T.K. Krug III – An Author Interview

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This interview is with the author of Kydona, T.K. Krug III.
I hope you enjoy the interview.

Please check out the book review here after you read the interview: https://wandasparyla.com/?p=454&preview=true

 

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*Tell us a little about Kydona.
Kydona is a hard fantasy told through the eyes of Marcus Audric de Pilars, a prince who stands to inherit a nation teetering on the brink of collapse. Why this is the case, you see playing out as Marcus explores a court mired in debauchery and conspiracy. It’s a human story, meaning it’s built around its characters. The plot moves to their beat. Whoever likes a twisting, character-driven story would like Kydona. If I had to compare it to another series, I’d say it possesses the elegant setting of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Legacy series, married to the raw grit and pragmatism of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law trilogy.

*Why did you choose this particular cover art? (Feel free to plug the cover artist.)
Sam Carr at SamCarr.net was kind enough to draw this up for me. It’s a picture of Kaelyn, one of the main characters of the book. Why did I choose picturing her over the actual protagonist? A combination of factors. She was, in several cases, one of the key plot drivers. She’s the cause of a lot of angst and turmoil, and she’s actually my favorite character in the book. And also, I had to be realistic and admit to myself that few things draw attention as well as sex appeal. A thumbnail of an attractive woman will get people clicking to, at the very least, see her in more detail. Women will sense a romantic subplot, possibly some steamy love scenes (which Kydona has) while men will likely go, “Oh hey, pretty girl!” and bam, click. I have to say, the gambit has worked well, so far.

*Tell us a something about yourself both on a personal level and as an author.
It’s tough for me to talk about myself but I guess that’s everyone, too. I’m currently riding out the last few months of my U.S. Army deployment in Afghanistan, and I’m really looking forward to getting home to my fiance, Cait. Between her and the Army, I have plenty of inspiration to base my writing on. People I’ve met in real life directly inform my characters. So be careful of getting on my bad side; you might just find your name immortalized forever. And not in a good way.

*Do you outline or write a synopsis before you begin an actual story?…Or do you just start writing to see where it goes?
I just write and see where it goes, but that didn’t work so well. The first two books of Kydona took 7 years to write. Jeez. I think it’s time to switch gears for book 3. I think that’ll speed the pace much more.

*Please tell us about any current projects you are working on.
I’m set to publish Kydona: From Ashes on June 1! Book 3 is in the works. The first chapter is partially written and there’s a vague outline in shape. I know exactly how I want the book to end and how to get there. It’s the interim between plot points that gets me.

*If your book(s) was being made into a movie or TV show/series, who would you choose for the main character role of Marcus? I honestly have no clue! It’s kind of embarrassing, but I’d have trouble picking an actor or actress for any of my characters.

*If Marcus was a real man today, who would be his favorite author? (Besides you, of course.) Joe Abercrombie. I think he’d learn a thing or two from the fight scenes.

*What advice do you have for writers who are struggling with getting those first lines down on paper, or are filled with self doubt about the potential quality of their work?
I’ve learned that it’s very difficult to write a story from start to finish. While I was writing Kydona, I always had this certain scene floating around in the back of my head–a scene that would define both books. It nagged at me constantly. I fell asleep ruminating on that unwritten scene. What I ultimately did was pause in my manuscript, create a new word document, and punch out that nagging scene. Then I filed the document away. What do you know, getting those words down on paper brought my muse roaring back, and my writer’s block just evaporated. And when it came time to finally cut-and-paste that scene into the manuscript, it wound up being the best part of the entire series–without any edits at all! So my advice to new writers like me: just write the part of the story that inspired you to write in the first place. Get it out, and the rest of the story will soon follow.

*Give us any links to learn more about you and your books (i.e. Amazon links, personal pages &/or websites, etc.).
My blog: http://kydona.blogspot.com/
My twitter tag: https://twitter.com/TKKrug
Amazon purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C7VZTGU
Smashwords purchase link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/302931  (it’s free!)

Book Review – Kydona

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Greetings, once again, my readers and friends.

My latest read is Kydona, by T.K. Krug III.

I must say, I should stick to reading new and/or indie authors. They seem to be the ones surprising me at every turn.

If you like hard fantasy without a straight and forward plot, and are not shy about a bit o’ erotica…written by a man, real life possibilities, and twisted egos…this one’s for you. You will enjoy it for the hard romance, a handsome prince, a war-worn king, royal friends who act more like court jesters, and then there’s those scheming wenches and the mystery and intrigue that surround them all. Much of which they create themselves, I must add.

