Fierce Middle Grade Fantasy Reads
Good morning everyone,
Come find me at Brenda’s Log Cab Library where I discuss writing a series that is broken down into trilogies and involves head hopping (also known as point of view switching).
What are your thought on the matter? Do you love seeing different characters weigh in on a story or do you prefer to stick with one protagonist/antagonist throughout?
Thank you everyone for voting on the cover design for Aleks Mickelsen and the Call of the White Raven. The overwhelming victor with 81% of the votes, was this beauty:
Some of your responses to the survey:
Very tough to choose. I finally went for the more purple background, but both covers work.
Keira: Tell me about it! I loved both and that’s why I needed everyone’s help to pick the best cover.
I like the more vibrant colors.
Keira: Me too 🙂 The beautiful colors in the cover illustration just begged for something to match it.
It seems to match the color scheme of the other books better.
Keira: Thank you so much. I thought it did too.
I like the background color and it seems more in line with the scheme with the rest of the books
Keira: I really liked how different elements in the background popped with these colors.
Option A, being green and light, washes out several of the background details and the white Raven is also less noticeable. Additionally, if the background is meant to be mountainous, the darker color fits better thematically.
Keira: It’s actually ice! The icy background represents a new character in the books, while also tying in thematically with Aleks’ previous book cover which featured crystals.
On the not chosen cover:
I like the color scheme better it’s brighter and easier to read the title.
Keira: That was one of the reasons I really liked that option. I also thought the greens would tie in well with book two in the series which has a lot of blues and teals.
Looks nice in line with the others. It’s earthy and beautiful.
Keira: Thank you. I thought it fit with the earthy colors that were pulled in through the other covers as well.
Many thanks again for your participation Fiercelings! Your input has been a huge help.
In other news, the pre-order for Aleks Mickelsen and the Call of the White Raven is live. Be sure to go and grab your copy. The next adventure arrives April 6, 2018.
Fiercelings, come and join me for the online midnight release party on April 5.
We’re going to have a blast together!
Until next time – happy readings!
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!
Today I am over at Ner’s blog, A Cup of Coffee and a Book, sharing behind the scenes information and looks into the writing process of the third book in the Zaria Fierce Trilogy. I hope you’ll join me and tell me what you think. 🙂
Ner has reviewed book three already and she has said some absolutely wonderful things. Here’s a small quote from her review:
One of the most important themes in Keira’s books is friendship and I always marvel at how beautiful she describes Zaria and her group of friends. They always support each other and are always there for whatever comes their way and never once falter to protect the other. They develop in such a slow and fluid way you basically see these characters grow since book one and see their friendship becoming tighter. And Zaria was perhaps the one that grew up the most since the first book. After learning the truth about her birth parents, realising how important her role is in saving the world, she could just turn her backs and leave – or letting it all go to her head – but she stays and fights till the end though not without doubting herself. She’s brave and courageous and I will miss her. Well, I will miss all of them to be honest.
Thanks for reading!
I’m at Emily’s blog Midwestern Book Nerd sharing 9 things that inspired me to write scenes in the Zaria Fierce Trilogy. I hope you’ll hop over and and take a peek.
Emily wrote a wonderful review for the third book, which you can find here:
Zaria continues to be an excellent example of courage, her group continues to be the best of friends despite every single thing they face, and they all show us the importance in being true to you.
Follow me and Zaria Fierce on the next adventure on Pinterest.
Follow Keira’s board Zaria Fierce and the Acquisition of the Drakeland Sword on Pinterest.
I researched more about Fredrikstad, Norway, with the idea that I might start the second book of the Zaria Fierce Trilogy with Zaria and her friends on a school field trip. In my research, I found out that Fredrikstad was a host port in 2014 for the annual Tall Ships Race organised by Sail Training International. It’s a really cool race used to train young people in sailing. Think about being about to crew on a frigate or pirate ship. Wouldn’t that be fantastic? Zaria and her friends thought so too so I included the Tall Ships Race in Zaria Fierce and the Enchanted Drakeland Sword. Check out the videos I found about the races last year:
A: A lot of things inspire me. When writing Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest for instance I was inspired by John Bauer’s art, a pair of troll statues from Slovakia, a recent trip to Europe, a conversation with coworkers, several grammar blogs, and a previous start for the book which perfectly described the main character.
John Bauer (1882-1912) is a Swedish painter known for his work in an annual compilation of Swedish fairy tales. His artwork is magical and earthy. Each panel tells a story with rich and exquisite imagery. Below are some examples of his work that influenced Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest.
Visit the Jönköpings läns museum to see John Bauer’s work in person.
Follow me and Zaria Fierce on Pinterest!
Follow Keira’s board Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest on Pinterest.
