Keira Gillett Author

Fierce Middle Grade Fantasy Reads

Twice-Lost Fairy Well

Mark Your Calendars for a Fierce Book Event: 8-19-17 at the Suntree Viera Library

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Join me for a reading from the fourth book in the Zaria Fierce Series at the Suntree Viera Public Library. Following the reading there will be time for a Q&A and a chance to get your books signed. There will be a limited number of books available for purchase at the event. I have a lot of fun planned and I hope to see you there!

When: Saturday, August 19, 2017
Book: Aleks Mickelsen and the Twice-Lost Fairy Well
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Suntree Viera Public Library

Address: 902 Jordan Blass Dr.
Melbourne, FL 32940
Phone: (321) 255-4404
Hours: Sat. 9AM–5PM

Book Cost: $15 ea.

Zaria Fierce and Aleks Mickelsen are the perfect gifts for a reader in your life.

RSVP on Facebook: Direct Link

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Blog Tour Stop: Did You Know These 10 Things about Aleks Mickelsen and the Twice-Lost Fairy Well? + Giveaway

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Hi Fiercelings! I’m over at Brenda’s blog, Log Cabin Library, dishing on my writing and Aleks’ first adventure as the MC in the Zaria Fierce Series. Here’s a sneak peek of what I revealed in the post:

Grandmothers: Hearing Michele narrate for Grizzle, I realized I really do love my grandmother figures in the series and have only one grandfather mentioned, and so far he’s been off-page, this is probably because I was super close to my own grandma. I didn’t really know my grandfathers, who passed away before I really was of age to remember them. In the series, we now have Ava, who’s hip and cool; Granny who’s sugary sweet and absent-minded; the witch in the woods, who’s a bit crazy, but sly as a fox; and Grizzle, who’s tough as nails so don’t cross her.

Earlier Brenda wrote an amazing review of Aleks Mickelsen and the Twice-Lost Fairy Well. Below is a quote from her review, and if you follow this link you can read it in full.

There’s just something so comforting about returning to Zaria and the gang, while also learning more about Aleks’ story. Gillett’s books always include plenty of action and I love the adventures that the gang has across Norway as they try to prevent Fritjof’s escape. I’m very curious about what the future has in store for Aleks.

Thanks so much, Brenda for your kind words and having me back on your blog! Be sure to head over and read my guest post revealing fun facts about the books because at the bottom is a chance for a fun giveaway. Ends 8/20/2017. Good luck!

Blog Tour Stop: Discussion of Adoption Themes in the Zaria Fierce Series at Mom Read It + Giveaway

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I’m over at Rosemary’s book blog, Mom Read It, discussing the adoption themes which can be found within my series. Adoption is an important topic to me because my two younger sisters are adopted from China. Before I even started the book series, I knew I wanted to portray a positive adoption outlook between adoptive parents and adoptees in my books.

For those who know me and my family, they can see little facets of my siblings, my parents, and myself in the way certain characters interact. Merry for instance is very much a representation of my mother. The nightly tea parties, which are seen in Zaria Fierce and the Enchanted Drakeland Sword, are something she did with one of my sisters before my sister went off to college.

To read more about this topic and how adoption affects Zaria Fierce and Aleks Mickelsen in similar, but different ways, head over there for a deeper look. Be sure to leave a comment while you’re there because one lucky winner will get a Fierce Scale necklace from me, in the color of their choosing. Will you pick a color that reminds you of a dragon like Fritjof, a winter-wyvern like Norwick, or a river-troll like Bjarke? So many fun options!

Rosemary also had some wonderful things to say about the fourth book in the Zaria Fierce Series. Here’s a sneak peek:

I have wanted to know more about Aleks since I first read that he was a changeling – and that his grandmother is, too! Readers won’t be disappointed; we learn more about Aleks’ origin here, and I love the inner conflict raging with Aleks as he realizes that there is no black and white situation: he initially thinks it’s not a big deal at all to give up his fey gifts, but learns that not only can his ability to find things be a huge help, he learns that his fey side is very much a part of him. Don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone? Aleks may just have to learn that lesson that hard way.

You can read the full review for Aleks Mickelsen and the Twice-Lost Fairy Well on her blog. Thanks, Rosemary!

Blog Tour Stop: Author Interview at The Novelty of Life + Giveaway

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In case you missed it, I did an author interview with book blogger Kathy of The Novelty of Life.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we talked about:

Kathy: Why did you decide to switch the main character from Zaria to Aleks?

Keira: Zaria fought her dragon. Plus, I knew there was a story to tell in Niffleheim, which brings me to Aleks. His character arc always intrigued me and I wanted to explore it more…

Read the rest of the interview here, be sure to leave a comment on her site because someone is going to win a Fierce Scale Necklace. The winner gets to choose their color – will you pick one that reminds you a dragon in the series like Koll, a winter-wyvern like Norwick, or a river-troll like Olaf?

Zaria Fierce Series Crafts – Slime and Kettupeli

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Hi Everyone,

I’m so excited to share with you these two fabulous book crafts for the Zaria Fierce Series. Today you’ll get learn how to make different colored slime to represent characters from the books, and you’ll learn how to create you’re own Kettupeli board game, which is from the second book in the series.

Slime:

Learn to make colorful slime in this video made by Michele Carpenter, narrator of the Zaria Fierce Series, and her kids. There’s orange slime for Aleks Mickelsen, purple with gold glitter slime for Zaria Fierce, green slime for trolls, and white and silver glitter slime for white ravens.

Ingredients:

  • Face peel mask
  • Lotion
  • Liquid starch
  • Food coloring or acrylic paint
  • Glitter
  • Jars to make and store these slimes

The ratios are loose. Normally Michele and her kids just wing it. It’s best if you mix the glue, food coloring, and other ingredients all together before adding the liquid starch.  Liquid starch should always be last, except before glitter.  Glitter can go in at the end.

Which is your favorite slime? Leave a comment below!

Kettupeli Instructions:

Watch the video for a quick overview of creating the game. You’ll see the finish layout and see how it’s all put together. It’s pretty simple, but a lot of fun!

You’ll need:

  • 52 spools
  • 51 small dowels – it’s important that they fit into the spools
  • 51 small clothespins
  • 51 black seed beads – or tiny puff balls
  • Paint – black, red, blue, green, yellow, and white
  • Hot glue gun
  • Hot glue
  • Recommended to get a box that can fit the spools, but you can also create your Kettupeli board on a piece of wood, or poster board.

All these materials can be found in a craft store or down a craft aisle at a big box store.

Pegs:

  • 30 Black
  • 10 Red
  • 5 Blue
  • 3 Green
  • 2 Yellow
  • 1 White

Instructions on how to play the game can be found within book two of the Zaria Fierce Series, Zaria Fierce and the Enchanted Drakeland Sword.

Happy crafting! I’d love to see your creations – be sure to e-mail me pictures or tag me on social media!