Keira Gillett Author

Fierce Middle Grade Fantasy Reads

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You’re Invited to the Launch Party for Book 7 in the Zaria Fierce Series!

April 29, 2020 By Keira Gillett

Join me for an evening to celebrate the book birthday of Christoffer Johansen and the Return to Jötunheim.

There will be games:

  • Seriously Fierce Scavenger “Wild” Hunt – You can start anytime on the quest as I’ve posted it in anticipation of the event. This gives everyone plenty of time to do it!
  • Seriously Fierce Live Trivia Event – Play from your phone, computer, or tablet. It’s super fun and easy to do. Be sure to use a name that I can recognize and is all ages friendly. The highest scoring individual wins a prize!
  • Seriously Fierce Book Bingo – Go ahead and grab your bingo card early. Print it out or play online. Make a note of the card number as it will be used to verify your card. The individual to call Bingo wins a prize!

There will be a live reading from the book.

There will be time for questions and answers.

At some point it’s basically guaranteed that there will be a dog stealing the show. Oskar is a cutie. If you see him give a shout!

The event is hosted live on Facebook and will be posted to YouTube for replay for anyone who misses the evening. So pop the popcorn, grab a drink, wearing your fuzzy socks, and comfy pj’s and let’s have a party!

RSVP so you don’t miss out on the fun:

Date: May 1, 2020
Time: 10:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Where: Online, Zaria Fierce Facebook page

Filed Under: Author, Christoffer Johansen and the Return to Jötunheim, Zaria Fierce Tagged With: author event, author interview, author promotion, author reading, author talk, book event, book promotion, book reading, book release party, book talk, midnight book release party

Recap: Suntree Viera Library Book Reading and Signing on Aleks Mickelsen and the Twice-Lost Fairy Well

August 22, 2017 By Keira Gillett

Thank you everyone who came out last Saturday for my book reading at the Suntree Viera Library! It was so nice to run into new and longtime fans. Some fun things I got to try out this time was my new table display for my book business cards, my new banner, and my Seriously Fierce scale necklaces. What do you think? Aren’t they fabulous?

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If you missed the event, here’s a recap and rewind. You can watch my reading of chapter two from the book here:

Highlights from the Q&A + Transcript:

Audience: Do you work with Eoghan Kerrigan, as if he was like a police artist, so that this is actually what you’re imagining when you’re writing?

Me: I wouldn’t say he works like he’s a police artist. He doesn’t pick my brain to quite that extent. He gets documents (and the book itself) that have all the characters pulled out so that he has their descriptions. For the especially important characters, we do a series of mock-ups, and I pick the ones that feel more like my character. In that way we do what you’re talking about.

So if it’s a hooked nose, or a sharp pointed nose… he knows the details of how they’re described. He’ll take the information and interpret it. It’s as fun for me to see how what I’m saying from my mind and how I’m picturing it to how he interprets it. Some of them are really close, and some are so much better than how I pictured. They’re fabulous and I love working with him.

Audience: Good, good, because when you’re reading you’re always picturing in your mind, and if you got the illustrations as a visual clue for what they look like, instead of us going off on a tangent. It’s nice to know what they look like.

Me: What’s also fun that gives you another dimension of how the characters look is if you hear the audio book and how Michele’s does it, because she interprets how the voices are going to sound. In this book, there’s a bunch of trolls, and she has to go back and remember how the returning trolls sound. They were described as having voices, deep, and guttural, and grumbling, and so she has a variety of voices.

Now we have teenage trolls this time, who are all about the same age as the kids. There’s older trolls, conniving trolls, silly trolls, so they all have a variety of sounds and when she whips them out one right after the other, “I’m like how do you do that?” because it’s hard enough for me to do even Nori’s voice, and she’s not a troll, but a high pitched female.

Audience: So you have to remember which voice you’re doing?

Me: Yes, but she does a fabulous job with them and I feel it gives you a different dimension to how you picture the characters too. If a troll talks like this (deep) you’re going to picture him very (muscular) versus talking like this “Hello” (higher pitched). She also does the brownie voices and they get very squeaky, so you kind of get an idea of height and breadth simply based on how she does the voices. It’s really cool actually.

Audience: Who is Svein?

