Thursday Writer's Window - Kyra Dune

Welcome to Writer's Window!

 

As a writer, I am always fascinated by other writer's work and how they craft a particular story. Today, I will be spotlighting Kyra Dune and her book "Shadow of the Dragon". Kyra Dune was born in Oklahoma, but spent most of her life travelling with her family. She is the author of more than a dozen fantasy novels, including: Shadow of the Dragon, Elfblood, and Firebrand. As a child, her favorite stories were those that told of ordinary children being whisked away to magical lands. She has yet to find her own secret wardrobe or rabbit hole, but she hasn’t given up the search. You never know what might be waiting over the next rainbow. 

Recently Kyra consented to an interview about her book and her life as a writer. Please, join me now as I take a peek into this author's imagination window and get to know her a bit more!

 

Tiffany: Your current work is "Shadow of the Dragon", what message does this particular book convey to your readers?

Kyra: The title of the book is Shadow Of The Dragon and the core message of the story is how unhealthy it is to let one moment in time define who you are and how you relate to other people.

 

Tiffany: Will you give a short synopsis of your book?

Kyra: After a dragon attacks their village, two siblings must strike out across the frozen countryside to find safety. But what they find is much more than they bargained for.

 Tiffany: Why did you write this particular story?

 

Kyra: That's kind of a hard question to answer. I guess I wrote because it was in my head and it kind of demanded to be written. I really like Micayta's character. She's complicated and has a tendency to come off as a lot more cold hearted than she actually is.

 Tiffany: I often model characters or situations after true events. Are there any characters in your books that are modeled from people in your daily life?

 

Kyra: I think all my characters have bits and pieces of people I've known, and bits and pieces of myself as well, but I wouldn't say any of them are really modeled after certain people.

 Tiffany: Tell me Kyra, how do you come up with your story lines?

 

Kyra: I don't know. The stories come to me and I write them. I don't consciously think about it.

 

Tiffany: When was the point you realized that being an author was no longer a dream but a reality?

Kyra: When my first novel, Flight Of Dragons, was accepted for publication. I was so excited, I laughed, I cried, I jumped around. There's no feeling like having your dream come true. It was a powerful moment.

 Tiffany: Writing is such a personal experience and advice is sometimes lacking for a young writer. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

 

Kyra: Don't give up. Even if it seems like it's never going to happen for you. It's better to try and fail then to stop trying and have to spend the rest of your life wondering what if.

Tiffany: What do you enjoy the most about the writing process?

Kyra: I love everything about writing. Well, okay, almost everything. Editing can get a little tedious. But for the most it's an awesome job. What could be more fun than getting to spend all day talking to your imaginary friends and getting paid for it?

 

Tiffany: I have found that the Publishing world is often a scary and confusing place for a new author. What warning(s) would you give young writers/authors?

Kyra: Do your research. If you're going to submit to a traditional publisher, make sure you talk to other writers who've worked with them. Also, always have somebody else read your book whether you're submitting it to a publisher or self-publishing. Every book needs a fresh set of eyes.

 Tiffany: Like I said before, the publishing world can be very confusing, and there are so many new ways to be published now. How did you go about getting your book published?

 

Kyra: I did a little research and found a small press publisher who didn't require an agent for submissions. I sent Shadow Of The Dragon in and they picked it right up. That was pretty cool. I actually work with three separate small press publications and I have great relationships with all of them. But recently I've decided to branch out into self-publishing, so we'll see how that goes.

 Tiffany: Ok, enough with the "work" questions! Let's get creative and personal! If you were given one day to live, what would you do that day?

 

Kyra: I would spend it on the beach in Alabama. It's so pretty there. Especially when it's a cool, gray day and a storm is moving in over the water. I'd have the beach all to myself, no company but the seagulls. I would just stand there and listen to the waves and let the wind blow through my hair. It's the kind of place that makes you really think about how big everything is and how small you are.

Tiffany: If you could meet one of your favorite authors, who would it be and why?

 

Kyra: Stephen King. I love his work. His characters are so real and his writing so honest. He's fearless when it comes to storytelling. Meeting him would be amazing.

 Tiffany: So many authors have muses or people that inspire them. Who inspires you?

