Today I have the awesome privilege of interviewing a fellow self-published fantasy author, J.L. Mbewe. She and I discovered each other through Instagram, and found we have a lot in common! So I took some time to reach out to her and ask some questions about her books and herself. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about her as much as me 🙂
Her Bio:
Writing as J. L. Mbewe, Jennette is an author, artist, mother, wife, but not always in that order. Born and raised in Minnesota, she now braves the heat of Texas, but pines for the Northern Lights and the lakes of home every autumn. She loves trying to capture the abstract and make it concrete. She is currently living her second childhood with her wonderful husband and two precious children who don’t seem to mind her eclectic collections of rocks, shells, and swords, among other things. Here, between reality and dreams, you will find her busily creating worlds inhabited by all sorts of fantasy creatures and characters, all questing about and discovering true love amid lots of peril.
Her debut novel, Secrets Kept, was nominated for the 2014 Clive Staples Award. Her second novel, Darkened Hope was a semi-finalist for the 2017 Alliance Award.
How did you come up with the idea for your Hidden Dagger Trilogy and Tales of Nalu?
The story just came to me. Ha! Back in 2003, I sat down to write an allegory illustrating the journey and the challenges of overcoming the lies that bind us. A kind of Pilgrim’s progress meets Lord of the Rings, but not obvious. After learning more about the industry I scrapped the allegory and focused on creating Ayianna’s story.
What are some of your favorite fantasy books?
My absolute favorites are the Tales of Goldstone Wood series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. LOVE them. I also love the Harry Potter novels, Artemis Fowl series by Eion Colfer, and The Atherton series by Patrick Carman. Just to name a few. 🙂
How are your books different than what’s out there? What makes them unique?
Two things, maybe? The remnants of the allegory, if a reader is wanting to dig deeper. But also the world building. Our characters begin in a setting that is like our usual medieval fantasy fare and then as they embark on the quest, they encounter other cultures and creatures. Sure, we have the staples: dwarves, elves, etc. But we also have the merpeople and the feline-shapeshifters. The same with the creatures. We have dragons, imps, dryads, harpies, but we also have the cat-beasts, khlordans, a wingless dragon that seems to be more like a dilophosaurus, and giant centipedes.
What, if anything, do you collect? Or what would you like more of?
I collect rocks and shells. I’d love a few more swords, especially Aragorn’s sword, since we share a birthday. Ha! And although I said I would never get a Funko pop, I now have three. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. And I have my eye on a few Harry Potter ones. We shall see!
Who is your favorite character from your stories?
Oh…..I love each one for various reason, but to choose one. . . I LOVE Vian. I wish we could see more of him. I love how much he has grown over the course of the story.
Now that you’ve finished Curse Bound, what’s next for you?
Good question!! I’m not sure what I will tackle next. I have several manuscripts and outlines in various stages to choose from. I am leaning toward a murder mystery fantasy series or another epic fantasy. I might try to do both! Ha!
Thank you so much for having me!!!
CURSE BOUND BLURB
Kael’s worse fears have come true. Betrayal has shaken the Guardian Circle, the High Guardian is dead, and Ayianna and Prince Vian are in the hands of the Sorceress, but he and his companions must finish their quest, before they can attempt a rescue mission. Unfortunately, Desmond’s parting gift left them stranded on the western cliffs of Nälu.
Jathil, once heir to the throne of Arashel, believes her father will aid them, but first she must face the crimes of her past. When she does, she could never believe the outcome, nor the rippling effect it would have on the nations.
Meanwhile the Alliance braces for war, but division threatens to undermine their efforts. When Nerissa returns from Ganya with the dragon regiment, she discovers a bigger problem. The curse bound are waking.
As the quest nears completion, Kael is forced to choose between his heart and duty, and neither choice bodes well with him. Either way, he will face the Sorceress and her armies sooner or later. The battle for Nälu has begun and there can be only one victor.
Purchase it Here: https://amzn.to/2Rk3RZ2
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46356413-curse-bound
Other Ways to Find Her:
Website: http://www.jlmbewe.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6591778.J_L_Mbewe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlmbewe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlmbewe/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jennettembewe/
Thank you so much for having me!!