Author Spotlight: J.R. Boles

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a mom, writer, and attorney. I spend every free second reading or writing. My three-year-old daughter knows our local librarians by name. We spend a fair amount of time reading in our house, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I grew up reading Mercedes Lackey and J.R.R. Tolkein, dreaming away in the infinite worlds that were opened up to me in books.

2. When did you start writing, and why?
I started writing in high school because I just couldn’t help it. I would get bored, and because I have no artistic ability instead of doodles I would write out little character bios. I earned a creative writing degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and it was there that I started writing in earnest.

3. What do you write, and why? What do you enjoy about what you write?
Fantasy, paranormal, and dystopian novels tend to be the projects that really ignite my imagination. I love the world building and character development that goes with them. The day dreaming that begins the writing process is my favorite part.

4. What is your latest book or series? Any forthcoming books?
Currently, I’m working on the sequel to Bringer of Light. I wrote the first half as part of NaNoWriMo last year, and I’m close to having a complete first draft. I also have a dystopian novel that I wrote for NaNoWriMo in 2013 with a Choctaw main character that I can’t wait to finish later this year. I’ve also got an urban fantasy novel that I’m excited to write with my writing partner, Sara Kincaid, based in Kansas City.

5. "Welcome To My Worlds": Tell us a little about the world of your latest book or series.
The world in Bringer of Light is one on the brink of all out war. The dark mage Mercer is descended from a race that once dominated the world, and he is bent on reclaiming what he views as his birthright. The kingdom of Arten borders Mercer’s territory and has spent generations beating back his advancing forces. In Arten, they view magic itself as the enemy to ensure that all magic users are reported and either executed or banished. It would be too dangerous for them to have one of Mercer’s recruits able to climb too high in their army. In other nations, Mercer’s attacks are far more insidious, but more on that later (spoilers).

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6. Introduce us to some of your characters. What do you like about them?
The two characters with main point of view are Lynden Trenadin and Jonathen Oren. Lynden is a Queen’s Champion, an elite warrior chosen to fight beside the queen in Arten. She is the catalyst character for the whole series. I dreamed her up first and everything else evolved from there. She values friendship and honesty, and the important moments for her are those spent around a campfire drinking tea and swapping stories. She’s driven, but she would never leave a friend behind. I love that she thinks of her friends as family and would stand by them unconditionally.

Jonathen Oren is a captain in the queen’s army. He is Lynden’s oldest friend. They spent their childhood learning to be warriors like their fathers as they ran around the campfires of various campaigns. He’s always thinking about the greater good. Jonathen is the guy everyone turns to in a moment of crisis. He will always have your back.

7. A fun fact you would like your readers to know about you or your book.
I wrote a big portion of Bringer of Light when I was in class during law school. It looked like I was diligently taking notes on Contract Law when really I’d just reached a part of the story that I couldn’t stop. Thank goodness I didn’t get called on during those moments.

8. Blog/site link, and where your book is available.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Pick up your copy of Bringer of Light today:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Bringer of Light:
For generations, the kingdom of Arten has stood alone against the ancient dark mage Mercer, a man no longer bound by time. But when King Wern is kidnapped, Queen Arin will risk everything to get him back.
Lynden Trenadin is chosen to join the ranks of the elite Queen's Champions both for her prowess as a warrior and her remarkable resemblance to the queen. She has spent her life battling at Arten's borders, but now she must defend the queen with her life as they journey to their enemy's castle. When the tide of battle goes against them, Lynden unleashes a magical power she didn't know she possessed. Even though she saved hundreds of warriors, Lynden is forced to flee in shame for her use of forbidden magic.
Now on the run, Lynden must raise a rebellion to free her country from the tyranny of the enemy she thought she'd destroyed. A band of loyalists and an enclave of ancient mages aid her in her efforts, but with a dark mage bent on her destruction, Lynden must discover a way to harness her new magic before it is too late.

About the Author:
J.R. Boles is a fantasy and fiction writer currently hanging her hat in the Heartland with her husband where they spend their free time chasing after their fearless daughter. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a degree in English and American University Washington College of Law.

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