Me: He’s… well, I don’t want to say a throwaway character, because you never know when someone comes back, but he’s a character who’s just hanging around by the airport, when the kids go up and fly, and he knew Geirr. So he’s kind of like a copilot and tour guide. He’s like the older representative to convey to the inspectors and everybody at the scene after the crash that Geirr is an excellent pilot and knows what he’s doing. He’s there to be a witness to say that the plane didn’t crash because Geirr is a bad pilot, but to say the plane crashed because of something else, which is important because otherwise poor Geirr might never fly again.

I’ll wrap up by saying thank you again to everyone for making it out to see me. I had a blast!

Filed Under: Author, Twice-Lost Fairy Well, Zaria Fierce Tagged With: Aleks Mickelsen, author event, author reading, book event, book promotion, book reading, Eoghan Kerrigan, FAQ, Michele Carpenter

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

August 12, 2017 By Keira Gillett

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

Filed Under: Author, Twice-Lost Fairy Well Tagged With: author event, author reading, book event, book promotion, book reading, book signing

Video + Recap: Midnight Release Party for Aleks Mickelsen and the Twice-Lost Fairy Well

July 9, 2017 By Keira Gillett

Michele Carpenter and I had an absolute blast hosting the live event midnight release party on Facebook for Aleks Mickelsen and the Twice-Lost Fairy Well. We had lots of comments as we went which was so much fun! Thank you guys for making it so special. If you missed it you can watch the replay here:

There’s still some time to enter the scavenger hunt contest. Be sure you take the time to do so! The winner gets a signed copy of Aleks Mickelsen and the Twice-Lost Fairy Well. Contest closes 7/9/17 at 10 PM EST. This contest is open internationally, and your entry can be posted to Instagram or the Zaria Fierce FB page with the hashtag #zariafierceparty

It should look something like this:

Good luck! As for the other prize, the Zaria Fierce necklace, congratulations again to Megan for winning the Zaria Fierce book bingo!

The book is now available in e-book and print with the audio book soon to follow. Thank you again everyone who came out and joined Michele and I. We were so excited and thrilled to celebrate Aleks with you. I look forward to your thoughts on Aleks. Enjoy and happy readings!

Filed Under: Author, Giveaway, Twice-Lost Fairy Well, Zaria Fierce Tagged With: Aleks Mickelsen, author event, author interview, author promotion, book event, book reading, book release party, Michele Carpenter, midnight book release party, midnight party, narrator, Narrator interview, narrator reading

Facebook Live Event: Midnight Release Party for Aleks Mickelsen and the Twice-Lost Fairy Well

June 25, 2017 By Keira Gillett

One of my favorite things that I did for Zaria Fierce and the Dragon Keeper’s Golden Shoes, was hosting a midnight release party. I loved it so much, I want to do it again! Join me for a live Facebook event celebrating the release of the fourth book in the Zaria Fierce series.

When:

July 6, 2017 at 10:55 PM EST to Midnight EST

What to expect:

This will be a pajama party from the convenience of your own home. Grab your hot cocoa and fuzzy socks. We’ll hang out together in comfort.

Author Reading:
There will have a book reading during the release party. I will read an excerpt from Aleks Mickelsen and the Twice-Lost Fairy Well. (approximately 15-20 minutes)

Games related to the books:

Bingo, scavenger hunt/I-spy

  • You may need a printer
  • You may need a pen
  • A phone or camera
  • An Instagram account
  • Layout (free app that works with Instagram)

Your Bingo Card:
Starts off blank. Under each category, fill out 5 different choices from the 8 options listed for that category. You may place your choice in any row in the appropriate column. I’ll be drawing during the event. First one to get bingo will win a prize. You can pre-fill and print your card ahead of the event.

Your I-Spy/Scavenger Hunt:
There will be 9 items you need to find and take pictures of. Using the Layout app, you will composite these images according to a graphic I will be posting later. Submit your entry to Instagram with the hashtag #zariafierceparty and you will be entered to win a prize.

