An Interview with Kendra E. Ardnek

Today, dear readers I have a very special treat: An interview with an author! I recently became friends with a young lady named Kendra Ardnek who, like myself, loves fairy tale and fantasy. She and I connected through a Facebook group called "The Arista's Band of Fairy Tale Retellers", a group I joined because of our similar aims: to use our talents and love of fairy tales for God's Glory. 
So, I would like to bring you a special feature on her newest novel "The Worth of a King." 

Here's the story:
Princess Obsidia’s father was killed the night she was born. Since there was no male heir, the crown went to the man who killed him, by Dialcian law. This never bothered her, growing up, and when it comes time for Obsidia to choose her husband, she chooses Prince Delaney, the son of that man, with little hesitation. Only then does her life start crumbling around her.
Adrian expected to live a normal life, taking his father’s place at the print shop when his father retired. But, on his eighteenth birthday, when the princess’ engagement is announced, his world is ripped out from under him when he learns that his life was a ruse, and he is the twin brother to the princess – and expected to take back his father’s throne.
Delaney knows that his country is hovering on the brink of war – and that his father may harbor murderous intentions towards his intended bride due to her Zovordian blood. He wants nothing more than to protect Obsidia and his people, but as merely prince, he has little power against his father.
The ancient war between the Dragons and the Immortal King and Queen is nearing its climax, and the three are already caught in it.

Meet the Arista herself!
Kendra E. Ardnek loves fairytales and twisting them in new and exciting ways. She's been or acting them on her dozen plus cousins and siblings for years. "Finish your story, Kendra," is frequently heard at family gatherings. Her sole life goal has always been to grow up and be an author of fantasy and children's tales that glorify God and His Word.
Find her online at: Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || Amazon 

Kendra was good enough to let me ask her a few questions about her new book, so here follows our interview. 
1: Introduce yourself!.
Hi! I'm Kendra E. Ardnek, a dragon-fairy who is obsessed with fairy tales and other forms of literature. 

2: Who influenced your writing journey? 
Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, my mom, and whoever founded NaNoWriMo

3: Do you listen to music while you write? If you do, what are some favorites? 
It used to be a no, but lately I have been. I have a YouTube playlist with over a thousand songs on it. I like songs with a strong beat underlying them, that helps keep me focused. 

4: What are some other things you like to do? 
Run around the yard in circles like a crazy person, mostly. I also play video games a bit. 

5: Who are your favorite characters in this book?
Nadilynn, Laura, Amber, Granite, Obsidia, Delaney, and Adrian ... just to name a few. This book had an awesome cast that I loved writing about

6: What are your favorite Fairy Tales? 
The obscure ones, especially the weirder ones. Little Good Mouse, The Golden Bird, The White Cat, Puddocky, The Evil Enchanter, and Fairer-Than-a-Fairy ... and many, many more.

7: Do you have any tips for young writers? 
First of all, don't worry about your writing being terrible. You'll get better. Second, read, read, read, and write, write, write. You need to absorb a lot and create a lot before you'll find your style. Third, write fearlessly. It's said that there are only two rules when it comes to writing - but that nobody can agree as to what those rules are. Don't let anyone else hold you back. 

And now, a special preview of "Worth of a King!" 
“Well, it’d still be more fun,” Nadilynn pouted. “As it is – how long have we been cooped up in here already? How much longer will it be before we reach the first village?”
Delaney sighed. “We should be there soon,” he answered. “And we’ll spend the night there before we leave for the second village in the morning.”
“You didn’t have to come with us if you didn’t want to, Nadi,” Obsidia pointed out. “We’re just visiting twelve villages and collecting a girl from each one. Hardly exciting.”
“Oh, but I really had no choice in the matter,” Nadilynn countered, shaking her head. “Tradition demands that Obsidia has a proper female companion. If I hadn’t volunteered, your mother would have had to come instead, and since she is still convinced that you marrying Del is the worst idea ever, I don’t know that the three of you could have survived this whole excursion. I’m sure that you both much prefer me.”
“Ah yes, you’re quite correct,” said Delaney. “With you, we only need to survive endless meaningless chatter, not murderous glares.”
“My conversation isn’t meaningless!” Nadilynn protested. “At least I don’t spend three hours discussing the nuances of a law about chickens, or four about whether some king’s death was natural or due to poison.”
“No,” said Obsidia, dryly. “You spend five hours talking about how sashes are so in style.”
“They are so not!” Nadilynn exclaimed. Then she lowered her voice “Not thick ones, anyway. Ribbons used as sashes are acceptable, belts, especially beaded belts, are best…”
“And there we go,” Delaney groaned. “You did have to get her started.”
Obsidia just shrugged and mouthed a “sorry.”
And also a special announcement! If you want to win a paperback copy of "Worth of a King" and a bottle of peppermint oil, Kendra is running a giveaway on her blog! Head on over to Knitted By God's Plan to learn more! 
If you want to learn more about Kendra and "Worth of a King", you can check out the other blogs on the tour:
Kendra's Blog
Dreams and Dragons
Keturah's Korner
H.S.J. Willams
Light and Shadows