Kydona is a character-driven tale that reads like historical fiction based on true past accounts. The author’s knowledge of what I perceive to be ancient weaponry and war, and history all together leads me to believe he’s done his homework and/or research. That is important to me. I kept trying to read between the lines thinking that the backdrop of this story…the area, the people, the languages…have to based upon something that already happened. Just the search in my mind for the real life countries, wars and Kings kept my interest as I constantly wondered…is Kydona maybe Russia in fantasyland?

T.K. Krug’s knowledge of what he wrote about and his ability to describe it and make one “see” is amazing in this book. In fact, when he describes the defense mechanisms of a fort, not only did I see that clearly, I recalled reading some of that in my own studies years ago. He just didn’t make that stuff up.

I enjoy character-centered stories. You know, there doesn’t have to be a well-thought out plot to everything we read. As a sociology major I tend to prefer character driven. I want to know as much about the people as I do plot. I like themes, or the “prize” types of tales.

You might find that the story drags on a bit here and there if you are a plot lover. If you are a lover of characters and their plights and lives, you’ll like this story. You’ll want to follow some of them into the future.

As for characters, I think Vernon is the one who surprised me the most… I won’t tell you why, of course. I don’t want to spoil. But let’s just say…I thought for the longest that he was terribly superficial. It turns out he’s actually more faithful and brave than shallow.

Truthfully (& for your information), I did not realize that there was to be a sequel for this book. So this brings me to my reactions at the end. When I was about 90% done with the book, I was a bit weary. I thought, wow, I’m nearly to the end, but I don’t see an ending in sight. When I read the last words of this book I had a couple different reactions. The first was shock…it felt like the book slammed shut on me because I expected a final ending (not a beginning) so the final words hit me like a brick. Maybe I was disappointed after the shock. Then the realization hit me that there is to be a sequel…actually, I would call this book and its forthcoming counterparts a “saga” as this book’s ending actually, for me, is the beginning of what’s to come next.

Regardless, when I realized that there will be another, I felt relief because I do want to read it. I have to read it. And I hope if you read Kydona, you’ll have the same feelings when you read the last word. Let’s follow these characters to their futures.

Admittedly, the cover art, while lovely as it is, threw me for a loop as did the title. I’m just going to throw this out there to get it out of the way because while reading the book – for the longest – I wasn’t truly sure why there was a graphic of a female on the cover. I did recognize her quickly as probably being Kaelyn. After reading the author’s interview I see why he chose that cover art. However, I cannot say I would’ve gone that route, but his explanation makes sense.

Next is the name of the book, Kydona. It’s seems the beginning through to the middle is more about the characters and their ongoing drama (which is how character-centered stories go usually) and less about anything else. I did not see Kydona as the focal point right off the bat. However, I seen by the last quarter of the book that everything these characters did has propelled Marcus and Vernon to Kydona, so the country does become the focal point. But the name threw me off at first as the subject.

On Amazon and Goodreads, I awarded this book 4 stars for great character development, colorful characters with huge selfish agendas, the author’s wonderful knowledge of all things ancient war and his ability to keep me searching my mind for these places in real life. And I have to say, despite my shock at the end, I am glad that there will be more books because I have come to care for some of these characters and I have to know how it turns out in Kydona. If you like steadily moving sagas like I do, this one is for you.

Oh yes. I just have to mention for a bit o’ fun… I asked the author in the interview if his book(s) were going Hollywood, what actor would he choose to play the main character, Marcus. You can read his reply on the interview blog. But, my vote goes to Theo Thomas (Golden Boy). Hey…I just thought I’d throw that in to give the ladies something to dream about as they read.

I’m An Idiot…

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Okay, yes, Idiot on the rise here. I had so much technical difficulty today on WordPress. However, I doubt it was WP’s fault at all. It was all Wanda.

Thanks for your patience if blogs kept appearing and disappearing. Where would I be without the world of technology to totally make me feel inferior.

Don’t you all feel inferior at times? I know I do, for sure. Like those times I figure something out, like how to add or delete something from WordPress, or how to add a menu or add to a menu, then forget what I just did.

Bonkers!

Life is tough enough without computers and their not-so-friendly websites mucking up my life. Computers are supposed to make things more convenient. Well, not when I’m the operator.

Okay…onward to to other subjects.

Technical Difficulties

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My apologies to those of you who keep seeing my messages appearing and disappearing…or perhaps showing up in your email with dead links. It seems I’m having a little technical difficulties trying to post my latest book review. As well as that my last book review disappeared! Ugh!

Please stand by, and thanks for your patience.

