We have a special guest today. Please help me welcome one of my dear writer friends, E.E. Rawls, author of Strayborn, a just-out-this-week fantasy meets steampunk tale with characters who face the terrors of coming of age while also learning to use powers of elemental manipulation. You will fall for her two main characters, Cyrus and Aken, just like I have!
I got to ask her a few questions about her book and writing process, and we’re sharing those with you! Read all the way down for a chance to win a special gift! Trust me, you won’t want to miss this GIVEAWAY!
JER: First, tell us a little about the birth of Strayborn. How did the idea come to you? What was the first aspect of the story that came to you?
EER: Funny thing is, I was drafting and playing around with a completely different story idea, when two interesting characters popped into my head: Cyrus and Aken. I was intrigued and kept expanding their story and trying to figure out who they were, until I realized that they needed their own book series and no longer fit in with the little story I had been working on.
JER: Isn’t it fun when our stories take over the plans we thought we had?! Will you share with us some of your favorite moments while writing or revising?
EER: I laughed a lot while writing this book! Aken is quite a character and gets himself into trouble a lot. One LOL moment is when he’s trying to hide from Cyrus because he got disciplined by his master and doesn’t want her to find out about it. Then there are touching moments and sad moments. I felt tears every time I revised a certain scene where a particular companion dies…
JER: Oh no!! I feel the waterworks coming on!! What has been the hardest part of this book’s journey for you?
EER: Every part of the journey has brought its own trials and learning experiences. But I’d say this stage, of getting the book print ready and venturing into book marketing, has been the toughest. There was so much to learn, and now there’s still so much to do, especially concerning marketing. But in the end, all I really care about is that people enjoy the stories I write. 🙂
JER: Readers are what drive us, for sure! What inspired you to combine elements of magic and fantasy with steampunk? Who are some of your favorite authors who write in these genres and why do you like them? What about their writings keep you interested and coming back for more?
EER: Fantasy and steampunk are two genres I’ve fallen for, so of course I had to write a story that combined them both! Along with a touch of cool elemental powers, to make things more unique and interesting. 😉
Both Tolkien and C.S. Lewis are favorites in the fantasy genre. Their books opened me up to the world of fantasy and its infinite possibilities, and I love them for it. Also, their characters are so believable and timeless. For steampunk, I loved Elizabeth May’s fae series. It’s set in Edinburgh, Scotland, which was one of my favorite places to visit, back when my family lived in Italy. The characters and setting captured my heart.
JER: We definitely share fantasy favorites! I would love to go back in time and tell Tolkien and Lewis just how many writers their works have influenced and inspired.
What is your deepest desire for your readers to take away with them from reading Strayborn?
EER: My hope is that readers will gain something from the struggles that the characters face and find encouragement—as well as a good dose of entertainment—that will help in their own daily lives.
Thank you for having me on the blog, Joy!
Thank you for being here with me and congratulations on the birth of your book, Elizabeth! I cannot wait to read more of this tale as you write it. Thanks for letting me celebrate with you!
You can get your copy of Strayborn NOW! Read on to learn more about the book itself and then click any of the buy links below. Plus, keep on scrolling for your CHANCE TO WIN A COPY!!
Book Description
Elemental Manipulation is a tricky business. Only those with the power can train to become a Draev Guardian.
Cyrus Sole hates life. She’s only half-human, with weak wrists, and not a day goes by when someone doesn’t say something mean about it—especially her step-mom. But when the forbidden power to manipulate metal awakens inside her, she finds herself on the run as the Argos Corps is sent to kill her…
Aken is a Scourgeblood, the last in a line of monsters. But all he really wants is to gain wings and be free. Until a new power suddenly awakens, changing the course of his life…
The Draev Guardian Academy is their only sanctuary. But training to become a Draev won’t be easy. Cyrus has to hide her human side, as she gets placed in Floor Harlow with the outcast students, and nightmares of her deceased mother keep returning.
With creepy Corpsed on the prowl, and whispers of Cyrus possibly being a reborn Hero, both she and Aken find themselves caught up in a web of secrets, racial tension, and an old legend with enemies that could spell their untimely demise…
—This book is a good fit for those who’ve enjoyed the Percy Jackson series, Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy world-building, and the fun of J.K. Rowling.
Book Purchase Links
AMAZON | KINDLE |BARNES & NOBLE| GOODREADS
Meet Elizabeth!
E.E.Rawls
author
E.E. Rawls is the product of a traveling family, who even lived in Italy for 6 years. She loves exploring the unknown, whether it be in a forest, inside a forgotten castle, or within the pages of a book.
She runs on coffee, cuddly cats and the beauty of nature to keep the story wheels of her mind running, as she writes tales that will both entertain and inspire others, giving them worlds they can explore and become lost within.
WEBSITE: https://eerawls.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/eerawls_author/
Strayborn Giveaway!!
First place: One hardback copy of Strayborn and one Percy Jackson soy/vegan homemade candle by A Court Of Candles.
Second and Third place: One ebook copy of Strayborn.
Ends on Monday, October 21. Click the image below!
Thanks for joining the blog tour, Joy! 🙂
Thank YOU!!! And, congratulations! I am so excited for you and Cyrus and Aken! 🙂