It seems like everyone but me has read Lord of the Rings. I haven’t read too much Sanderson, but what I have read is awesome. (Confession: I like Sanderson better than Tolkien.) I’ll have to check out Kate’s writing!
Thank you so much for letting me interview you, Hope! This has been so much fun!
Want to read some of Hope’s work? Sign up for her email list and get a free short story! Get it here!
Now that the interview is over, I’m going to go back to normal text.
If you remember from last week, I’m doing a giveaway of Hope Ann’s latest book, Healer’s Bane.
There is still time to enter! If you join my email list by Friday, May 3rd at 11:59 PM, you will be entered! If you are already on my email list, don’t worry, you have automatically been entered!
Without further ado, here is the interview! My questions are in bold, his responses are in normal text.
Parker Hankins
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure! I’m a young writer–aspiring to be a published author–with two finished novels and two soon-to-be-finished novels. I really enjoy reading books and playing the piano. My favorite authors are C. R. Hedgcock and Frank Peretti as big authors but as smaller authors, I have quite a few friends who are writing amazing books. (Like seriously, when they publish, I’m going to be so excited!) Oh, and one of those authors is Amie Woleslagle.
*Amie Woleslagle is the editor of Christ’s Ready Writers.
Who or what started you on your writing journey? When?
Well, I started writing about five years ago, which is when I was ten. I always had a love for stories and reading from the time I could make out the words. As I grew up, I read the Moody books series by Sarah Maxwell and that inspired my first book. (It reached twenty six-page chapters. And all the main characters names started with M’s too.) But then I got ahold of Summer of Suspense by C. R. Hedgcock. From there, I learned she had more books and read as many as I could. At the age of twelve, I knew I wanted to write books similar to hers so I started my first novel. That novel was the beginning of my writing “career”, starting the Bryder Family Mysteries series which is still in the works.
Wow! You’ve definitely been writing longer than I have! Now the next question is, why do you write?
The main reason I write is to be able to share a meaningful story that can change lives in powerful ways. I want lives to transform and further someone’s walk with Christ. Another huge asset to my reasoning in writing is the enjoyment of my own stories. It’s my own creation, and creating is so neat! (A God-given thing really.) And I can enjoy reading back through my writing, no matter if anyone else likes it.
I love that!
I know you play piano. Are there any skills you’ve learned from music that transfer to writing or vice versa?
Actually, there are some skills I’ve learned from my music. When I arrange a hymn, I’m always working on ways to fit the mood of the words and music, build to a beautiful climax, but still keep my listeners interested in the unique styles incorporated. In writing, it’s so important for you to use word choice, descriptions, and actions that enhance the mood of the story. If you do this it will take the story to a much more powerful piece that pulls the reader in quite well. As I mentioned I always build to a climax in my music, the same goes for a story. I understand a climax from music, so incorporating this into my writing was easy–gradually take it to newer levels and increase the power of the story so that it ends amazingly. The use of unique styles in music could be compared to unique characters with unique quirks, personalities, and other things. It helps the story to become like no others.
I was wondering if I had asked a trick question, but that answer makes so much sense! I hadn’t really thought about it before. Some of my favorite songs have climaxes. Now I’ll have to pay more attention when I listen!
If you couldn’t be a writer, what would you do instead?
Well, I guess you can gather that from the other questions, but I would be a musician. (Which I already am.) If I couldn’t do that, I would probably do something with computers.
It wasn’t too hard to guess music, but I’d never have thought computers.
Besides the Baker Family Adventures by C.R. Hedgcock, what other books have influenced your writing and/or life?
Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. The books were so unique, yet so amazing! I really enjoyed the elements he wrote in. (After all, thriller is one of my genres.) I loved how he dealt with difficult issues of the world through a very engaging captivating story.
I don’t think I’ve read those before. I love unique and engaging stories!
What is your favorite Bible verse/passage? What does it mean to you?
