Resistance is Here!

Finally, my friend Jaye L. Knight's new book Resistance is available! I know I said in the cover reveal how much I like the book, but I have to say again, Resistance is awesome, and well worth reading.

And we have Prince Daniel here as a special guest. Daniel is the son of Emperor Daican and a character I love more with every new thing I learn about him. Meet him here, and then read Resistance to find out even more about him and the characters surrounding him. It is an exciting adventure you won't want to miss!



1. When did you and your father first find yourselves at odds with each other, and why?

*smiles charmingly* Interesting first question. I suppose that’s what everyone wonders when they first meet my family. It seemed to start when I was a young teen and my father began specifically grooming me to assume the throne someday, which is normal in a royal family, but my father is ridiculously dogmatic about how he wants me to rule. He has the entire future, including mine, all planned out to fit in with how he sees our family legacy. I’d rather create my own future. Turns out you don’t have that kind of freedom when you’re a prince. Not when you have a controlling father like mine who only cares about his own plans and is unwilling to make any sort of compromises.

2. What was your first impression of Kyrin?

Honestly, I was too focused on my father to notice her much at first. I did hear about her and her abilities and that was intriguing, though I wondered if she would take herself and her position too seriously. When I finally did meet and talk to her, I was pleasantly surprised. She wasn’t what I was expecting. Actually, she wasn’t like anyone else at the palace. She seemed to genuinely listen and care when I talked. People always indulge me because I’m the prince, but won’t offer any real sympathy or encouragement since they’re so devoted to my father and wouldn’t dare criticize him. Kyrin seemed more sincere.

3. Who do you look up to most?

I can’t really say there is anyone. *shrugs* As I said, people indulge me, and most who surround me at the palace are only interested in remaining in my good graces for their own benefit. Sir Aric, my father’s head of security, is a good man, though I must admit I don’t make it particularly easy for him to ensure my safety when I’m out and about. I also like Sam, the talcrin scholar at Tarvin Hall, but I never go there or spend a lot of time in libraries, so I don’t see him much. I like the common people. *lowers voice secretively* Hopefully no one will leak this information back to my father, but I like to disguise myself and mingle with them. It’s the only time I can interact with them normally. There seem to be better men among them than in my father’s circles.

4. What are you most afraid of?

Being forced to live and rule like my father. He’s too hard and set in his ways. I’d much rather leave a life of royalty behind than be a ruler like him. Sometimes I think I’ll go mad with the way he always pushes me. If his moon gods are real, they made a huge mistake in having me born into this family. I can’t be confined to this sort of life.

5. What’s your favorite color?

Green. My father hates it. *smirks* I like to wear it around him whenever I can.

There are lots more extras at the rest of the Resistance Blog Tour! You can find the schedule and links to all the other posts here: Resistance Blog Tour

Available for purchase on Amazon!
View book extras at www.ilyonchronicles.blogspot.com.

Giveaway  

Immerse yourself in the world of Ilyon! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win an autographed copy of Resistance (Book 1 in the “Ilyon Chronicles” series), a Resistance-inspired necklace crafted by the author (Jaye L. Knight), a Better Homes “Warm Rustic Woods” candle, and a wolf paw leather bookmark from Lodgepole Leathercraft. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

About the Author 

JAYE L. KNIGHT is a 25-year-old independent author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean NA (New Adult) fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God's love shines as a light to offer hope.

Jaye is a homeschool graduate and has been penning stories since the age of eight. She was previously published as Molly Evangeline. You can learn about her latest writing projects at www.jayelknight.com.

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Should Christians Be Involved in Politics?

A lot of Christians prefer to stay out of politics. Some people say politics is dirty and so don't want to have anything to do with it. Many people don't realize how big an effect politics has on their everyday lives.

I make it no secret that I am a Christian who is involved in politics. My books even reflect that. So obviously I believe Christians should be involved in politics. The question is: Why?

Politics is what gets elected officials in office. It is how people become presidents and congressmen and governors and state senators and county commissioners and school board members. It is also how bills get passed into law. It is because of politics we got Obamacare, Common Core, income tax, and even why America didn't outlaw slavery from the start. It is due to politics that America has had religious freedom, and also why that religious freedom is being taken away.

America began because people in Europe were not allowed to worship God the way they felt the Bible directed. The colonies were planted and eventually started a new nation which had a government of the people, by the people, and for the people; a government of which the protection of religious freedom was an important part.

Looking around America today, it is painfully obvious that that is no longer the case. Prayer has been banned in public schools. Recently, a child was forbidden to read the Bible during free reading in which the school children are allowed to read a book of their choice. Abortion is commonly accepted. Store owners are required to serve things for gay weddings, though their religious convictions forbid it. How did this happen? How did a Christian nation become so terribly anti-Christian?

