Welcome back, and Happy New Year!
Getting the interviews started this year, I am excited to introduce to you all to Katie Keeley. Today, she is going to tell us about her debut Fantasy: Through the Passageway, which you can find on Amazon.
Thank you for joining me, Katie! I’m very excited to learn more about your book. Would you please tell me more about Through the Passageway?
There are two main characters in this story, Annie and Abigail, also known as The Eagle Warrior and although they come from different background, different worlds and are on different paths, they have one similarity. that is, they are both on a journey of self discovery to find out who they really are and were they belong in the world of Fantaisach. Their paths cross in this world and they join together. With the family and friends they’ve met along the way, they fight and defeat the evil that threatens them and defend the home they love. There’s a high amount of adventure and magic involved, and this is just the first of a five-book series.
Sounds like an exciting read! You clearly put a lot of thought into the book, so what inspired you to begin this series?
Well, it was originally supposed to be two different books. Annie was supposed to have her own story and so was Abigail. I had these story idea’s for them when I was a teenager. I just had one problem: I was not getting anywhere with either story. One day, a few years later, after I had put them away to work on something else, I took these two stories out and decided to try combine them into one story. After that it took on a life of its own until it materialized into the story it is today. Once I had the first draft of book one written, I knew straight away that the story didn’t end there so from that point on, it became a series.
It never ceases to amuse me how many authors state that a story took on a life of its own while writing it. I know that is true for most of the books and stories I have written. What about your characters – are any of them based on people you know in real life?
I have been told before that there are aspects of me in certain characters that I write, which was unintentional on my part. I have a couple of characters in book two of the Through the Passageway series (which has not been published yet) that are based on people I know. Other then that, I pull inspiration for many of my characters from various sources I’ve come across throughout my life.
Who do you hope will read your book?
Anyone who enjoys fantasy books. It is suitable for readers of all ages
Good to know. Now, tell me about yourself as a writer. How did you get started?
I was an avid reader, which was encouraged by my parents, as a child. Roald Dahl was the first author I was introduced to, and then J.K Rowling published Harry Potter, which then took over my life. Reading books by these two authors motivated me to begin writing my own stories. After all this reading, I started off writing my own short stories, which evolved into writing novels. That is how Through the Passageway came to be.
Wonderful! Both authors are classic – and so good at stealing our imaginations. How long have you been writing?
I was a young child, maybe eight or nine when I began writing short stories. I was a teenager by the time I attempted writing a novel.
You have been writing for a long time then! Would you mind sharing a moment of inspiration that affected something you have written, even if it is not in your book?
The first Roald Dahl book I ever read by myself was The BFG by Roald Dahl. I instantly fell in love with the story. It remains my favourite book to this day. Reading it for the first time, I remember thinking I would love to write my own book one day. Since then, I was inspired to create and write my own book, and here I am now published with my first book.
So finally publishing your first book must have been an incredible feeling! Which brings me to the methods of writing. As Indie writers, we rely on many tools (books, apps, programs, etc.) to write and prepare to publish. What is the most useful tool you use when writing or preparing to launch your book? Why is it so valuable to you?
The most useful tool I use when I am writing is the dictate button on Microsoft word, because I can read my book into it. I can hear what it sounds like. Then if I need to, I can change parts to make it better. The tool I have found very useful in preparing to launch my book is a site called Fiverr, because it is where I discovered the editor and illustrator I use, and I know that I’m sending the best version of my book out into the world.
Nice. I am just learning how to use the dictate function on my computer. I may have to pick your brain sometime for tips and tricks on how to use it effectively. Have you ever stumbled on advice or a tip that you found to be useful in your writing journey?
I have been told by various people that no matter what, always keep writing, no matter how much or how often, just keep moving forward. That is what I keep telling myself, and I will eventually get to where I want to be as an Author.
Absolutely! I believe in that philosophy whole-heartedly: never stop writing! That is the best way to get where you want to be as a writer. Now, speaking to potential readers, what is one thing you wish to express them today?
Books are a great source of escapism; to discover worlds where you can join in the adventure, and maybe give them the courage to keep being themselves as they journey through their own adventure and happiness can be found in this. I find that you can find yourself by reading a good book.
Fantastic and true! Journeys through books can have a lasting effect in our real lives. Before we wrap up, would you share a writer you enjoy?
An author that I really enjoy reading each of her books she brings out is Cornelia Funke; her trilogy named Inkheart is how I was introduced to her.
Cool! This was fun! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me about Through the Passageway and the inspiration behind it. I am very excited to read the book myself, and to continue the journey as you develop the series.
Dear Reader,
Here is the official book description:
Through the Passageway is the first book of a five part series following the two main characters, Annie and Abigail as they discover their capabilities when faced with major changes to their lives. They are thrust into an action packed, adventure to save not only themselves but the people they love and protect their homes from total destruction. Can they survive and work together to rid their kingdoms of the evil that plagues them?
Join Annie and Abigail by getting a copy of the book today!
I encourage you to check out Katie’s website and connect with her on her social media pages, listed below.
As always, its an honor to share these Indie writers and their books with you. After you are done reading Through the Passageway, please take a few minutes to leave your honest review on Amazon. It’s a small thing, but it really means so much to us writers.
Email: info@katiekeeleyauthor.com
Website: www.katiekeeleyauthor.com
Facebook page: Katie Keeley Author
Instagram page: ktkeeleyauthor
TikTok page: @ktkeeleywriter