Author interview and giveaway-Kia Garriques and The Journey of a Thousand Eyes

Today, we have fantasy author Kia Garriques talking about her book, Innovera Yakov: The Journey of A Thousand Eyes.

In less than 140  words, what happens in The Journey of a Thousand Eyes?

Innovera Yakov: The Journey of A Thousand Eyes is the first installment in an action-packed fantasy drama where characters with powers of healing and destruction live, love, compete and disappear without a trace while they are being prepared for ‘The Journey’.

What are the Thousand Eyes?

The ‘Thousand Eyes’ refers to the River of a Thousand Eyes which runs through Innovera Yakov into the frightening world of darkness called Verheer. When Innovera Yakov is destroyed, the students must follow it into the darkness that awaits them before they can reach the promised world beyond. They have no choice. They must cross it or die. That great crossing is called 'The Journey'. Many of them will be lost along the way.

What did you have to research to write this?

I had to read a lot to understand the genre and to find an approach to writing a book that is interesting and different. For me, any fantasy world can be made convincing if you take care to remain consistent, give the reader enough detail to help them create that world in their mind, and fill your characters with the emotions and choices that most humans struggle with.

What influenced you in writing this?

The concept of Innovera Yakov originated from my dreams. I used to dream about these Beings in some other world. At first, it was scary but then I learned to overcome that fear and started looking forward to them. At one point, I became so enthusiastic about science, evolution and the possibility of realities and forms of life that might exist outside of what we know, that I wanted to absorb anything in relation to that. Innovera Yakov addresses many of the questions I have about our earth and the universe in general. It’s about all the preoccupations I have about love, freedom and adventure. It’s my attempt to understand life.

How did this cover come about?

My publisher had chosen a cover for the book already and we had been promoting that cover for a good few months. However, a couple of months ago, I had a vivid dream about the cover of my book and it was very different from the one I had initially. So I told Story Star Publishing that I wanted to change the cover. There was a lot of discussion before they agreed but once they accepted they were very supportive. I knew this amazing graphics artist called Milly Mackenzie who worked with my publishers to get the cover to what it is today. After telling Milly our ideas she did it straight away and that is how we got the current cover.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Yes, I see myself in Ayana. She is the underdog and it takes her a long time to discover her strengths.

How long have you wanted to be a writer?

Ever since I can remember, I have always been writing. But I have always shied away from letting people read my work. At school, it was taboo to say that you wanted to be a writer; it just wasn’t a cool career option. Somehow I was led to believe that you had to be of a certain pedigree; you had to be different, more intelligent and even a little eccentric to be a writer.

Try as I might, I couldn’t help dreaming up worlds. I would wake around two in the morning and jot down those dreams in my notepad which I always kept next to my pillow. My inspiration comes from my dreams. Before, I was afraid of them; now I rely on them for my inspiration.

                                                      

Who do you look to for inspiration?

I look to nature for inspiration. I love creation and I’m fascinated by the world around me. I am fascinated with science and the natural world.

What was the hardest thing about writing The Journey?

When I was faced with characters who had to die or disappear. Losing them was very hard.

What are you working on now?

I am working on the second book in the series. But, I have fleshed out the third and fourth book already.

And there's a giveaway! The prize is an ecopy of The Journey of a Thousand Eyes in a format of your choice. Ends 5 March.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Other places you can find Kia

Twitter - https://twitter.com/innoverayakov

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5623131-kia-garriques

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiagarriquesfanpage
Tumblr - http://kiagarriquesauthor.tumblr.com/
Wattpad - http://www.wattpad.com/user/kiagarriques
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/kgarriques/
Website: http://www.kiagarriques.com/