Prizes:

  • 1 – Zaria Fierce necklace
  • 1 – Signed print copy of Aleks Mickelsen and the Twice-Lost Fairy Well

Sign-up for event reminders here:

Filed Under: Twice-Lost Fairy Well, Zaria Fierce Tagged With: Aleks Mickelsen, author event, author reading, book event, book promotion, book reading, midnight book release party, midnight party

Recap: Grand Opening of Titusville Splash Park

June 16, 2017 By Keira Gillett

I had a great time last Saturday at the grand opening of the Titusville Splash Park. I heard about the event through my friend Amy. She knew I was looking for opportunities to bring my books to the public and this community event was a perfect match. I even got to meet the mayor! The kids had a great time with the goodies provided by the various vendors and the splash park was a huge success.

Lots of wonderful people came by the tent to inquire about my books and I gave out lots of cards, encouraging them to look me up on Amazon and to check the books out from the county library system. Zaria and I made some new fans which is great. I couldn’t ask for better!

One thing I plan to get, and in fact have already ordered, is an official banner to put in front of my table for future events. It’s the only thing I would change. Thanks everyone for stopping by and saying hello. Here are some highlights of the day!

Filed Under: Author, Zaria Fierce Tagged With: author event, book event, book promotion, book signing

Mark Your Calendars for a Fierce Book Event: 12-17-16 at the Suntree Viera Library

December 2, 2016 By Keira Gillett

Join me for a reading from the third book in the Zaria Fierce Trilogy 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. Zaria Fierce is the perfect gift for a reader in your life. I look forward to seeing you there!

When: Saturday, December 17, 2016
Book: Zaria Fierce and the Dragon Keeper’s Golden Shoes
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Suntree Viera Public Library

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

Facebook Event Link

Filed Under: Author, Dragon Keeper's Golden Shoes Tagged With: author event, author reading, book event, book reading

Zaria Fierce Book Talk: Melbourne Public Library 7-13-16

July 13, 2016 By Keira Gillett

I had a great time at my book talk today sharing an excerpt from Zaria Fierce and the Dragon Keeper’s Golden Shoes. The kids were great and had a lot of good questions, good interactions, and really paid attention. I’m so glad I got to meet them.

Things we learned today from the Melbourne Public Library reading:

  • How many animals make up a winter-wyvern.
  • How many animals make up a water-wyvern.
  • What an enraged water-wyvern sounds like as it roars.
  • What a water-wyvern sounds like when it’s been shrunk.

Questions for you:
If you could create your own hybrid creature, what would it be? And, can you make those water-wyvern sounds?

Thanks for watching!

Photos from the Event, plus ice cream social:

Thanks for sharing everyone!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Filed Under: Zaria Fierce Tagged With: author event, author promotion, author reading, book event, book promotion, book reading, book signing, book talk

ICYMI: Unboxing Author Copies and Midnight Book Release Pajama Party

July 1, 2016 By Keira Gillett

Hi everyone! In case you missed it here are the videos from when I did a few live videos this past week leading up to the release of Zaria Fierce and the Dragon Keeper’s Golden Shoes, the third book in the Zaria Fierce Trilogy. Oskar pie steals the show I think in both cases. xoxo

Unboxing Zaria Fierce and the Dragon Keeper’s Golden Shoes:

The necklace I’m wearing in the above video can be purchased here.

Midnight Book Release Pajama Party:

The necklace I’m wearing in the above video was a gift, but it looks like this necklace is an exact match.

#teamstaglord #teamhart #teamellefolken LOL

Thanks for watching!

In other news the print and ebook versions are available at Amazon. The audio book version is coming soon. Michele is hard at work putting on the finishing touches.

Lots of great reviews are starting to come in for the third book. Check them out!

Brenda’s at Log Cabin Library:

Zaria is able to fall on her friends for support and their continual encouragement give her just the confidence she needs to keep trying, to persevere. They never hold her mistakes against her and won’t allow Zaria to take the blame for being tricked. For me, it’s one of my favorite parts in reading this series, well that and the unique qualities that each character brings to the story.

Ner’s at Cup of Coffee and Book:

As always, I’m completely mesmerised by how much the Norwegian folklore is present in these books. There were a few new “beasts” such as the banshees and the mares (which scared the living hell out of me to be honest) but the same old creatures made a cameo. We had the trolls, witches, the dwarves, the ellefolken, dragons, the lot. The fantasy in these books is strong and so beautifully explore and described I almost felt like I could wander through Norway and stumble upon these eerie creatures and realms.

