In the Character's Shadow: Half Blood Blog tour: Author Interview + Book Spotlight

Hi everyone! It's me, Eliza Noel. Today, I'm interviewing Jaye L. Knight as part of the Half Blood Blog Tour.

How old were you when you published your first book?

I was eighteen years old and had just graduated from homeschooling. Actually, the money I used to publish came from my graduation gifts. :) So everyone who gave me money for graduation helped launch my career as an author.

Neat! What advice do you have for teen writers who are juggling schoolwork, chores, writing and possibly other stuff?

I admit, I’ve never been very good and keeping schedules for myself, but when you have a lot going on, it is very good to have a set writing time. And when you sit down to write, make sure you eliminate distractions, such as the internet. Also, don’t try to write perfectly. Just get the words down. You can always fix things and edit later. You’re more likely to get much more writing done that way, especially if you have limited time.

It's definitely hard to get much writing done without first silencing your inner editor :) Any important tips on indie publishing?

Research is key. The more you know about it, the better. Also, persistence. Nothing happens overnight. It takes a lot of work, but if you love it as much as I do, it’s worth it.

And finally, the big question: do you prefer pen and paper or a laptop for writing?

Right now, I write on a Neo2, which is a very nifty little writing gadget. It’s a portable word processor with zero distractions. It’s awesome. I get so much more done with it, plus I can bring it anywhere.

That's cool! Thanks so much for stopping by :)

Book Spotlight

Jaye L. Knight’s new novella, Half-Blood, has been released! Learn more about this prequel story to Ilyon Chronicles and make sure you also enter the tour giveaway at the bottom!

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About the Book
The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace’s ears—dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place.
For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood—one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. But, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed.
Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will not to become the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master’s harsh punishment, Jace’s world is upended yet again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace’s life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery?
See where Jace’s story all began . . .

Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? Find out more at the official Ilyon Chronicles website!

About the Author

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Etsy, and on her new fiction forum where you can interact with other readers of the series.

Giveaway
Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Half-Blood, a blue feather bookmark hand crafted by Jaye, a bronze sword pendant, and a $5 Amazon gift card! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)