Author Interview, with CK Dawn

 

 

Where did the idea for A Neophyte’s Tale come from?

 

After writing book one in the Netherwalker Series ~ Cloak of Shadows, a lot of people really wanted to know more about Abbey Thorne’s past and where she came from. And I have to admit, I was one of them too. I wanted to dig deep into that grimy place she came from and scoop her out of it almost like a protective parent. So I decided to listen to Abbey more intently when she spoke to me and let her tell her story. The result was the short story A Neophyte’s Tale the prequel to the entire Netherwalker Series. I think it gives greater insight into a neophyte’s experiences versus a sheltered privileged kid would have growing up in The King’s Court that readers were craving.

 

Where do you get your inspiration from to write such strong female leads and who are you more like Abbey Thorne or Lourdes Reese?

 

Some author friends of mine asked me this very same question after reading both Cloak of Shadows and A Neophyte’s Tale and it has become one of my absolute favorites to answer! I have a younger sister that I simply adore so I think I draw a lot of inspiration from our relationship when writing about Abbey and Lourdie. We are four years apart but I swear we act like twins! And it’s not hard to write about strong women when you were raised by one. My mom rocks! As for which character I’m more like? Hmmm, for me outwardly I'm more like Lourdie, but I secretly wish I was more like Abbey. She's so alive and vibrant, living in the moment, and savoring each sweet experience with childlike innocence. I know she's only a teenager, but I can see her being this way her entire life can’t you?


Do you have any tattoos?  Where? When did you get it/them? Where are they on your body?

 

Yes, I have two and I want more! I didn’t get any ink until my late thirties and I desperately want a half sleeve. I have a medium size black and red ankh that my lil’ sis help me design that reminds me to always live life and a little ladybug fairy. Where are they? Wouldn’t you like to know? :P


What are you working on right now?

 

Right now I’m working on books two and three in The Netherwalker Series, Cloak of Secrets and Veil of Light. No release dates yet, but I hope to have them published within a few months of each other considering I’m starting to think people are not so secretly calling me The Queen of Cliffhangers. One of my friend and beta readers is starting to look at me like she’s going to hurt me soon. LOL


What do you think you’re really bad at?

 

Editing, formatting files for upload, and that type of thing. The tedious but necessary details are the ones I dread and don’t think I’m any good at. To me it’s like you just pried my eyes open with toothpicks, threw salt in them, and now want me to smile and ask for more. Luckily I have a good team set in place that thrive on those sort of details. And adding beta readers from Good Tales Book Tours has been the cherry on top. They are amazing!

 

When and where do you write? Do you listen to music when you write?

 

My best ideas usually come when I’m in the shower. (Hey, eyes up here!) A scene will pop in my head and play out while I zone out in the hot water. After that, I prefer to write in complete darkness late at night cuddled in bed with my honey sleeping beside me and our fur kids cuddled into every available nook. When I’m in the middle of an intense writing session I can’t have the radio or TV on it’s too distracting, but for e-mail, social media, etc I usually have the TV on in the background.


What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

 

Cherry Garcia and Dairy Queen’s French Silk Pie. Sometimes I want fruity but other times I want decadent omg melt in your mouth chocolate!

 

Which mythological creature would you most like to be?

 

I’m thinking a Vampire-Witch hybrid would be kind of awesome! Strength, speed, long life, and the power to control people and elements? Yeah, I don’t see a downside. Okay the blood would be gross.

 

What are four things you can’t live without?

 

Internet access, my morning coffee aka heaven in a cup, my family, and my sweetheart of over twenty plus years.

 

What are 5 things within touching distance right now?

 

One of my cats – Scout, the 17 year old lady. My iphone – Duh! I think that one is a given for everybody now days. My laptop – what I do most my work on. The TV remote – my sweetheart can build computers but can’t work a DVR remote to save his life. lol :P And my coffee – mmm I love that sweet aroma!

 

What is your least favorite word?

 

Literally! It’s not the word itself but its misuse that drives me figuratively insane! I swear it’s a pandemic. lol

 

If we were to come to your house for a meal, what would you give us to eat?

 

I love making fresh homemade soups! So I would have to make you my sweet Italian sausage, russet potato, and kale - warm your heart and love in a bowl with a slice of garlic rustic bread. Okay, now I’m hungry. Thanks!


Is there anything you’d like say to your readers?

 

A huge THANK YOU! Thank you for reading and reviewing A Neophyte’s Tale. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. And thank you for coming on this fantastic writing journey with me. It has been a wonderful ride.



About the Author:

 

CK lives with the love of her life John, his cat Scout, her cat Hagrid, their mutually adopted and socialized feral kitten Pepper (yes, cats have favorite humans. It's a thing), and their dog Diesel (aka Methane-- Please, don't make her explain).
 
She credits her mother for the strong independent woman she is, her father for her inner peace and beautiful outlook on life, and the summers of sweaty, manual labor on her grandparents' farm for her strong work ethic.
 

In writing, CK has truly found her bliss. Stay tuned, because there will be a lot more to come in her Netherwalker series. Seriously, things have only just begun.  

 

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