Thomas Jefferson said that the most dangerous thing facing this nation is a lethargic people. Christians have been lethargic about politics. They have sat back and stayed out of politics and government. Unfortunately, the Enemy has not. Satan has been very active in destroying the Christianity of America. The state of this nation makes this very plain. We are currently able to gather in churches and worship God, but if America continues down the path it is now on, it will not always be so. We, like countries in the Middle East and elsewhere, will face the possibility of being killed for evangelism. We can avoid this frightening possibility . . . through politics.

America's government is unique. We, as ordinary people, have the ability to change it every two, four, and six years at the ballot box. The people we elect represent us and answer to us. We are their constituents and have the right and duty to contact them and tell them how we want them to vote. We can even influence our government at the roots. We can help good candidates to get elected, or even run for office ourselves. We can get our religious freedom back. We can avoid the possibility of being killed for our faith. We can have freedom to spread the Gospel.

We can't take freedom for granted. If we as Christians are a lethargic people, the enemy will destroy the freedoms we have left. We have to fight. I can't stress how important it is.

I have been involved in politics since I was eight years old when a family friend, Barry Loudermilk, first ran for State House. I have since been involved in every one of his campaigns, as well as the campaigns of several other candidates. I want to keep my religious freedom. I want to fight for it. I want to elect good Christian men who understand the Bible and the Constitution and will fight to protect both.

There are now eight days until Georgia's primary. Finally, I am old enough to vote. Barry Loudermilk is now running for Congress. He is a Christian man and a constitutional conservative. I have known him since I was five, and I truly believe we need him and men like him in Congress. Yes, I'm campaigning. If you live in Georgia's eleventh congressional district, I strongly urge you to go out and vote for Barry Loudermilk. This is the last week of early voting, and election day is May 20, the Tuesday of next week. This election is critical. America is in danger. We must get Christian conservatives into office if we are to retain the freedoms we have and take back the ones we have lost.

No matter where you live, I hope that you will take this to heart and understand that Christians should be involved in politics. We cannot just sit on the sidelines and watch as we lose our religious freedom. There are things you can do, the things I mentioned earlier. But the most important thing to do is pray. Pray for the elected officials. Pray for good candidates to rise up. Pray for the right people to be elected. And pray about getting involved in politics. It certainly isn't always easy, and it can be tiring and frustrating, but it is too important to neglect.

The "Once Upon a Time" Effect

There is only one current show I watch: ABC's Once Upon a Time. (I watch Doctor Who, but I'm only a few episodes into the tenth doctor, so I'm pretty far behind.) A few months ago, I realized that Once Upon a Time has had an effect on my writing. The effect is not so much of what I put into my stories now (though I did decide I had to have mermaids in my fantasy world when they were introduced into the show), but the way I tell stories.

For those unfamiliar with the show, it is a twist on fairy tales, throwing fairy tale characters into our world. The way the story is told is by alternating between what's going on in our world (in the town of Storybrooke) and what happened back in time in the fairy tale world (the Enchanted Forest). The portions from the past always help to further the plot of the part of the story being told in the modern world. It also follows a ton of different characters' stories.

The original version of Across the Stars followed only Sara Watson. The time frame of the story was straightforward and covered only the brief period of time the Watsons were on Emoria. I didn't really keep track of when I wrote different parts of the story, but I have been able to piece together through various memories somewhat of a time line of the writing of that book. And so I am fairly certain that Once subconsciously inspired me to delve into the past of certain characters and deepen the plot through the use of multiple main characters and backstories. I'm not terribly skillful at strategically revealing plot points in the flashbacks and such, but it does serve to deepen the plot and make the story more interesting.

In The Experiment, I did stay in the same timeline, but I had broken away from the single point of view and thus was able to tell the story more fully by telling all relevant parts of it.

For the Time Captives trilogy (Creighton Hill), I am continuing to use the Once Upon a Time Effect. I am enjoying, as I rewrite Creighton Hill, delving into the past of the older Hubbards and discovering what happened to them in the time before the youngest ones arrived, and just what their history with Toarna is. This could not be accomplished effectively without this technique, and I love the depth it is adding to the story.

I have come to love the complication the Once Upon a Time Effect gives to a story and can't imagine Across the Stars or Time Captives without it. It just shows even structure of storytelling can be influenced by what one reads and watches!

On Writing Sequels

I love a good sequel. I always hate saying goodbye to characters I've come to know and love, and I always want to know what happens next. For that reason, a good sequel is perfect for me. Unfortunately, lots of sequels do not quite qualify as "good."

