Interview with Author Kristen Johnson!

Good afternoon, everyone.

This week on Bookmarked, we have a very special Q&A to share!

Kristen Johnson, author of the Valaraii Rising Trilogy, sat down with us—both for the blog and podcast—this week to chat about her upcoming novel, The Lost, which is the second book in her series.

In Kristen's first book, The Forgotten, travel deep within the Rudu Mountains in a long-forgotten tomb guarded by Strygoi—phantom creatures that thrive on fear and flesh—where a warrior lays within a dark sarcophagus. That is, until two dwarf brothers, fleeing from the tomb's terrifying guards, arrive. The warrior they awaken will be more than they could ever imagine and take their exiled clan on a journey beyond any fantasy or nightmare any of them have ever dreamed. It will take all the reckless courage and ingenuity of the dwarves to survive the terrors heading their way as the Dark Lord Merilik appears, intent on finishing what he started so long ago—the line of Asger's total annihilation.

To check out The Forgotten before the sequel's release, you can pick up a copy here.

Now, in preparation for Kristen's new book, please enjoy the following Q&A, and be sure to listen to JCP's podcast, Bookmarked, on Friday for a more in-depth conversation with the author.

BOOKMARKED: What was it like writing your book’s sequel compared to writing the first book?  KRISTEN JOHNSON: Actually, here’s a funny story. When I submitted my book for publication, I was told that it was really too long to be one novel, and that it would be a good idea to split it into a trilogy. So, all three books are already written. I did go back over Book 2 (and will do the same for Book 3) to change a few events and add a few things, but overall, the books are already written.   That’s actually been quite fun when talking with some of my readers (mainly students of mine) about what’s coming next. Since I already know how everything will end, it’s been interesting to hear their ideas.

What can you tell readers about this new book, The Lost? 

There’s so much new stuff that I am beyond excited about. I think this might be my favorite book of the three, just because of who and what get introduced. Syllé will come face to face with Therendé’al, the Dréor who imprisoned her and tried to turn her into a Malrauk and also sent the changeling to Helmfirth to kill Tarin and Lord Hadrin. You get more of their story. 

The wizard Gydion is introduced, but he’s not your typical wizard, as Finn is quick to realize.  Therendé’al’s prison complex in the ancient dwarf kingdom connected to the desolate wereling graveyard will be explored in depth, and you’ll meet the Drengas, fierce warriors that can best be described in my mind as a mix of Shawnee and Vikings. There’s just so much for the small group to face and overcome in their search for Oran and the missing children from Helmfirth. 

What’s been the most exciting part of seeing your work published?

Definitely seeing my students reading it in class and talking to them about it. The repercussions have been a renaissance of our creative writing club and book club, and the students are so proud of me. And I’m proud of myself. I mean, stories and characters that were created in my mind are now out there for others to read and enjoy, and many of them seem to be doing just that. The positive feedback has been awesome. 

Truly, one of my best moments was looking across my classroom to see students engrossed in my book without being forced to read it. They chose to spend their free time in class with my book—the ultimate compliment from a teenager these days. That was the best.

What would be your advice to aspiring authors? 

Be true to yourself. Don’t try to sound like anyone else. Your voice is important and doesn’t need to be amplified by a thesaurus. Keep it simple and true to you.

Is there anything you can preview for readers about your trilogy’s final book? 

Well, Syllé and Tarin will be separated again as each has their own quests to complete. Syllé must go to Aelgalad—the elven kingdom of King Thallan that has been imprisoned by Merilik for several hundred years now. Tarin is off hunting swamp ghouls, per the wizard Gydion’s request. Merilik’s quest to exterminate the line of Asger will culminate in a final great battle that will cause major losses on both sides. 

As I learned from reading The Princess Bride, life isn’t fair and very often the wrong people die. So, be prepared for that, because some of the wrong people will die.

Is there anything you’d like to say to the fans and supporters in your life?

THANK YOU. You all have been amazing and basically fed my ego like no one would believe with your kind words and reviews and cheering me on. I couldn’t have done any of this without any of you.

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Thanks to Kristen for a great interview, and thanks to everyone reading this blog! Again, please check out Bookmarked, the podcast, on Friday to hear a great conversation with Kristen about her upcoming book and what's next for her.

I hope everyone has a fantastic rest of the week!

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Allison Lawson

Editorial Assistant

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

Bookmarked