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Friday, August 01, 2008

CFBA Blog Tour - Donita K. Paul and DragonLight

Kicking off August with a good friend of mine and leader of our local critique group. I still remember when I first announced that I'd be marrying my husband and moving to the Springs. Donita emailed to tell me she already had my seat in the group warmed and ready. :) It's been a fantastic and rewarding experience. I'm honored and pleased to be a part.

Now, you can "meet" Donita and learn why so many love her and her DragonKeeper book series.



This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
DragonLight
(Waterbrook Press - June 17, 2008)
by Donita K. Paul


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DONITA K. PAUL retired early from teaching school, but soon got bored! The result: a determination to start a new career. Now she is an award-winning novelist writing Christian Romance and Fantasy. She says, "I feel blessed to be doing what I like best."

She mentors all ages, teaching teenagers and weekly adult writing workshops.

"God must have imprinted 'teacher' on me clear down to the bone. I taught in public school, then home-schooled my children, and worked in private schools. Now my writing week isn't very productive unless I include some time with kids."

Her two grown children make her proud, and her two grandsons make her laugh.

Donita is an award-winning author of the Dragon Keeper Chronicle series including DragonFire and DragonKnight.

When not writing, she is often engaged in mentoring writers of all ages. Donita lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado where she is learning to paint–walls and furniture! Visit her website at http://www.dragonkeeper.us/.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The fantastic land of Amara is recovering from years of war inflicted on its citizens by outside forces–as well as from the spiritual apathy corroding the Amarans' hearts. With Kale and her father serving as dragon keepers for Paladin, the dragon populace has exploded. It's a peaceful, exciting time of rebuilding. And yet, an insidious, unseen evil lurks just beneath the surface of the idyllic countryside.

Truth has never been more important, nor so difficult to discern.

As Kale and her father are busy hatching, bonding, and releasing the younger generation of dragons as helpers throughout the kingdom, the light wizard has little time to develop her skills. Her husband, Sir Bardon–despite physical limitations resulting from his bout with the stakes disease–has become a leader, serving on the governing board under Paladin. When Kale and Bardon set aside their daily responsibilities to join meech dragons Regidor and Gilda on a quest to find a hidden meech colony, they encounter sinister forces. Their world is under attack by a secret enemy... can they overcome the ominous peril they can't even see?

Prepare to experience breathtaking adventure and mind-blowing fantasy as never before in this dazzling, beautifully-crafted conclusion to Donita K. Paul's popular DragonKeeper Chronicles fantasy series.

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

"DragonLight is a delight, but I wouldn't expect anything less from the marvelous Donita K. Paul. I heartily recommend her books to all ages who love inspirational fantasy and wonderful creatures. Ms Paul not only supplies imagination and talent, she provides heart and soul. Another winner!"~KATHRYN MACKEL, author of Boost

"Donita K. Paul is amazing! DragonLight has the allegorical depth to satisfy the most discerning adult seeking spiritual depth, yet it is fun enough to fascinate a child. This book will enthrall, uplift, and if allowed, change lives--as we are gently drawn to realize that each of us is flawed and must have patience with other flawed believers."~HANNAH ALEXANDER, author of Double Blind


AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

It was more tying up the loose ends, simply the logical conclusion for the story. There are some themes that I might discuss, but I really am not much of an expounder. I believe the reader gets more from the tale if he/she is in charge of interpretation and doesn't have my behind-the-scenes ruminations meddling with his/her discoveries.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I believe in any writer's work their day-to-day encounters impact their story. Some days, a lot, other days, minimal.

3. If Kale or Bardon were an ice cream flavor, what would he or she be?

Bardon would be vanilla. Kale would be Very Berry Strawberry.

4. What themes exist in DragonLight that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

-To be wary of those who profess to be Christians but also add or subtract from the teaching of the Scripture.

-To value teamwork.

-To realize that the one who sews the seed may not be the one to reap the harvest. And that it's all right. It is okay to allow someone else to take over when that is God's plan.

-That all that we do is subject to the fallibility that is part of living outside of the heaven promised to us. We are constantly adjusting our plans to meet unexpected obstacles. That is good as well. We depend more on God and less on our own understanding. Being flexible is a crucial life skill.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult part to write was the thread about the Followers cult. My favorite part to write was Fly, the dragon who did not bond with Kale.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book is coming out in the Summer of 2009. It centers around an emerlindian girl named Tipper, and how she discovers Wulder. It has quests, wizards, dragons, lost art, and medicinal bugs.

*NOTE from Tiff -- you're going to LOVE the bugs. :)

* * * * *

Thank you, Donita, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of DragonLight.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

Make sure you leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net) or that there's a way to contact you. Otherwise, you won't be entered. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

7 comments:

Melanie Dickerson said...

Pick me! My daughter LOVES these books! She's on the third one right now but not for long! She can't seem to stop reading.

melaniedickerson at knology dot net

windycindy said...

Please sign me up for this book drawing. I really enjoy fantasty and this wonderful author is one of my favorites. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

tetewa said...

I've heard alot about this one! tWarner419@aol.com

ChristyJan said...

I enjoyed reading this interview with Donita. Her Dragon book series sound wonderful ~ please enter me to win.

hawkes(at)citlink.net

Ashley E said...

I love these books. I have the first four (although I haven't managed to squeeze DragonFire in yet *sniffs*) and can't wait to read DragonLight too! Enter me please.
~Ley

ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com

Pamela J said...

I LOVE the themes: being wary, teamwork, AND flexibility. I can't wait to read this book. If I'm not too late, please enter me. Thanks.
Pam Williams
cepjwms at yahoo dot com

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

We have a winner from this drawing and that is:

MELANIE

Congratulations! I've emailed you for your mailing information so we can send out your book.

Three other winners selected today. Check out Jim Robinson, Debra Ullrick and M.L. Tyndall to see if you've won.

As always, thanks for your continued support.