Oh, I really like answering this question because I love the verse I’m about to share. Deuteronomy 33:27a. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:” This verse is such a help for so many things. Often times, I can get to where I wonder why all this is happening, or why I made such bad decisions, or why I had this weakness or that. But this brought me to the reminder that Christ’s arms are under us helping us along. All we really have to do is allow Him to guide us. If we let go, He can take us where ever He wants. And then out weaknesses, problems, bad decisions–none of it is a problem anymore. He holds us in the hands that never tire. They’re everlasting, always there for us.
That is beautiful! There are so many verses in Scripture that talk about God guiding our footsteps and being our refuge.
After all that talk about music, could you share one of your music videos with us?
Sure! I would like to share “It Is Well” which I played–and won–at a talent contest in my area. This is my favorite hymn, so I enjoyed it very much. Cool fact about it: I use every key on the piano.
*applauds* That was amazing!
And finally, can you tell us what you are writing right now?
Of course. I’d love to! Currently, I’m in the works of major edits on my first mystery novel. It’s the beginning of a youth Christian series. It needs an enormous amount of work, being my first real book, but slowly everything is starting to flow. My second novel–also in the series–is about ready for beta readers. My third novel which happens to be in this series too is at standing at thirty-two chapters–which changes every other day–and will go on for another twenty possible. It’s my longest novel yet.
Now for a change. I’m also writing the first draft of a young adult realistic-sci-fi thriller novel–the start of a trilogy. This book is going well, standing at twenty-two chapters but ready to go on. Inspiration for this comes SUPER easily. Big themes of this trilogy will be depression, suicide, loneliness, friendship, and a light clean romance. I feel this holds the most promise for success out of all my books.
Ooh! The YA sci-fi sounds like something I’d read! Good luck with your writing!
Thank you for joining me on my blog today!
Want to find out more about Parker or Christ’s Ready Writers? Then these are the links you are looking for:
I’m beyond excited for this post. I mean, two of my favorite authors coming to my blog? Just ask my mom. I’m sure I’ve annoyed her to no end. 😂
So today, I have a special treat for you! An author interview with both Tricia Mingerink and Jaye L. Knight, Christian fantasy authors! Plus, book reviews of Bitter Winter and Lacy along with a huge giveaway!
First, I want to share how I stumbled upon these authors.
My mom ordered Jaye L. Knight’s book, Resistance, for me back in 2017. I was not into fantasy and wasn’t really interested in reading it. But, she got it for me, so I read it. Mostly because Jaye is a young author and I was just getting into writing.
And. I. Loved. It.
Like wanted-to-cry-loved-it-so-much.
I can’t remember if I actually thought it, but sometime while reading it I decided that I wanted to write books just like Jaye’s. Forget historical fiction, I’m writing fantasy from now on.
Without Resistance, there would be no Checkmate (my work in progress) and none of the other ideas I have bopping around in my head.
I just discovered Tricia’s series, The Blades of Acktar, hardly a month ago. I learned about them when I signed up for the blog tour. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of her before.
I think I scared my mom when I asked her to order the first ebook for me, because I basically never read ebooks. But I wanted Dare and I wanted it fast.
So I read it and by Chapter 3 I was hooked. Now I just need to get my hands on the rest of the series…
And now, without further ado, I give you Jaye and Tricia!
*please clap here*
About the Author
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. 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.
Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn’t writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.
Welcome to my blog, Jaye and Tricia! I’m so excited and honored to have you here!
Can you briefly tell us about your writing journey?
Jaye: I first started writing when I was eight because I watched my mom doing it and it looked like fun. It wasn’t until I was around fourteen or fifteen that I decided I actually wanted to be an author. I was around eighteen when I first looked into indie publishing. My parents gave me the money I needed to publish my first book for my graduation, and I slowly made my way to where I am now.
Tricia: I started drawing picture books when I was two years old, and I decided I was going to be a published author someday when I was six. I wrote lots and lots of short stories and novellas and novels until finally I wrote Dare and made the decision to indie publish it after seeing many other authors, like Jaye L. Knight, going that route.
What books or authors influenced your writing the most?
Jaye: My mom is my biggest influence. She’s an author too, and I might not have started writing if not for her. And then J.R.R. Tolkien was certainly big influence. I might never have started writing fantasy if not for my love of The Lord of the Rings, and he is the one who made me want to be a published author.
