Day 24 and we are meeting author and artist Kylie Sabra a very talented lady. Step over to Stephanie’s blog later to catch up with her views on writing romance in today’s society.
Let’s find out more about Kylie;
1) Where is your home town?
I was born in Topeka, Kansas–an Air Force brat. I was shortly transplanted to Texas and finished my “growing up” in the small town of Liberty, about an hour east of Houston. I’ve called Seattle my home for the past 19 years and it ever shall be until they spread my ashes over Puget Sound.
2) How long have you been writing?
I started writing poetry, music and short stories in grade school, then went on a long hiatus to raise kids. Honestly, no clue why I stopped. Began writing again in the mid-eighties as a staff writer and corporate communications professional. I got all the touchy-feely articles. (grins) I wonder why?
3) You have a beautiful book cover, who designed it?
I am a graphic artist and designed my own cover. I escape to my art when I need to cry “refuge!”. Wow you are very talented!
4) “The Singing Dagger” is primarily a fantasy novel, but it contains romance too. Can you tell us the significance of the title?
There is indeed a dagger and it does sing. It is the embodiment of a depraved soul that seeks to own Erin. The dagger is the only way he can take her. I’d say more, but . . .
5) This is book 1 in the “Caitriona Prophecy” can you briefly tell us what the prophecy said?
Ahh! I’d share more that even. The book is based upon a poem I wrote.
by Kylie Sabra
His son and his favored, sent King Adaire
to take them wives in Tara fair.
To steal their magic, so rich, so rare;
lay claim alone for Me’Doshaire.
The maidens found their hearts ensnared,
did steal the joy of King Adaire.
His hatred boiled that they should dare,
to slip so deftly through his snare.
Into their midst, a conspirator he set,
to mix and stir and brew events.
Ensure the king’s dark plot unfold,
e’re none deliver challenge so bold.
His anguish, would their issue reap,
lest others dare their sin repeat.
For naught but blood could now appease,
and bring his torment to its ease.
The Shadows tho, their will thus proven,
alas shall right ascend from ruin.
Two hearts so pure, shall bear an heir,
blood of his own and his favored fair;
Caitríona, the bane of King Adaire.
6) Tell us a little about some of the main characters, entice us to read your book.
Erin begins as a wounded young woman who finds solace in the arms of Aidan and strength in the eyes of Bradach. Both men want her and are determined to have her. Bradach is the fierce one of the immortals—possessively protective of Erin. Aidan wears his depraved past like a dark, prickly hair coat. As much as he loves Erin, he never feels worthy of her. As the two men tug at her, Erin feels herself rent asunder.
Finn and Brie are the second couple pronounced in the prophecy. Finn is Aidan’s brother and Brie is Erin’s life-long best friend. Brie is the Earth mother. She is sweetness and light and banshee all rolled up in an angelic soul case. Finn, her golden counterpoint, is the jester that hides his unspeakable pain behind his ready wit.
The foursome are brought together by powers far greater than their ken. They are aided by four immortals. Murtagh, their leader, appears to be an ancient, but has an aura of congenial wisdom. His greatest power lies in his softest whispers.
Then there is Cormack. Ahhh! Cormack, the one sent to “mix and stir and brew events”, and he does so with impeccable grace. If he were not insidiously evil, one might take him for a stately gentleman.
7) Readers have praised your colourful descriptions, did this aspect of the writing come easily to you?
It does come easily. I took to reading from the time I learned and never stopped. I’ve read a wide variety of literature and I know that feeds into my work as well as have provided me an extensive vocabulary to lend just that right nuance to the thoughts I want to convey. There is so much to be said for that one perfect word. On the other hand I quail at lengthy descriptive paragraphs and tend to skim them. I prefer to convey descriptions within the context of dialog and thought—giving just enough data for the reader to begin to build the set in their own mind. I don’t think it hurts that I see the world through an artist’s—that intense attention to detail that an artist possesses. I also feel things very deeply. I’m curator for a famous art gallery in the Second Life Virtual grid. Artists ask me what I look for in the work I curate. I have one simple answer. Make me feel. I take this approach in my writing as well. If I can’t make the reader feel deeply, then what’s the point? A brilliant answer!
8) The love interest looks complicated, will there be many twists and turns?
For love to be interesting, there must be push and pull, hope and disappointment, vision and delusion. The triangle between Aidan, Bradach and Erin begins early and doesn’t let up until the end.
9) How hot is the romance?
There is sex. I have jokingly referred to it as Tolkien with sex. Jokingly, Mr. Tolkien! There is one brisk, violent sexual scene. The other sex scenes are between committed, loving couples. I’d describe my writing as sensual, but not pornographic; but then each must decide for himself. Sex is not the focus of my writing, but rather evolves from the plot(s).
Does it need an age warning?
I would be comfortable with my 16-year-old reading it, back when I had one of those that is.
10) You’re working on the sequel “The lost Child”, do you have an expected publication date yet?
I’m shooting for release in time for Christmas. I’d like to see it in my stocking.
Thank you Kylie for a very interesting interview, I shall be reviewing Kylie’s book in October here on the blog. If you want your own copy before that here are the links to find it on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
Rosie Amber 