It is commonly known that sequels are rarely as good as the original story. I have certainly found this to be true. For instance, I love Disney's Mulan. As for Mulan 2, it's not worth the time it takes to watch it. It was completely cliché and predictable, and extremely disappointing after how much I enjoyed the first movie. I also enjoyed Summer of My German Soldier, but I didn't even get halfway through the sequel.

Some sequels are just as good as the first. I have read Return to Gone-away as many times as I have read Gone-away Lake. The Lord of the Rings is a continuation of the story begun in The Hobbit, and it far exceeds the previous tale. (Series are a different matter, and are of no concern to this topic.)

What makes the difference? I believe it is whether or not the sequel is a story worth telling or if it is merely a story written because the first one was successful and beloved. So often sequels are written simply because fans are clamoring for more, not because there is more story to tell. The result is a flat, cliché story that is nowhere as good as the first one. I know that I am more disappointed with the existence of a poor sequel than the absence of any sequel at all.

I have yet to write a sequel to any of my chapter books. I have had family and friends, and even a young reviewer, beg for a sequel to The Experiment. Even so, I don't see one being written. I ended the story where I did because I didn't have any more story to tell. What is in the book is it. Though my sister constantly asks if Audrey marries Adam when they grow up, I have no desire even to decide that. It is possible I may change my mind about writing a sequel someday, but you can be sure it won't be until I have a story worth telling.

Across the Stars is another matter. I have some ideas for a sequel about Hanna and Sam that I am considering writing as a first NaNoWriMo project this November if I ever plan it. Yet, though I have always foreseen the possibility of writing a sequel about Felix and Sara, it is on hold indefinitely for lack of a plot. I could get an idea for it within the next year, in fifty years, or never, but until I do get a good idea, I won't write it.

I am not against sequels. I rather like them. But my advice is not to write a sequel unless the continuation of the characters' story is just as worth telling as the beginning of it. If you have a good sequel idea, then go ahead and write it. Your fans will be happy.

A Hobbit Tradition: A Birthday Gift Coupon

My eighteenth birthday is this week, which, to be honest, is a little scary, as I will be an adult. I don't bring it up because I want everyone to tell me "Happy Birthday" or anything like that, because I never know how to respond anyhow, but because I want to make my own twist on a hobbit tradition.

As readers of The Lord of the Rings know, hobbits give gifts on their own birthday. All the ones Bilbo gave had a meaning to them, like the bookshelf to the hobbit that was good at borrowing books and worse than usual at returning them, and the silver spoons to Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. What I'm planning has a sort of meaning, though not quite like Bilbo's. It has to do with it being my 18th birthday.

Also, because I'm not rich (I haven't got any dragon treasure), I can't give away endless copies of paperback books. I've probably given away about as many as I've sold. But what I can do is give away a special coupon code for purchase of my books through CreateSpace.

Because I'm turning eighteen this week, this coupon is for 18% off. And, since a person only turns eighteen once, this coupon will only work for a limited time. It will be available until next Monday, the 28th.

Here is the 18% off code:

84NQ6DYM

Remember, it's for use through CreateSpace, through the 28th.

And as a final note, Happy Birthday to anyone else who has a birthday this week, and for everyone else, "A very merry unbirthday to you!"

On Disney Princesses, Love at First Sight, and Happily Ever After

Snow White, awakened from an enchanted sleep by true love's kiss, goes off to marry Prince Charming and lives happily ever after.

Cinderella goes to the ball and meets the prince, who she falls in love with and marries after he finds her by use of the glass slipper.

Ariel rescued Eric from drowning, and gave up her life under the sea to marry him for her happily ever after.

Anna bumps into Hans when she runs through Arendale, and it's love at first sight, happily ever after . . . or not.

I like Disney princess movies, a lot. My favorites are Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, and Frozen. For some reason, though I grew up on Snow White and Cinderella, I didn't really care very much for princess movies until I saw Beauty and the Beast. After seeing Frozen, I realized that my favorite Disney Princess movies are the ones where the girl doesn't fall in love with the prince until she gets to know him. I also articulated a thought I had, and had heard some of.

When Snow White first meets Prince Charming, he has climbed over the wall of her house and scared her half to death by being a stalker. Then later, still not having ever spoken to him, she is perfectly willing to go off and marry him.

Cinderella doesn't know her prince. They met at the ball, and, after spending a few hours together, he will do all he can to find the girl who the glass slipper fits, so he can marry her. And she's going around the castle in a trance singing "So This Is Love."

Ariel is the worst. She wasn't even supposed to be at the surface, but after seeing Eric, she will trade her soul to be with him. And after defeating Ursula, her father even gives her a happily ever after for her disobedience.

None of them really knew their prince. This is where I have to quote Elsa, "You can't marry a man you just met."

