Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Kelsey Ketch, amazing book blogger and author of the young adult novel, Daughter of Isis. You might say that Kelsey lives a double life.
So let’s start with Kelsey the blogger and book reviewer.
Sophi: What is your preferred genre’?
Kelsey: Young adult fantasy and Science Fiction. Maybe a little paranormal mixed in as well.
Sophi: What are your three highest priority criteria for a book to earn a five star rating?
Kelsey:
- A captivating plot, one in which I can become so completely immersed, that I can’t put the book down.
- Characters I can connect with. It doesn’t have to be the main character, but if it works out that way, then the novel generally will rate higher on my favorite list.
- A male interest I can swoon over. Even if he is more perfect for the lead female character than for me, I have to have my swoons!
Sophi: From your perspective, what makes a scene swoon worthy?
Kelsey: Though I appreciate a steamy kissing scene, the things I find most swoon worthy are those little, stolen moments, like a special touch, a loving remark, a declaration of devotion, or even a childish tease. These scenes are where the characters are truly connecting.
Sophi: Thank you, Kelsey the book blogger and reviewer. Now let’s check in with Kelsey, the author of Daughter of Isis.
How did you get interested in Egyptian Culture?
Kelsey: Okay, in all honesty, I was terrified of ancient Egyptian culture. The only thing I lobed about it was the Isis and Osiris myth my Reading Shakespeare professor shared with us. But since I wanted to base Daughter of Isis on Egyptian culture, I dug into my research, and the more I grew to understand it, the less I feared it. In fact, I grew to love it to the point of obsession. Give me anything Egyptian, anytime, any day J
Sophi: How much research did you do while writing Daughter of Isis?
Kelsey: Quite a bit, LOL. I’m not an expert in the field by any means, but I know I read more than nine historically correct reference books and viewed over a dozen historical videos. I also did online research and found all sorts of resources. I wanted to stick as close to the truth as possible.
Sophi: What made you think of California’s high desert as the location for Setemple?
Kelsey: Truthfully, I think I set Setemple in California, because I was born in California. LOL – seriously though, while I was doing research related the locket, I found a lot of inspiration while looking into the Mojave Desert.
Sophi: Well, now we know a little about Kelsey the author and how the book evolved. Tell us a little about yourself. Do you prefer warm climates or cold climates?
Kelsey: I thought that would be obvious, warm climates, preferably near an ocean.
Sophi: It’s a cold, stormy Saturday and the power just went out, where are you and what are you doing?
Kelsey: With my luck, I would probably be in the shower. LOL. But afterwards, I would curl up in my favorite chair, in my favorite PJs, and read a book.
Sophi: It’s a hot, humid Sunday, where do you head to cool off, the mountains or the beach?
Kelsey: The Beach! There’s just something about the surf that is refreshing and rejuvenating.
Sophi: Now back to the book, can you share an excerpt from Daughter of Isis?
Kelsey: Sure – here you go:
“Natti, you need to relax,” Seth finally said.
She froze in her place and looked at him. “Relax! Are you mental? My best friend was drugged!”
Seth stood up from the long, ratty sofa, peeled apart her hands, and took them into his. “You don’t know that for sure.” He brushed his thumbs over her skin in soft, smooth strokes. “Just let the doctors worry about it.”
The calm, soft tingle of his touch seeped through her skin, coursing lightly over her nerves and releasing their tension. Her mind and body began to calm down, making her realize how badly every muscle had been physically shaking. Slowly, layer upon layer of fear and stress simply vanished until she felt nothing at all. She looked up at Seth’s eyes, drawn to their warmth and comfort.
“Okay . . .” Natti spoke, almost breathless. “How do you do that?”
“Do what?” Seth’s voice was seductive as he leaned his forehead against hers. His scent of spice cologne, myrrh, and sandalwood consumed her senses, and his eyes captured her soul.
“This,” she pressed. “The sensations of your touch. I’ve been feeling it all night and even before. Ever since we met. And don’t try to lie. I know you’re doing it, but how?”
Seth smirked at her question, his eyes turning their focus to her hands. “It’s nothing.”
Natti couldn’t help smile as more of the tingling sensation slipped over her skin. “Oh, it’s something. What is it?”
His beautiful full lips tempted her with a smile. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Try me.”
Silence fell between them while he seemed to think it over, meanwhile massaging her hands with his thumbs and fingers. The pressure, the release, each movement slowly pulling her thoughts and focus onto his hands. “Touch is a magical thing, Natti,” he explained. “It can comfort.” He raised one hand and stroked her cheek, soft and gentle. “It can entice.” His thumb moved along her jaw and applied pressure as it traveled down her neck, causing her to shiver with delight. “And it can hurt. Whatever the intensions, it brings two people together. It makes a certain . . . connection.”
Though there was no heaviness of a lie, she chuckled at his response. “You’re right. I don’t believe you. Touch is just a sense. A tool the human body uses.”
“Yes, and it’s a powerful tool when used the right way.” His honey voice teasing her, tempting her. “Now come sit with me and relax. Wanda will be all right.”
Thanks, Kelsey – if you want more of Kelsey – check these out
***Author Links***
If you want to learn more about DOI – click here:
http://kelseyketch.com/my-novels/the-descendants-of-isis-series/
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17975812-daughter-of-isis?from_search=true
DOI Available in Ereader and Paperback formats – check BN and Amazon for details
Daughter of Isis (Descendants of Isis #1) By Kelsey Ketch Release Date: October 26nd, 2013 Upper Young Adult Fantasy
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