Now available from Fire Quill Publishing is the Enlightenment, book one in the Driel Trilogy by author Liz Keel.
The author has taken a few minutes out
of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.
When did you become interested in storytelling?
Since I was young, I’ve fallen in love with fantasy stories; books like ‘The Enchanted Forest’ by Enid Blyton had me wishing I could be a part of their adventures and meet characters such as Silky and Moonface. Then, when I moved on to C.S.Lewis, I tried so many times to get my wardrobe to transport me to Narnia and wanted to be a part of that world! With so many stories out there set in mystical lands, I spent a lot of my free time day-dreaming of journeying to these other-worldly places; I just loved the idea that maybe there was something else out there and wondered what it would be like to find out you were the special one chosen to go save another world or were more than just human. That’s what first inspired me to become a writer and create my very own mystical worlds.
What was your first book/story published?
The book I’m on this tour with, Enlightenment, (#1 in the Driel Trilogy), a Young Adult Fantasy Romance. Without giving too much away, the story revolves around a girl called Thea who gets thrown into the unknown realm of Faey. Here she is forced to determine the difference between reality and fantasy, in a world ruled by a dark elite and a society wracked by intolerance and prejudice. On this journey, she has the support of her new friends to help her as well as a mysterious dark haired, blue-eyed guardian who watches her every move.
What inspired you to write Enlightenment?
I’ve always loved reading especially the paranormal and fantasy genres, and with so many talented authors out there, over the years they have helped provide inspiration for my own story. I also have a vivid imagination which helps!
What character in Enlightenment is the most/least like you, and in what ways?
I’d say that my personality is similar to Thea’s, the protagonist in the story. Her determination to face what’s thrown at her head-on, and to fight for what you believe in, are ideals I totally agree with.
What is your favorite part in Enlightenment?