Peripheral friends

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Very well said!

bottledworder's avatarbottledworder

I remember a woman I met a long time ago who went hiking with me in California. She was a native of those mountains, having climbed those heights often in childhood.

Me, a city person, unused to those heights, kept lagging behind.

Every few steps she stopped for me, turned back, sometimes climbed down. Often, she would stop by the wayside to show me a berry, telling me which ones were edible and which ones could kill. I trusted her judgement instinctively, tasting a huckleberry for the first time or smelling a sage leaf.

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Book Giveaway, Author Interview, Review and Hello to My 602 Blog Followers! A Friday Writing Roundup.

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Scott D. Southard's avatarThe Stories of Scott D. Southard

Typing dudeHi Everyone.

I love days like this! The sun is shining, the grass is green and my ego is the size of Manhattan for today I have reached 602 blog followers!

This is a big deal for me, my writing and this crazy author dream I’ve had since I was child. Thank you so much! I hope you continue to enjoy my writing!

This has also been a fun week for my new novel A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM, recently published by Madison Street Publishing (Out now and under ten dollars!).

  • Through May 12 there is a book giveaway going on at English Historical Authors. To enter you simply need to visit this link and enter a comment. One lucky person will win a print copy of my latest surprising novel.
  • This week I also had the opportunity to have a fun interview with the website Austen Hill. Kelly…

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The Invisibility Of Being Female

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FREE today 4/19/13 – Someday Always Comes

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Just a short note to let everyone know that Someday Always Comes is FREE today on Kindle. Just click on the link below. All honest reviews are always welcome. Please feel free to share with your pals.  Thanks, Wanda

http://amzn.com/B00B0HMZS2

Book Reviews

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As you many of you noticed, I posted my last book review here (Crystal Promise: The Shattered Crystal, by James Funfer). Originally it was an Amazon review which I shared here and on Goodreads.

Starting sometime in May (date yet to be announced), I’ll be doing more of these. I won’t be publishing any reviews for well-known authors on this blog. So you won’t find any Anne Rice or Steven King reviews here unless the Household Name’s book blew me away. Otherwise I’ll leave those reviews on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

I have a bit of criteria I’m following for reviews…

-I will review a book only AFTER it’s been published, even for requested reviews.

*Note: At this time I do not want to become a part of host review-blog circles. Maybe later in the year.*

-My non-solicited reviews will come from free downloads I grab via Kindle from new or self-published authors or if by chance I win a book in a giveaway, and if I can’t pass up a good buy. I am totally not against paying for what I read. Authors deserve to be paid.

-As for review requests: Author or publisher must provide me with a print or electronic copy of the book.

-I am not limited to “new” authors. My goal is to review books by mostly by indie authors. I don’t care if you’ve got 5 books out there, or whether they’re doing well or not, I will review your book as long as you are an indie author and self published your past & current books. (See exceptions below.)

-If you are published through an independent or small publisher (like James Funfer & Branch Hill Publications), I will review your work. Please, no books from large publishers. My only exception to this are Harlequin-published books because I feel these authors do not always get the respect or exposure they deserve. Yes, you’ll see 600 reviews on Amazon regarding a book, but many of them don’t make a large profit and if they write well, that may be overlooked. I wish all authors to experience their own best seller at some point. Until then, we little guys must stick together.

Right now my blog is followed by about 630 people and I want to grow my following and help other bloggers grow theirs all while exposing my  fellow indie authors, and those published by small publishers and presses. If I review a book, I will ask the author to do a short blog interview too that I can post with the review so readers can get to know the author. If I accept a request – it’s first come first served. Once I get to your book, I’ll need 4-6 weeks to read and review the book. If I accept your request, I’ll let you know an approximate date your review will be posted here under my reviews menu.

My preferred reading genres are fantasy, paranormal, romance, historical anything – as long as the period’s research is quality, thrillers, mystery, occult/mythological, or any mixture thereof. I like Sci-fi if it’s mixed with fantasy. I read contemporary, young adult, coming of age, women’s fiction, Amish, family, and chick lit. I’ll review soft porn (i.e. Fifty Shades of Grey)…no kids, no violence, no sexual murder. I also read older children’s fantasy (i.e. Harry Potter). Got vampires, witches, immortals, and gods? I want to read that. I’m not too big on zombies. No zombies unless it goes against the same old, same old. The same applies to aliens.

As for anything labeled “Christian fiction”, I’ll read it as long as it is family-oriented, or there’s a lesson to be had in the pages. I want a story…not to be preached to. I do not accept non-fiction Christian books.