Belle doesn't. She doesn't like the Beast until he stops being a beast and starts being a hero. She was only in his castle because she sacrificed herself so her father could go free. Rapunzel doesn't fall in love with Flynn until he realizes thievery isn't worth it and decides to be a hero instead. She even says she likes Eugene Fitzherbert better than Flynn Ryder.

And then we come to Anna and Hans. "Love is an open door." "You and I were just meant to be." And within a day of knowing each other, they are engaged. Only Anna's sister Elsa won't bless the marriage.

FROZEN SPOILER You'd think in the Disney tradition true love would pull through and Anna and Hans would be happily ever after, but they're not. Hans turns out to be the bad guy, after his own kingdom, and he's willing to kill both Anna and Elsa to get it. Kristoff, who is against marrying someone you just met and someone Anna actually gets to know, is her real happily ever after. END FROZEN SPOILER

Frozen turns the stereotype on its head and I like that.

So, while I like Snow White, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid, I prefer Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, and Frozen. They're funnier anyway, and the songs are more fun to sing.

Resistance Cover Reveal

Today is a special day. This is the day the cover of my friend Jaye L. Knight's (previously published as Molly Evangeline) book Resistance is being revealed to the world. Resistance will be released on May 20th. Her books keep getting better and better as she goes on writing, so you definitely won't want to miss it. Without further ado, I present to you:

Resistance

About the Book

“Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”

Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he’s ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he’s tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape.

Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair and her twin brother live every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God.

Following the emperor’s declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are endangered. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.

Kindle release date: May 20, 2014

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Blog Tour Announcement

Excited for this book’s release? Join us for the blog tour May 20-27, which will include reviews, interviews, a giveaway, and more! Mark your calendars, and check the blog tour page in May for more information. Hope to see you there!

Excerpt from Resistance (©2014 Jaye L. Knight)

     Just when he lowered his guard enough to relax, a grating voice sent tension knotting across his shoulders.
     “Look what the excitement dragged into town.”
     Jace ground his teeth together and turned. He should never have stopped watching his back. Wrong move on his part.
     Flanked by two of his smug-faced friends, a red-haired young man smirked at him, his eyes harboring all sorts of ill will. Jace barely bit back a sharp retort, but the other man’s smirk only grew at his silence. He peered around Jace.
     “Rebekah, what are you doing with this . . .” He glanced back to Jace and turned up his wide nose. “. . . half-blood?”
     Jace balled his fists. Warmth seeped down his arms and into his muscles, pulsing with the preparation for a fight, but he fought to still it.
     Rebekah came to his side, her face set in a frown that looked entirely out of place. “Stop it, Morden.”
    He gave her a condescending little grin. “Why don’t you run along? We’ve got business here.” The grin stretched wider. “I’ll gladly come find you later.”
     Rebekah put her hands on her hips, glaring at him, and opened her mouth to speak, but Jace beat her to it.
     “A gentleman would treat a lady with more consideration.”
     Morden snorted. “And what would you know about that?”
     A blaze erupted inside that Jace struggled to contain. He breathed in hard, cursing the impulses he had to battle so often. He couldn’t let it take control of him. Not again.
     “Come on, Jace, we still have to find something for Kalli.” Rebekah’s soft voice quieted his growing agitation, and she tugged lightly on his stiff arm.
     His blood still burned hot in his veins, calling him to action, and was almost too strong to resist. He thought of Rayad who told him time and again to go to Elôm when he struggled like this. He forced himself to turn away from Morden and whispered silently, “Elôm, I need help.”
     But Morden, who must have caught the movement of his lips just before he turned completely, let out an incredulous laugh. “Are you praying?”
     Jace froze. His heart thundered.
     “Who could you be praying to? Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”
     An evil pang of doubt knifed through Jace’s heart, colder and more painful than the steel of any dagger, and robbed the breath from his lungs. His eyes settled on Rebekah’s face, but it was her pitying expression that caused the weak grip on his emotions to fail. Heat flared in his muscles. He spun around and smashed his fist into the side of Morden’s jaw, sending the man reeling. Regret followed, but it was too late. Morden’s friends caught him by the arms and steadied him as he shook his head to clear his vision.
     Jace dragged deep breaths into his tightened lungs and waited for Morden’s next move. Just walk away. The silent plea went out in desperation. If only it would just end here. But satisfaction lit Morden’s eyes, and his lip curled in a malicious sneer.

About the Author

JAYE L. KNIGHT is a 25-year-old independent author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean NA (New Adult) fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God's love shines as a light to offer hope.

Jaye is a homeschool graduate and has been penning stories since the age of eight. She was previously published as Molly Evangeline. You can learn about her latest writing projects at www.jayelknight.com.

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In celebration of the epic cover reveal for Resistance, Jaye L. Knight is giving away two handcrafted bookmarks with sword charms—one each to two different winners! The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, and you can enter via the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway