Author Interview: Jennifer Ivy Walker

Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?

Yes, Sarah J. Maas and her “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series inspired me, as well as Marion Zimmer Bradley’s novel, “The Mists of Avalon”.

How do you use social media as an author?

I promote my novels through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I have just begun learning about Tiktok and will use that as well. I’ve contacted several promotional services available through social media as well.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written three–a trilogy–the first of which is being released on September 5, 2022. The second will be published early next year, and I am finishing book 3 right now. My favorite novel is “The Lady of the Mirrored Lake”, book 2 of my “The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven” trilogy.

How much research did you need to do for your book?

Practically my whole life. As a college French professor, I spent years studying the language, living in France, visiting different historical sites and fascinating places. I drew upon all of that in creating the world of fantasy for my trilogy. I also researched a lot recently-reading myths and legends (in French, visiting through Google Earth the real places that I included in my novels, learning about Viking history, medieval life in castles, Druidic rituals, Celtic healing, the training involved in becoming a knight–so much research went into my trilogy!

What author in your genre do you most admire, and why?

Sarah J. Maas. I love her intensely emotional characters, dangerously intricate magic, and steamy romance, all wrapped up in Fae paranormal fantasy.

What books do you enjoy reading?

I love medieval, historical, and paranormal romance, as well as mysteries and WWII thrillers.

What books have you read more than once in your life?

“Where the Crawdads Sing”, “The Nightingale”, and “The Mists of Avalon”. Three of my favorite books ever.

What characters in your book are most similar to you or to people you know?

My female protagonist Issylte is deaf in one ear, like I am. She has many of my flaws and strengths.

What inspired the idea for your book?

I have always loved stories of medieval knights and ladies, as well as paranormal fantasy. When I earned my MA in French literature, I discovered a medieval French legend, “Tristan et Yseult” (Tristan and Isolde in English) and loved it. My debut novel–the first of a trilogy–is a retelling of this medieval romance, from a paranormal fantasy perspective, with Druids, dwarves, Elves, shapeshifters, wizards and magic.

What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?

My first draft was a manuscript of 200K words. I thought it would be just one book. As it turns out, it is my trilogy, but I have expanded each of the three sections considerably, adding in two key characters (antagonists) that were not even in the original draft.

Author of paranormal romance and medieval French fantasy

https://jenniferivywalker.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JenniferIvyWalker

https://www.instagram.com/jenniferivywalkerauthor/

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