The Keepers.
J.L.Block
Contemporary Fantasy
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Book Blurb:
Ava’s ordinary life is shattered when she is attacked and becomes involved in a secret society of magic.
Alongside the Keepers, Ava needs to mediate as the magics collide and are becoming out of control. She must Keep the increasing amount of secrets safe – even from her family. But there’s a rising tension within this group as Ava replaces a fallen Keeper, and it becomes an issue of trust. The Rogues, betrayers to this creed, threaten to devastate the Keepers, who think themselves safe.
It will take both Ava’s inner and outer strength to overcome the chaos, or as she now knows, the Visma and, by extension, the mysterious Rogues that surround her.
Interview
Where are you from? Tell us a little about yourself!
I was born in America and raised in Australia where I live now.
Besides writing and reading my other passion is music. So I keep myself pretty busy on a daily basis juggling between the two of them, along with work and university.
Tell us about your book? How did it get started?
My Book is called The Keepers and It’s a Contemporary Fantasy.
I think the description tells it all:
Ava’s ordinary life is shattered when she is attacked and becomes involved in a secret society of magic. Alongside the Keepers, Ava needs to mediate as the magics collide and are becoming out of control. She must Keep the increasing amount of secrets safe – even from her family. But there’s a rising tension within this group as Ava replaces a fallen Keeper, and it becomes an issue of trust. The Rogues, betrayers to this creed, threaten to devastate the Keepers, who think themselves safe.
It will take both Ava’s inner and outer strength to overcome the chaos, or as she now knows, the Visma and, by extension, the mysterious Rogues that surround her.
It’s hard for me to remember how the concept came to me. I remember I was bored at work one day and I started thinking of what it would be like to put a group of contrasting races together in a room. Of course there would be tensions, disagreement, alliances, mediators. Adding my favorite element of magic into the mix only made it more interesting.
What I am sure of is I planned and researched for the Keepers for almost a year before I let myself write it. I wanted to make sure I knew what was going to happen in the entire trilogy before I started writing the first book.
How do you create your characters?
I spend a great deal of time working on character back stories and traits because I think It’s really important (Even for small characters). I will write everything I can possibly think of, even if I don’t use it in the book. I think the more the author knows about a character the more ‘real’ they will become, and I make sure to note everything from their past influences to their relationships with every other character they come in contact with in the book.
The thing I love most about the Keepers is that their characteristics are influenced by their upbringing from their individual magical races, and It allowed me to create a large array of contrasting characters.
What inspires and what got your started in writing?
I find inspiration comes to me from everywhere, but I find books, music, movies and illustrations to be my main source. I love it when something really moves me. It makes me want to work a million times harder to do the same for someone else.
I started writing because of insomnia. As a child I couldn’t get to sleep at night so I started telling myself stories in my head. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I decided to actually put them on paper, but I still think of stories to put myself to bed to this day.
Where do you write? Is there something you need in order to
write (music, drinks?)
I write everywhere around my house depending on how I feel. Sometimes that could mean outside in the backyard and others times I decide I rather write in bed or lying on my stomach on the floor. The possibilities are endless, and yes they include writing at a desk like a normal person.
A cup of tea always helps, but I NEED silence in order to work my best. I find noises cause distraction. I know some authors love to listen to music when they write, but I end up analyzing music instead.
How do you get your ideas for writing?
It’s hard to say. My ideas come from everywhere and anything and are always floating around in my head. Thinking about books before I go to sleep certainly helps, but I don’t try to seek ideas otherwise they are almost always bad.
What do you like to read?
I am a sucker for Fantasy, Sci-fi but I do like YA and some straight fiction. I try to seek self published work, because I want to support indie authors like myself, but I have to say I am also one who follows the traditional published book trends.
In terms of non-fiction I love history, which makes researching for books really interesting for me.
What would your advice to be for authors or aspiring in regards
to writing?
If you love writing, and it is something you are truly passionate about, give it a go. It’s hard work, but the achievement of finishing is reward enough. Most importantly have the opportunity to share something you created with others.
Anything else you’d like to share?
You can currently buy The Keepers from Amazon and Smashwords as an ebook. Print version will become available in the future.