 

Kyra: My dad. He always taught me to chase my dreams and never give up. I wouldn't be where I am now if not for his encouragement. He made me feel like I could do anything. Whenever I get discouraged, I think of him and it keeps me going.

 

Tiffany: Kyra, if you could go back in time, what would you say to your younger self?

Kyra: Don't spend so much time stressing out about whether or not you'll ever be a 'real writer'. If you write you're a writer, period. Someday you'll get exactly where you want to go. Try to enjoy the journey a little more instead of obsessing about the destination.

 Tiffany: Writer's always have lots of irons in the fire. Can you tell us, what’s next for you?

 Kyra: Lots of writing. I'm working on five projects right now, so I'm very busy. I have several books coming out this year, some traditionally published and some self published. I've recently gotten a small bookstore to take some of my paperbacks and that's really cool. It's amazing to see your books on the shelf of an actual bookstore. And I'm hoping to get a table at my very first convention this year. I have my fingers crossed on that one. It's going to be a good year.

Best of Luck Kyra!  Thank you for letting your imaginative process be showcased today.


To learn more about Kyra Dune you can -
Connect with her at: Facebook     twitter    Blog Website Goodreads Pinterest

Watch Her Book Trailers:   YouTube

Buy Her Books: Amazon   Barnes and Noble

School Presentation - The crumpled piece of paper...

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of returning to the first school I taught at. My second graders are now in the 5th grade and seeing them made me smile. I smiled because I wrote "Red is the Color of..." for students just like them.This class were the first ones to ever hear my story. One of my students came up to me afterward and reminded me that I had read them this story, but as she put it "it was in your little notebook then, with all your other stories."  I enjoyed seeing them all, I enjoyed being reminded of the impact that one teacher can have, and the impact a particular group of students can have on the teacher. I loved this class.


How is a book made? It all starts out as an Idea...

I returned at the request of a librarian friend of mine, and I am grateful to her for allowing me the pleasure of connecting to my primary audience - children. I had two things that I wanted to teach them yesterday - how a book is made and how special they, our future generation, are to us.

My book was the main attraction of the day, but I also used art to communicate the continued message of the book. It was my "crumpled piece of paper" message. I think the message of both devices was clearly heard that day. Why do I know this? Because more than one child came up and told me their story - a story that is so sadly similar to mine. I received one note from a child after I finished my presentation, the inscription simply said "To the bravest person I have ever met. Thank you." Those words touched me, because in those 55 minutes something spoke to this young girl; I may never know exactly what, but I am humbled that it did. That's the power of the written word, it is ageless, creates magic in the minds of the readers, and whispers to the quiet corners of our hearts. Words are so powerful, make sure you use them with respect and caution.


The crumpled piece of paper...that is us after being bullied. Someone needs to come along
and remind us that we are valued, strong, kind, hopeful, special, and LOVED.
 Love is powerful because it has all these attributes to it

 

 



 

 It was truly a wonderful day - a day of remembering the past, the present, and the hope of a changed future. I greatly enjoyed my time and I hope to be able to hold readings like this in the future. Remember that what makes you different makes you Special!

*Pictures contributed by Georgena Ellison.

Project Holiday - Getting the house ready...

I love when October finally hits...it means I am no longer hiding my addiction to holiday decor. I love making the house look festive, and my son for days has been toddling around the house squealing at all the lights and other things that are coming out for the season. This year I decided that I would bring out the old fake Christmas tree early and make it work for three months instead of just one. I also LOVE the fake tea lights...with a little one they are a blessing..and are used liberally throughout my house. Most of my decorations have been collected from over the years, but the dollar store, and sale items from my favorite craft store helped tie my theme together. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have great looking decorations! Here is a peek into my October deco...

I wanted to use my fall decorations differently, therefore I decided that putting the tree up and using it as a backdrop for my autumn decorations was the best bet for me this year. I just used some dried corn cobs, fake tea lights, wrapped some burlap around it, stuck some fake pumpkins in, drizzled some leaves here and there, and then used some "old" family decorations for added charm ( a turkey and a cornucopia). I also brought out my Christmas lamp post and just wrapped it with leaves...

 

At night the tea lights look so lovely. My son sits and looks at them and smiles.