Tricia: C.S. Lewis gave me my love of fantasy. Jill Williamson and Morgan Busse showed me that there are still authors writing Christian fantasy today. Nadine Brandes was my first editor and one of my first author friends, and I learned so much from her about writing and marketing. Jaye L. Knight showed me it was possible to indie publish well, and she’s become a really good friend.
What do you love most about writing?
Jaye: My characters. Characters are the most important part of a story for me. While it can get frustrating at times, I love developing characters and seeing how they interact with each other.
Tricia: I love when it is going well. Those moments in a first draft when my fingers can’t type fast enough because the story is flowing so intensely. Or those moments when editing when the books starts to come together, and the mess becomes beautiful.
I know when I write, some of the names in my book have significance (such as the city named after a cat). Do any of your characters or places have names that mean anything special to you? Particularly Jace and Leith.
Jaye: I can’t say that I have any yet that have special meaning to me. Jace just came up in a fantasy name generator and I had it in a list of names I liked. Of course, I had no idea when I decided to use it that it seems to be a ridiculously popular name in mainstream YA fiction. Oops. I still love it. I guess the country of Samara does have a particular meaning. It means “protected by God,” which is why I chose it.
Tricia: The name Leith has no specific significance. I simply liked the name, lol. I usually try not to use the names of people I know, but Lady Lorraine demanded that her first name was Paula, and my friend in real life Paula didn’t mind. The town of Sierra is named after my critique partner Sierra.
Nadine Brandes always names a character after all of her nieces and nephews, and I’ve decided I’m going to try to do something similar, though I’ll probably expand it to include various children who’ve meant a lot to me over the years.
Obviously your writing is strongly affected by your faith. What advice would you give to writers (particularly of fantasy) who struggle to implement their faith into their books?
Jaye: This is kind of an obvious one, but try not to be preachy. Show faith by your characters’ actions. Just like in real life, actions are often more powerful than words. And weave it in naturally. Try not to force it.
Tricia: Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions, both in your books and through your books of yourself. It might be difficult and take a lot of prayer and Scripture-searching to get to the answer, or as much of an answer as you can, but it will be worth it in the end for the depth in your book.
Thank you so much!
And now on to my book reviews. As I have not read most of The Blades of Acktar series yet, I’m unfortunately not reviewing Decree. 😕 But check back in January for a review of Dare, the first book in the series!
(I received free ebooks in exchange for honest reviews.)
About Bitter Winter
Already struggling with a harsh winter and the threat of food shortage, a catastrophic event leaves those in the Landale camps reeling. Just when things couldn’t get much worse, camp members fall ill with the same devastating sickness that’s sweeping across the country.
Determined to gain the cure, Jace sets off to Valcré. However, there are only two sources—the queen, or a powerful gang of smugglers who have made the dangerous city their home. When Jace gains audience with the gang leader, he finds the price of the cure is steeper than any of them imagined, forcing him to make an impossible choice—betray his conscience or let those he loves die.
First things first, was that summary not amazing? I’ve been dying for this book to come out ever since I read that synopsis months ago. And now it’s finally here!
And that cover… It ranks up there with The Girl Who Could See and Fawkes. It’s so pretty and I love the blue color scheme. 😍
Do you know how hard it is to write a review without spoiling anything? And it doesn’t help that this is Book 5 in The Ilyon Chronicles. 😅
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Something happened that I had been waiting forever to occur. *cue fangirl screaming*
I thought I was going to cry several times while reading Bitter Winter. The only problem is that I don’t cry when reading. I only grin like an idiot or clap my hand over my mouth to hide my gasping. *shakes head slowly* Shameful.
I was a bit disappointed by the lack of “conflict.” By that I mean the other books have had more action—swordfights, impending executions, dragon fights, etc. Bitter Winter didn’t lack conflict in general (deadly illness = conflict), but I was hoping for some more heartpumping action scenes.
But my favorite part was the ending. I can’t say anything else except, GO READ THE ILYON CHRONICLES, YOU WON’T REGRET IT. Unless you stay up late to read them and hence lose sleep. Then you might regret it. 😎
All that being said, I was a bit disappointed in the way everything was tied up at the end. I’d say more, but spoilers.
