Interview with Katie Cherry, Author of the Crystal Dragon Saga

What can you tell us about your new release, Crystal Dragon Saga Boxed Set?

The boxed set contains the first three books of the seven-book Saga, which follows Crystal Dragon’s story. She grew up in our world, but when taken to another, she learns that there are seven, and she is the lost princess of the central realm, Zilferia. In order to step up to the position, she has to undergo some life-threatening trials to bring out her Gifts, powers that Zilferians can gain. Her partner, Nathan, helps her, though that’s just the beginning of her journey as she discovers how much larger her role is fated to become with the seven realms in danger of being wiped from existence.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I decided to become an author after I ran out of books to read at about 13 years old! With no more intriguing fantasy books in my local libraries available, I tried my hand at writing my own. I wrote book one and book two of this series in High School, at which point the ideas came faster than I could write, and I realized that the life of an author had taken hold of me and wasn’t going to be letting go! Now, I’m inspired to keep going as my books spark a love of reading in kids today.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Hunted by Meagan Spooner
The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
Harry Potter by JK Rowling
The Dragon Princess by Lichelle Slater
The Elements of Kamdaria series by Kay L. Moody

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Christopher Paolini. I would ask what it was like when he started the series, what his writing process was like, and if he knew what was going to happen throughout the whole series when he started. I’d also ask how he felt about the movie that was made for Eragon and if he wishes it would have continued, or if it would be remade and possibly continued.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

It’s much like reading, but almost more wild of a ride! The characters come to life in a way they can’t really for readers, and can even take control of the story and change your plans. It’s the most crazy, interesting thing how the books write themselves. The stories I write are things I like to read, so it’s like I get to read the story, but experience it in a much deeper level than an ordinary reader can, and even have some say in what happens as well.

What is a typical day like for you?

Well, with chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression, I feel like I have far less to my day than most people. I sleep longer each night, but stay tired all day regardless. I do my best to write anyway, spend some time on social media interacting with other authors, fans, and friends, play some video games with my husband, and watch a show on Netflix whenever we have lunch or dinner. I’ll often go for a short walk around my neighborhood and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and sometimes have a nap during the day as well. Thankfully it’s just my husband and I at home, so I’m able to have relaxation time and work time each day.

What scene in Crystal Dragon Saga Boxed Set was your favorite to write?

It was in book three, Crystal Lies! To avoid spoilers, I’ll keep the background of the scene vague. Crystal and Nathan were in the watery realm of Quagon and had to convince a person who wouldn’t leave their side that they- Crystal, specifically- wasn’t someone he wanted to be seen with. So, they devised a plan that I found hilarious enough I was laughing as I wrote it. It involved Crystal intentionally making a fool of herself, making a mess with cake at a very public party, shouting and dancing like crazy, and more that I can’t say here without a spoiler! But it was funny and exciting to write such an energetic, horrifyingly embarrassing scene.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I actually did come up with a personal life motto one night years ago. “Live, but do not forget to love. For love is what makes life worth living.” I know it makes me sound like a romance author, but the truth is if we aren’t loving the people around us and what we’re doing with our life, it makes for a rather sad and dull existence. So chase after what you love, and your life will be fulfilling and I doubt you’ll have any regrets. I haven’t!

Katie Cherry is the author of the new book Crystal Dragon Saga Boxed Set.

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