1--What is the title of your latest release?
THE STOLEN KINGDOM
2--What is it about?
For a hundred years, the once-prosperous kingdom of Perin Faye has suffered under the rule of the greedy and power-hungry Thungrave kings. Maralyth Graylaern, a vintner's daughter, has no idea her hidden magical power is proof of a secret bloodline and claim to the throne. Alac Thungrave, the king's second son, has always been uncomfortable with his position as the spare heir--and the dark, stolen magic that comes with ruling.
When Maralyth becomes embroiled in a plot to murder the royal family and seize the throne, a cat-and-mouse chase ensues in an adventure of dark magic, court intrigue, and forbidden love.
3--What do you love about the setting of your book?
I love this question, because I love talking about how THE STOLEN KINGDOM came about!
Years ago, I wrote THE SEEDS OF PERIN FAYE, my very first, very terrible novel. THE STOLEN KINGDOM is a complete rewrite of THE SEEDS OF PERIN FAYE. The rolling vineyards and secret magic of the original story are dear to my heart and are a huge part of THE STOLEN KINGDOM.
4--How did your main character(s) surprise you?
I'd like to have a tale to tell about how Maralyth and Alac took on a life of their own during the writing process, taking me off guard, but the truth is that I had to work hard to develop each of them into what they finally became. One surprise, perhaps, is that it was apparently harder for each of them to view the other as an enemy than I had anticipated.
5--Why will readers relate to your characters?
I think readers will relate to Maralyth's desire to break free from the cloak of invisibility, so to speak, that her mother had always kept her under, in order to find her own voice. As for Alac--his struggle with feeling like the inconsequential second born is fairly common. Maralyth and Alac are both longing for change--for something that will free them from life as they know it. Definitely relatable! (Of course, the plans they have at the beginning of the story aren't anywhere close to where they both end up!)
6--What was one of your biggest challenges while writing this book (spoiler-free, of course!)?
My biggest challenge was figuring out how to write Maralyth and Alac as enemies. It's one thing to have two characters fight together against a common foe; it's another thing altogether to pit these two characters against each other. It was definitely harder than I had anticipated.
7--Do you look forward to or do you dread the revision process?
I look forward to it! I'm one of those writers who hates drafting and loves revising. For me, it's where the magic truly happens.
8--What’s your favorite snack to have on hand while writing?
It absolutely depends on my mood. Cashews are a go-to; I oven roast my own whenever I'm hungry for a couple handfuls. But sometimes a girl just needs something chocolate!
9--Where would you go for an ideal writer’s retreat?
Somewhere near the ocean. I'm at my creative best when I'm by the sea!
10--What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?
This is a hard question because I've had so much good input over the years! Here's something that stands out in my memory, though: Early in my journey (as in, I'd written my first novel), a literary agent critiqued my opening page on her blog. She pointed out that nothing was actually happening (ouch). Her blunt critique was the first, important step in my growth as a writer.
11--Who is the fictional character you want to hang out with the most? (anyone in literature!)
Why, Mr. Darcy, of course! And I would wear fetching Regency gown and he would take me on a grand tour of Pemberley, after which we would have a lovely dinner.
12--What’s one of your earliest book memories?
When I was very little, my parents signed me up for the Dr. Seuss Book Club. Once a month, I received a new book in the mail, and my mom tirelessly read each one to me (over and over). Then, one month the thin book box arrived in the mail, and my mom told me I couldn't open it. They'd canceled the book club, she explained, and the company wasn't supposed to have sent that final book. I was devastated because I COULDN'T LEEP THE BOOK AND WOULD NEVE RKNOW WHICH ONE WAS INSIDE THAT BOX. A clear example of literary trauma.
13--If you had to write in a different genre, what would it be and why?
YA Science Fiction. It's my second love; I've actually written several SF novels over the years.
14--What song will automatically put you in a good mood?
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony
15--What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
Have a coffee date with my sister.
16--What can you eat and never get sick of?
Cheese. I've often had grocery store clerks comment on the abundance of cheese I was purchasing.
17--Will you share a favorite, recent-ish book you recommend?
SISTERS OF WINTER WOOD by Rena Rossner. Simply gorgeous!
18--Do you have any hobbies?
Scrapbooking! Having raised 5 children, you can imagine ALL THE PHOTOS. I'm way behind, of course--just heading into 2007--but my collection of albums starts in 1988, so I've definitely done a lot of work so far. I'm not crafty at all, so this is my one place to dip into that sort of creativity.
19--Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird all the way!
20--What can readers expect from you next?
Another YA fantasy with a strong female protagonist and a very different type of magic.
Nothing is quite as it seems in this thrilling YA fantasy adventure by Jillian Boehme, The Stolen Kingdom!
For a hundred years, the once-prosperous kingdom of Perin Faye has suffered under the rule of the greedy and power-hungry Thungrave kings. Maralyth Graylaern, a vintner's daughter, has no idea her hidden magical power is proof of a secret bloodline and claim to the throne. Alac Thungrave, the king’s second son, has always been uncomfortable with his position as the spare heir—and the dark, stolen magic that comes with ruling.
When Maralyth becomes embroiled in a plot to murder the royal family and seize the throne, a cat-and-mouse chase ensues in an adventure of dark magic, court intrigue, and forbidden love.
Young Adult Fantasy [Tor.com, On Sale: March 2, 2021, Hardcover / e-Book, ISBN: 978125029882 / eISBN: 9781250298836]
JILLIAN BOEHME is known to the online writing community as Authoress, hostess of Miss Snark's First Victim, a blog for aspiring authors. In real life, she holds a degree in Music Education, sings with the Nashville Symphony Chorus, and homeschools her remaining youngster-at-home. She's still crazy in love with her husband of more than thirty years and is happy to be surrounded by family and friends amid the rolling knolls of Middle Tennessee.
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