Rosemary’s at Mom Read It:

Recommended for middle grade collections where fantasy is popular. I’d book talk this with other hero’s journey tales like CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson/Magnus Chase series; they’ll have a firmer frame of reference when you present the series with these popular fantasy tales. Talk up Zaria as a strong female character who overcomes her fears and self-doubts to outwit monsters, and save herself and her friends!

Filed Under: Author, Dragon Keeper's Golden Shoes, Zaria Fierce Tagged With: author event, author reading, book event, book promotion, book reading, book release party, midnight book release party, midnight party

Book Reading: Zaria Fierce and the Dragon Keeper’s Golden Shoes on July 13, 2016

June 28, 2016 By Keira Gillett

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Filed Under: Author, Dragon Keeper's Golden Shoes, Zaria Fierce Tagged With: author event, author reading, author talk, book event, book promotion, book reading, book talk

Recap of Queens, Corona, NYC Library Visit!

April 16, 2016 By Keira Gillett

I loved meeting Rosemary in person. She’s a phenomenal children’s librarian and book blogger. Her kids absolutely adore her and she’s wonderful with them. I’m so glad I could swing by and do a reading for the Corona Library.

Rosemary did a fabulous wrap-up post about my author visit, so I’ll keep mine brief.

  • I loved being able to talk with the kids prior to the event. Many came in to do homework, but veered over to see what I was up to and to get a closer look at the books. Several great questions were asked during this nearly one-on-one time about the books. One of my favorites that stuck out to me was the question about Olaf and if he was from Frozen. So cute. Alas, no. Olaf in Zaria Fierce is not a snowman and he certainly doesn’t like warm hugs. There were several that were really insightful and showed off the children’s curiosity and interest. I’ll have to get better at remembering these just in case Q&A time is short because of shyness.
  • I forgot my water bottles at the hotel. Yikes! Next time that will be the first thing I remember!
  • I’m happy I packed a dress just in case the weather was nice. Prior to Monday, it was kind of wet and cold, but on the day of the reading the temperatures climbed and it was very nice.
  • The reading went great! I loved how my voices came across. I was more interactive, looking up at the kids and making hand movements. I was very relaxed, which I think comes through. Also, from all the practice, I’m beginning to have some of the dialogue memorized so I can really get into the characters and their voices.

If you’re interested, you can watch Rosemary’s video of the reading:

Filed Under: Enchanted Drakeland Sword, Zaria Fierce Tagged With: author event, author reading, author visit, book event, book reading, book signing

Book Signing and Author Reading Event: New York City, April 11, 2016

April 5, 2016 By Keira Gillett

Great news! I’m scheduled to appear on April 11, 2016 at the Queens Library/Corona Community Library, where I’ll be doing an author reading and book signing event. Please join me at 3:30 PM for an hour of fantasy-filled fun. I’m told parking can be tough so plan ahead.

You can click on the flyer image to print out a copy for your fridge and to color. If you do, bring it to the event. I’d love to see your finished masterpieces. There should also be some additional coloring pages available at the library. You can find these same coloring pages on my website if you would like to print at home.

I will be reading from Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest, the first book in the Zaria Fierce Trilogy. After the reading there will be time for a Q&A session where you can ask me questions about the book, writing, publishing, and more. Copies of both books will be on hand for purchase. I hope to see you there!

Details for Book Signing and Author Reading Event:

When: Monday, April 11, 2016

Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Where: Queens Library/Corona Community Library

Library website: http://www.queenslibrary.org/corona

Address:

38-23 104th Street
Corona, NY 11368

Phone: (718) 426-2844

Hours of Operation:

Monday | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Cost of Books: $15 ea. Limited supply available. If you can, consider purchasing a copy beforehand to bring with you. Details for purchasing can be found here.

Autographing: Free

flyer for reading at corona library 4-11-16

Filed Under: Author, Secret of Gloomwood Forest, Zaria Fierce Tagged With: author event, author reading, author talk, book event, book promotion, book reading, book talk

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Release Day

Christoffer Johansen and the Gyllenhammar FlameDecember 3, 2021
Grab your copy of Christoffer Johansen and the Gyllenhammar Flame today!

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