I always decorate my table. This year I have opted for a more minimal decor, because I have a toddler that can reach anything that is near the sides of the table. I bought a white owl pitcher, found a tractor, used my old girl and boy farmer statues, a lantern from my wedding, some fake leaves and fruits, and then carved a jackolantern (from a fake pumpkin of course). I hung the jack o lantern from my chandelier ( to create the mood from the Harry Potter Halloween feast scene). I used fishing line to hang it and stuck a fake tea light inside. My son LOVES this!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last but not least are the huge bookshelves in my family room. I adore books, especially old hardbacks. Most of the year these books are stacked neatly, but I decided to add some whimsy to them this year - again giving it the look of the bookstore from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. All I used were my own books, the fake tea lights, and some odds and ends from around the house. I think it looks fun...neat freaks might stroke out on this one :-)

 

 

 

 

I am still working on a few things in my house and outside for my door, but I have to say it feels like fall INSIDE my house even though outside it is still 80 degrees. Happy Fall!

The Promise...

"Promise me that someday you will have one of your stories published."

That was one of the last conversations that I had with my father before he died. I had just finished reading him one of my latest scribblings; his wrinkled hand softly patting mine, staring at me with eyes that glistened with pride. I laughed at his request and asked the question "Who would want to read my stories, Dad?" His simple reply back was "People."

Two years after he passed away, I heard the whisper of this conversation tiptoe back into my mind. I was still grieving, lost in a sea of despair over his death, but those quiet words "Promise me...promise me..." slowly broke through the darkness. I needed to fulfill this last request, so I began to pursue publication.

Writing a story is easy, getting published is a whole other can of frustrated worms. First, unless you have a treasure trove of money to just throw around you will be hearing a lot of slamming doors. It is amazing to me how many good stories there are out there, but you and I will never read them because the author didn't have the cash to back it. The reality is authors pay for their book to be published. Second, most huge publishing houses require that authors have a publishing agent before they even open the pages of the writers' manuscript. Most agents go for 20 grand or more. Third, I am not famous, nor do I have a famous family. The truth is that fame and who you know is everything; little minnows like me rarely get noticed in the sea of literature.
I had NONE of these things. All I had was a story, a promise unfulfilled, and the Internet. I searched until I found a few publishing houses that considered "new" authors who had little money and no agent. I picked one, took a deep breath, submitted my story, and mumbled under my breath "well Dad I tried".

"We like your story and want to publish."

I read those words in disbelief, and even now, holding the book in my hand, I still wonder at it all. I am a published author...a promise fulfilled.

 

My book has not made me famous, nor has it brought me untold wealth, but it has served as a connection to my past, present, and future. I find that my book allows me to see a bigger picture, I see the "people" that my Dad spoke of that day. People need stories that remind them of gentle conversations, loving memories, and home. I need to remember...so I write another story which may never be read by others, but I write it because someday I know that my son will need to remember. Writing is just inked memories for the library of the heart.

 







Project Holiday...Cereal box books

After several failed attempts at making these cereal box books for my harry potter theme, I finally found a working formula...here is what you will need.

Materials:

• cereal boxes or cake mix boxes ( anything will do)
• scissors
• tape
• hot glue or Elmer's glue
• tissue paper or construction
• white paper towels
• sharpie
• toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls

Assembly:

1. Cut your cereal boxes along one side. You should then be able to open up the box and lay it flat.
   

   

   Make sure you just cut along the seam...you want all the edges!

2. Now reassemble the box with the plan cardboard facing out. Tape the edges back together.

   

   Tape tape!

3. Cut the toilet paper roll or paper towel roll in half lengthwise. Attach( with hot glue or Elmer's ) this to one side of your box - this is the spine of the book.
   

   

   Tape the cut roll on one side.

4. Tape (or glue) white paper towels on the other 3 sides of the box- these are the pages.
   
5. Take the tissue paper and wrap around the book leaving a small edge. Glue these down. You can also tear up bits of paper and glue down to create a mosaic look.
   
   
6. Draw lines on the paper towels - the pages
7. Title your book - on the spine
8. Viola cheap decorations!
   
   

You can use these books for book report projects or as decoration for you classroom or library. Cheap and easy.

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I also decided that I would add some whimsy to my bookcases this fall. I wanted the shelves to look like the bookstore in Harry Potter, so here is the result. Artful mess!

 

 Happy Decorating!