Kristen spent her childhood at the feet of an Irish storytelling
grandfather, learning to blend fact with fiction and imagination with reality.
She lived within the realm of the tales that captivated her, breathing life
into characters and crafting stories even before she could read. Those stories
have since turned into over a hundred poems, several short tales, and five
manuscripts in both the Young Adult and Adult genres. Currently, Kristen is
completing the five-part Ærenden series from her home office in the suburbs of
Washington D.C.
The Zeiihbu Master, released March 24, 2014, is the
third book in the Ærenden series. In the first two books, Meaghan must learn
how to survive in a war-torn kingdom on a world far different than the one she
considered her home. Although she learns how to become a leader and a soldier,
she has trouble understanding her true strength. In The Zeiihbu Master that begins to change. On a suicide mission to
rescue a powerful Spellmaster from her enemy, and with the prophecy of her
death hanging over her head, she knows every moment could be her last. Yet she
steps out of her protector’s shadow and begins shaping her own future, determined
to protect those she loves even if the cost is her life.
What inspired you to write this book?
I conceived
the idea for the series in high school, a long time ago. It’s changed a lot
since then, but the theme of the series has always been the same. In a
typically male-centered genre, I wanted to create a strong female character who
could serve as a good role model for young women. But instead of creating a
character who already knows how to fight or wield a sword, I wanted to write
about a typical teenage girl from a suburban family, someone who could
represent my own sister, niece or daughter. This way, I could also show how
strong we can all become when facing adversity. Meaghan isn’t just a character
women and girls wish they could be;
she’s a character they could actually
be if they wanted.
What exciting story are you working on
next?
I’m working
on the last two books in the Ærenden series, though I can’t really say much
without giving away any spoilers. I will tell you that the Ærenden people are
not as innocent in their war against Garon as they’d like everyone to believe.
The truth will come to the surface and with it, our main characters will have
to make hard decisions. But not all of the storyline will be dark. Like in real
life, joyous moments will keep hope alive. Love will blossom in unexpected
places. Beloved couples will welcome new family members of the crying sort. And
Earth will make another appearance. I promise readers will enjoy plenty of
surprises.
When did you first consider yourself a
writer?
I’ve been a
runner for seven years. I’ve run in biting cold weather, in snow storms, in the
beginning stages of hurricanes, and on cruise vacations. I’ve run at midnight
because I felt I had to and I’ve even
run instead of sleeping when deprived of both. But I never considered myself a
runner until I attempted my first half-marathon in February. When the pure (and
crazy) thought “Oh, it’s not bad; it’s only five more miles” floated through my
head, I realized I could no longer deny my identity as a runner.
I honestly
haven’t reached that moment as a writer yet. I’ve been creating stories since I
was five. I’ve just published my third book. I’ve received good reviews and fan
mail from people all over the world. But every time I pick up a Stephen King
book, I can’t fathom how anyone could be considered a writer next to someone
like him, least of all me. I suppose I’ll have my pure/crazy thought moment
with writing someday, as I did for running, but for now I’m just a storyteller
who likes sharing the tales that occupy my head.
Do you write full-time? If so, what's
your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find
time to write?
I wish I
did, but no. I write whenever I can between taking care of a one-year-old,
working as an Executive Admin and training for races. “Whenever” is typically
nights and weekends a few times a month (as my saintly husband’s schedule
allows), during naps (as the baby allows), and driving or running (this is when
I map out plots or sort out “puzzle pieces”). It’s not easy, but it’s
definitely worth it.
What would you say is your interesting
writing quirk?
I bought
stick-on white board material and attached it to the wall in my office so I
could write out character traits, future plots for upcoming books, themes that
have to be closed out—pretty much everything I need to remember as I’m writing
the Ærenden series. I color code notes and connect them all with numbers and
arrows. It’s old school, but it works. I’m so attached to this process that I
actually bought a blue tarp specifically to transport the sticky paper when I
moved. I had to carefully peel the board off my old office wall, roll it up,
and reattach it on my new wall without rubbing off the ink. Somehow I managed
to make the move with minimal damage.
As a child, what did you want to be
when you grew up?
I’m sure it’s
hard to believe, but I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I remember telling my
mother that when I was in first grade and often entertained my friends with
stories, assigning each of them character names and dialogue. In hindsight, I
can see why they called me bossy, but it served me well.
Anything additional you want to share
with the readers?
A few years
ago I had a serious scare that might qualify as a near-death experience. That
moment catalyzed me to start writing again and to take a chance on publishing
my work. As cliché as it sounds, life really is so short. Don’t wait for a
scare to do what you love. Don’t allow excuses to get in your way. Find time
for what matters and enjoy every moment of your life being the person you want
to be.