Characters
There weren’t really any new characters, except Alex Avery. But since the characters are my favorite part of the series, I’ll tell you all about my favorites from all the books. 😀
We have to start with Jace because, well, Jace. He has to be my most favorite character of all time. Why? His inner conflict. His character arc. His backstory. Umm, everything about him is awesome? I identify with him the most of all of Jaye’s characters even though we’re totally different.
Unfortunately, Kyrin wasn’t in this book too much. But she’s so sweet and caring in all the other books. And…grrr…I want to say more, but it would spoil parts of Resistance.
Those of you who know me well know I don’t typically cheer a romance on. Well, I’ve been rooting for Jayrin from the beginning.
And Talas, Timothy, and Kaden were awesome as usual. Shocker, because they’re always awesome. 🐉📜🐉
Can I just say I want a pet wolf like Tyra? She’s so loyal and so cute! But I wouldn’t trade Reese (our dog) for any other dog, not even Tyra. 🐺
Content
There was more romance in this book than in the previous books. But it’s clean romance. The occasional kiss, holding of hands, hug, etc. Like, “I love her so much I just want to kiss her and protect her from all the evils the bad guys are planning.”
A few characters die in a battle at the very beginning. There are descriptions of the scene and blood. And a death scene. (One of the times I wanted to cry.)
All of Jaye’s books are free from language, which is awesome!
About Lacy
The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection.
When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom.
I actually really enjoyed this book. It was a little predictable at points, but cute.
But one plot twist totally caught me by surprise. (And I was at music lessons at the time, so I had to restrain my loud protests so as to not disturb someone else’s lesson. 😂)
I was irritated at one part of the story, but if I told you, it would be double spoilery.
Characters
Most of the characters have been in the other books, but there were a few new ones—Gwen, Hannah, Helen, and Lacy, most notably.
I really enjoyed getting to learn more about Aaron. He’s typically a side character, so this gave a neat insight into his personality. He’s so nice!
Lacy was very sweet and I was able to empathize with her, even though our circumstances are (obviously) very different. She reminded me of a feminine version of Jace. They had similar character arcs, but Jace’s was more intense.
But overall, I have to say Timothy was my favorite character. I really hope Jaye writes a novella about him, because that would be really cool. His faith is very inspiring. (Random fact: I took a quiz on the official Ilyon site and it said that if I was in Ilyon, I should marry Timothy. 😂)
Content
I was a bit hesitant to read this, seeing as one of the main characters is a prostitute. But I asked the lovely Faith Blum who had read it before me if it was clean, she said yes. And I agree. Immoral activities are only implied, albeit strongly.
This is what I’d qualify as a “romance.” (Although I’ve never read an actual romance. No desire to either.) So there were “googly eyes” as my brother would say. But mostly the same as in Jaye’s other books.
No violence unless you count a fistfight.
No language either.
Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? Find out more at the official Ilyon Chronicles website!
(A side note regarding the entire series. I would highly recommend these books, but I always give a warning. If they were movies, I’d give them a PG-13 rating. They can be rather intense at times. There is fighting, racism, allusion to rape, near executions, death, depression, despair, etc. But they are all very good and have strong allegorical elements. And Jaye never leaves her characters in the darkness too long. They are some of the best books I’ve ever read. Plus, they have a strong allegory that I love.)
About Decree
The Adventure Continues.
Discover more of The Blades of Acktar in this collection of novellas and short stories.
The Blades as They Should’ve Been
A test and the Gathering of Nobles will decide Leith and Martyn’s futures. Can they fight to become more than the Blades they were? Will Keevan accept the man who attempted to kill him as family?
The First Mission
When Martyn visits Surgis, his past seems determined to haunt him. Can he figure out how to forgive, especially when confronted with an enemy in need of his help?
To the Far Great Mountains
A death sends Leith and Martyn far beyond the borders of Acktar. Will they be able to arrest their quarry before they are caught themselves?
From the story of how Leith and Martyn met to Ranson’s search for a life outside of the Blades, these stories will answer plaguing questions and expand the world of Acktar.
I wish I had read this, so I could review it. But I did order myself a copy.
