Today, a terrific author tells us about her new book, and what inspires her to keep writing.
Meet Janilise Lloyd, author of The Whisperer’s Wish
Jenny: “Hi Janilise. Thanks for coming by today. Our readers would love to know where you came up with the idea for this really intriguing book, The Whisperer’s Wish.”
Janilise: “My book is inspired by real life experiences with my brothers. My main character, Laurelin, is grappling with the reality that her brother is sick with cancer and is very close to dying. She’s motivated by trying to find a permanent cure for him. Some of her experiences and emotions are reflected in my own life events with my brothers. My younger brother passed away when I was very little and my older brother had a close call when I was seventeen. Both of these experiences shaped me in significant ways. Even though my book is fantasy, writing it was still a way for me to process some of my own feelings.”
Jenny: “That’s so true. Writing provides the same outlet for me. When you’re not busy writing, what other activities do you enjoy?”
Janilise: “I love to be outdoors. The weather is finally warming up in Utah after a record-setting winter, so I’m very excited about that! I like to run, kayak, camp, hike, and play with my toddler outside.”
Jenny: “Being outside with a little one can certainly be an adventure! So, when you write, what type of music do you like to listen to? Or do you require total silence?”
Janilise: “I never listen to music while I’m writing, but with a toddler in the house, I can’t require total silence either. 😉 Still, I like my environment to be as quiet and distraction free as possible. I’ve always been that way. Growing up, I was never a teenager who listened to music while doing homework. My brain can’t handle that much input. Haha”
Jenny: “I’m the same way! When I listen to music, I want to sing along, and that distracts me from what my fingers are doing, Ha! I guess you manage to find enough quiet time to get some writing done. What is the favorite feedback you have gotten from a reader?”
Janilise: “So far, the feedback for my book has been very positive, and I’m so grateful for that! Overall, I like hearing that readers stay up late reading the book or that they finished it in a day or something along those lines. It helps me feel like I’ve done my job hooking the reader and engaging them in my main character’s problems.”
Jenny: “So, changing the topic, what is the most amazing thing you have seen in the past few days?”
Janilise: “I am currently pregnant with my second baby. The most amazing thing that’s happened in the last few days was seeing my husband feel the baby kicking for the first time. Definitely a special moment. :)”
Jenny: “Oh, how wonderful! I’m so glad you and your husband were able to share that experience. Do you have any final words for our readers today?”
Janilise: “Thank you for being a reader! There are so many writers out there bursting with ideas, but without people to read our stories, it wouldn’t be nearly as fun. My goal as a writer is to create an exciting escape from everyday life while keeping my stories clean and comfortable for anyone to read. I hope you pick up The Whisperer’s Wish and get lost in a fantasy world with me for a while.”
Jenny: “That’s so true. Readers are the main reason we write! I’m happy to spread the word about The Whisperer’s Wish to as many people as I can. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family during this special time.”
Here’s a teaser about The Whisperer’s Wish
For sixteen years, Laurelin Moore has been keeping a secret. She is a whisperer, and she knows that to reveal her gift now is a dangerous risk. Past whisperers have been exploited for their power. But Ausland’s queen is dead and acknowledging her magic is her only chance at becoming a Rook in the Pentax—a competition that will decide the kingdom’s next ruler.
Laurelin isn’t in it for the crown, though. She’s after the wish that will be granted to the victor. A wish that would save her dying brother, Pippin. But there are dangerous undercurrents to the competition, and Laurelin finds herself at the center of it. She begins to search for answers and discovers a secret with the potential to shatter the entire kingdom.
And more about Janilise Lloyd:
Janilise Lloyd is a former junior high school teacher who lives in Northern Utah with her husband and toddler. She balances a love for running with a love for all things dessert. Her family likes to be on the go, so you will often catch them at the zoo, the park, or skipping rocks by the river. Janilise is the coordinator for the ScrivKids writing community for student writers and is a member of the Storymakers Guild. You can find her on Instagram or Facebook @janiliselloyd or on her website, janiliselloyd.com.
Do you have someone in your life that will enjoy a new fantasy book? Do you have any questions for Janilise? Let us know in the comments below.
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