In a world where humans hate witches, there’s no one who hates them more than Jameson Tyler –The Awakening (Guardian of Spirits Book 1) by @KayleeWritesCom 3/5
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Author Q&A

Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

My name is Kaylee Johnston. I’m 28 years old and married to the love of my life. We have a 7 year old Beagle Bassett Hound named Ollie. I spent four years learning about writing and the English language from the same teacher in Middle School. She followed us from Fourth Grade to Fifth Grade to Seventh Grade and Eighth Grade. She became my favorite teacher. I learned my love of stories and the written word from her.

I wrote my first actual fiction story in High School. My family spends a week at the beach every year and I spent most of that time laying on the couch, writing out my story. I managed to write 14,000 words in one week! Of course, the story is all over the place and I didn’t realize at the time that a novel should probably be a little over double that amount, but I was so proud of what I accomplished.

It wasn’t until after college that I started down the freelancing path. I tried being a marketing

consultant and a freelance writer before I stumbled upon the indie author world. I ended up diving into that world as far and as fast as I could. I published my first nonfiction book within a few months and then got to work writing my first fiction series.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I am here for the long haul. I know a lot of authors say that and want to succeed in this industry, but I’m not just saying it. I’m actually planning for it. I’m already working on the next series I’m planning on publishing. I am working on getting those books published in late 2021 and early 2022. I hope to have a third series outlined and ready to be written as soon as I finish this new series. I am also planning on a pen name or two. I am working on getting a foothold in the Urban Fantasy genre first. Once I get a good following there, I’m going to be working on my second pen name. In the meantime, to satisfy my craving to write different types of stories, I have a Patreon where I publish a short story every month. It’s been a lot of fun because I’ve been able to write anything I want. I am definitely looking forward to all the projects I’ve got planned for the future.

How did you come up with the title of your first novel?

I thought about what exactly my main character was going through in this book. He has this awakening to his powers and abilities, but he also has an awakening of what it means to judge others. He has to take a step back and come to terms with the fact that he has blindly hated witches for no other reason than that’s what he’s been taught. He has this big awakening about everything he’s been taught in life. I thought titling my book The Awakening was perfect.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

My characters definitely hijack my story. In the first draft, Jameson and the crew ended up meeting this little girl who freaks out at Jameson. That’s how we first find out he’s the Guardian of Spirits. It was a pretty freaky moment, but it also didn’t fit in with the story at all. That didn’t stop my characters from hijacking plenty of other moments in the story. Some of them actually stayed, like the interaction with Jameson and his dad on the bridge. I totally didn’t plan for that to happen.

What is something unique/quirky about you?

– I am the oldest of six children. As the oldest, I’ve spent a lot of time learning dealing with a lot of different personalities. I have become obsessed with learning about the different personality types. I have classified people I’ve met into Myers-Briggs, enneagrams, Harry Potter Hogwart Houses, astrological signs, and probably more that I’m forgetting.

Tell us something really interesting that’s happened to you!

– I was entered into a speech contest in Jr. High. I ended up winning first place my first year and second place my second year.

What are some of your pet peeves?

– Oh boy! I have so many little pet peeves. Things like people saying Good Morning to me? I hate it. Don’t ask me why. I don’t mind talking to you, but I hate when people say things that require me to respond. I know that makes me sound like a lunatic — I can’t really say much to defend it!

Where were you born/grew up at?

– I grew up in the Imperial Valley. I spent a lot of time in the desert on UTVs or helping my
family with all the animals we raised for our time in 4-H. It’s a small town with a big
emphasis on agriculture. The town my family’s church is in hosts a Carrot Carnival and Parade every year.

If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?

– I think I’d spend my last day with my family. Spend time playing with my nephews and enjoysome time with my husband and dog. I know it’s a cliche response, but I really enjoy spending time around kids. I love kids and I love the energy they have. I don’t know of any other thing that would be worth spending my last day on.

The Awakening
Guardian of Spirits Book 1
by Kaylee Johnston
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Not everyone wants magic.
In a world where humans hate witches, there’s no one who hates them more than Jameson Tyler – they are the reason his mother and little sister are dead. Then one morning, he wakes to find those he’s hated for his entire life are now his only hope to understanding his new identity, his new life…as a witch.Jameson has to get to the witch’s side of town – a place he’s never been and has loathed his entire life – and give up everything he’s ever known before the Witch Special Forces (WSF) captures him. On top of avoiding the WSF, when his new Headmistress attacks him, things get even more complicated.He must accept his new fate and life before being killed, letting the Magical Community fall into the wrong hands. Can Jameson put his hatred aside or will he let his prejudice destroy them all?
Goodreads * Amazon

Kaylee is an author on YouTube who helps writers understand and conquer the Business Side of Writing. She lives with her fiancé, Russell, and her spoiled Beagle, Basset Hound, Ollie, in San Diego, CA. To learn more about her books, check out her website.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Youtube * Amazon * Goodreads

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