But since I finished Dare, I have to talk about my top two favorite characters.
Leith Torren was by far my favorite. There were several times I just wanted to hug him and explain the Gospel to him. And he’s an assassin… And he has lots of daggers… (I really want one.)
Brandi was another favorite. She made me smile with her chatter. She’s so sweet and innocent. She actually reminds me of one of my characters, Quinn.
Haven’t discovered the The Blades of Acktar yet? Find out more at on the official Blades of Acktar page.
Giveaway
This giveaway is awesome. Free books? Count me in. 😀
Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a full signed set of the Ilyon Chronicles and The Blades of Acktar! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)
Today I have a special treat for you! I have the privilege of interviewing author and writing mentor, Aleigha C. Israel!
She is one of the sweetest, most encouraging people around. Last year, I even got to meet her!
Aleigha and me!
ALEIGHA C. ISRAEL writer of inspirational fiction and poetry is an author of multiple books and enjoys sharing God’s love through the powerful art of storytelling.
Her novels are distributed by Grace and Truth Books.
Aleigha loves being a Community Assistant at the Young Writers Workshop and teaching writing classes to her talented students.
When she’s not daydreaming about a new story idea or playing with her sidekick “Marley” (a Pomeranian mix) she can usually be seen playing and singing in her family’s gospel bluegrass band or making personalized author swag for her business Literary Treasures.
She doesn’t have to search very hard for inspiration.
Living in the Israel household, it’s guaranteed there’s an adventure waiting around every corner!
And without further ado, the interview! *drumroll*
When did you decide to be a writer? i.e. When did you think, “I can actually do this!”?
For me, there was never a time of doubt about “becoming a writer.” Because I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing! Strangely, there was never a moment that I decided I “wanted to become” a writer. I’ve been writing since I was nine!
However, as a writer I have to constantly keep myself motivated and remind myself that I really can do this!
As writers, we so often get hung up in the small things. The desire to write the “perfect book.” So much so that sometimes we’re afraid to love our own flawed work. Because as the famous artist analogy, we writers see all the imperfections. But it’s important for us all to keep in mind that it’s okay to love our work. Blemishes and all. Because we aren’t perfect, and our Creator still loves us. <3
Your books are full of Christian themes and messages. How does you faith affect your writing?
My faith plays such an enormous role in my writing. I’ve always told my readers, that if I ever write a story that doesn’t have God on every page, then they have my permission to lock me in a cold, dark, dungeon!
My faith doesn’t just “affect,” my writing. It’s the reason I write!
I write to share the gospel of Christ to a thirsty and dying world. I write so that others might know that redemption and peace and love and forgiveness, are always options, no matter who you are or what you’ve done. I write so that my readers will never feel alone in their struggles. And my faith affects all of this.
I strive to make it a great part of the writing process as well. I constantly give my writing to the Lord when I start to feel burdened because I’ve taken too much of the process on by myself. I’ve found that my greatest writing has come when I’ve handed God the pen and asked Him to write it for me. That His words would flow through my fingers. And that every single word I write would only bring nothing but glory to His name.
Where did you first get the idea for A Light for Christ Trilogy?
I’ve always loved allegories! And I’ve always wanted to write one. A Higher Ransom started out as an allegory, and I had plans to end the story a little differently! (Trying not to spoil it for my readers out there!) The story started out as a picture of Jesus and how He gave His life and took our place. But, it definitely strayed from the allegorical sense in too many directions to count!! But that basic idea was what sprouted the wings for this story, and a few aspects are still entwined within the message!
Can you tell us about your next project?
Hmmmm, good question. 😉
I’m currently writing a contemporary inspirational fiction story about the heart of forgiveness. But it’s all a pretty tight secret right now! I hope to share some more exciting updates in the future though!
I love connecting with my readers on Instagram at @aleighacisrael_author and on my Facebook page. I’ll be sharing some exciting updates about this story in the coming months!
Thank you so much, Aleigha! It was a pleasure having you here!
And now, the promised giveaway!
We have a signed copy of A Higher Ransom, the first book of A Light for Christ Trilogy by Aleigha C. Israel!