I like poetry and will review books on poetry. I’ve been writing poetry for 30 years. I am not an expert, but I’ll do my best to give a good critique.

In the non-fiction categories I read true crime, or biographies (preferably of royalty or serial killers…Don’t ask!). I do not read biographies of politicians…unless it’s a female politician who left a mark. Think Thatcher or H. Clinton.

Also, I will review anything Pagan, Wicca or Witchcraft related whether it’s fiction or non-fiction. Have a story where Athena and a group of witches saves the day? I want to read it.

Things I don’t read: hard core horror (think Saw); no pornography, and no sex between children and adults, or humans and animals. No non-fiction Christian. No self-help or related books. No manuals. No educational texts.

I am new to reviewing and I do not review like many traditional reviewers. For instance, there are no spoilers, and very little revealed about relationships between characters because sometimes that spoils too. I want to get better at it if you all will give me a chance.

I will not publicly inform a self-published author of grammatical or improper word usage errors in a review. I think that’s a terrible, merciless, hateful thing to do. I also do not give “star” ratings based on grammar, etc. My reviews are based on story, character development and my emotions. Self-published authors many times have no editor; they can’t afford it, and therefore edit their books over and over again by themselves. And many of them publish with mistakes that are later caught by friends or other authors who let them know privately what the problem is. If I find unkind errors, I will privately alert the author or publisher.

Gods know, I published Someday Always Comes the first time with a missing word on the back cover! Woe! Then I read the first printing to find errors. I fixed them. So there’s about 160 copies between print & e-book floating around with grammatical errors, a missing word or two, and incorrect use of the word “balled”, which should’ve been “bawled.” Anyway, while the errors did not affect the story, I was – and still am – horrified. I would’ve ran out in front of a bus before I’d publish mistakes on purpose. I edited that book for over 7 months. I am an only human. The past can’t be undone, so we must do the best we can in the present. Mistakes happen.

Okay… This was your news update. I’ll announce when I’m going to start reviews. I want to start sometime in May, but that is tentative…Could be June. But I’ll post sometime in May about the date regardless. I have stuff I am trying to get out of the way. At this time I cannot even accept a request. However, if you’d like to ask me any questions about submissions, please private message me at my author Facebook page or email me at my author email addy… wandasparyla@yahoo.com. Please put REVIEW in the subject line. Don’t be shy, if  5 – 7 days goes by and I haven’t returned your email, please email me again. I check my spam folder regularly, but you never know!

Thanks for reading!

~Wanda

Theme Change & Stuff

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Ahoy there!

If you’re just stopping by my blog for the first time in a while, you’ll noticed that I’ve changed the theme. Yes, I got bored. I get bored easily, so you’ll probably be seeing these theme changes now and again.

I am hoping to have up an official author website before this year’s end. I said, hope, mind you. I’ve got so many things going on right now, that I can’t commit to building one just yet. And heaven knows, I cannot afford to pay someone else to build it. Besides, I’d rather do it myself for the time being. I’m selfish like that.

This particular blog is about nothing special, but to show off my new blog colors! 😉

I caught some sort of a cold bug, and between that and my allergies…I’m allergic to the whole damned place surrounding me…that I’ve been out of commission on and off for days. First I feel okay, then I have 3 sick days in a row. I can’t sleep at night. Ugh! Summer… Please! It’s there only time of year I have no allergies here in my area. I grew up in Texas, and even after being here 7 straight and miserable years, I can’t catch back up to healthy. Not to mention the weight I’ve gained. One of my doctors told me to go back to where I came from. Whaaat?

Okay, well, now that I’m back and feeling a little better after this 10-day battle with the “bug”, I hope I can get back to writing. It’s backed up like you wouldn’t believe.  I haven’t written a page nor a poem in days and days. Over on a site I’m a member of, Vicious Writers (I created a group there called Poets Pub), I have up a poetry challenge… April’s National Poetry Month. Did you not know? The challenge is to write a poem every day in April, or to make April the one month this year when members write the most poetry… Or, the biggie…write something challenging like a Sestina, a Ballad or even an Epic.

Come check out Vicious Writers. The group has been around in one form or another (& was a part of the former Key Publications Network) for many, many years, then it sort of became scattered. But, lucky for us, it’s being rejuvenated and we’d love serious writers and poets of all types to join us. You don’t have to be published. Join us for writing support or for help of any kind regarding your work. Anything posted on the site is safe. Indie and new writers are urged to join. Tell them that I sent you.

Vicious Writers: http://www.viciouswriters.net/

~Wanda