[about-author name=”Laura Kehoe “]
1) When did you first discover your love for writing?
I’ve been writing stories basically since I learned to form cohesive sentences. I wrote my first “book” when I was 8, about some aliens who crashed on Earth and made friends with a gorilla. The content of my writing has changed slightly since then, but my love of stories has never gone away.
2) Do you have a favourite place to write?
At this point in my life, I’m usually so busy that I fit my writing in anywhere I can (on my lunch break at work, in bed, at the park, etc.). But If I have the opportunity to choose, I love writing at my desk in my little home office.
3) Do you have a writing routine or process that you adhere to?
I don’t have a whole lot of specific processes that I always follow; usually I do things more on the fly. But, I do always try to start out with a basic outline for each book.
4) Are there any authors or specific books you aspire to?
I admire so many authors that it’s hard to pick which ones I would want to be like! There are aspects of a lot of books and writers that I would love to emulate.
5) What inspired you to write Royal Thief?
Royal Thief came from a bunch of different ideas, books, conversations, etc. But two of the influences I think of the most are the musical Les Misérables and Eragon by Christopher Paolini.
6) Can you tell us a little about your book?
Royal Thief is a fantasy novel set in the world of Alwyn. It centers around a group of rebels trying to overthrow a tyrannical king and a thief who is forced to pull off the ultimate heist.
7) Do you have a favourite amongst all your characters?
I love so many of my characters, it’s hard to choose a favorite. But really do love Catrain. If I had to choose one favorite, she would probably be it.
8) Does your book contain a message for readers to consider?
I’m not sure if there is any specific message in my book. But I guess one thing I hope that people take away from my book is the importance of standing up for what you believe in, no matter what.
9) Would you be interested in sharing a teaser?
She seemed to appear out of nowhere—almost as if she had materialized from the shadows. King Osric was used to the woman’s sudden appearances. She’d been paying him visits for nearly a year now.
Despite all of his efforts, Osric had yet to learn anything about her—not even the woman’s name. In his mind, he had begun to call her Shadow just so he could have some title for her.
Shadow bowed her head. “Your Highness. I hope I haven’t woken you.”
Osric stood, walking out from behind his desk. “What is it? I’m assuming you haven’t come to pay me a social visit.”
“No, I haven’t,” she said, completely at ease. “But I believe my visit will be equally as enjoyable.”
“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow.
“I have a bit of information for you,” she explained. “Information that could change the fate of this war.”
10) What would say has been your biggest challenge and achievement in writing Royal Thief?
I think one of my biggest achievements in writing Royal Thief is actually finishing and publishing it! Royal Thief, and it’s sequel Redemption, were my first published works. It took a lot of pushing to get them out in the world. Conversely, I think one of the biggest challenges was taking the leap into the publishing world. I was terrified to share my writing with the world, but I am so glad I took a chance.
11) What have you learned about yourself as a writer through writing Royal Thief?
I’ve learned so much about myself as a writer during the course of writing Royal Thief. I learned that I am terrible at following outlines, despite the fact that I always write one. And I learned to trust my instinct when it came to word choice and character behaviors.
12) Do you have any advice for other aspiring authors?
Keep writing! Sometimes life can get really hectic and writing takes a back seat. But, if you can, try to find time to write every day. Even if it’s only a few sentences.
14) And finally, do you have any future works planned?
I am currently working on a new fantasy series about portals to new worlds, magic, and all sorts of fun creatures.
Royal Thief (Resistance Book 1)
War rages in Alwyn. A group of rebel fighters, who call themselves the Resistance, fight tirelessly against their cruel, bloodthirsty king. With their lives and the very future of Alwyn in the balance, neither side is willing to surrender without a fight.
As far as Amara is concerned, King Osric and the Resistance can continue fighting one another until they both drop dead, as long as they keep her out of it. Unfortunately, a miscalculation lands her right in the middle of the bloody, dangerous battle for the throne. All she wants to do is get out of this in one piece. But every decision she makes pushes her further into the war. One way or another, she will have to choose a side.
Amara is willing to sell her services to the highest bidder, but she quickly realizes every decision she makes comes at a high cost. How far is she willing to go to keep her pockets full?
