INTERVIEW WITH KIERNAN KANE

Good morning, dear Reader. I apologize that this did not post on Monday. It was my daughter's second birthday, and we spent all of last weekend up in the mountains on vacation, so it took me a little bit to get back into the swing of things.

Today we are interviewing Kiernan Kane. You can read more about him HERE if you like. But today, I thought I'd let Kiernan speak for himself a bit.

Hello, Kiernan, thank you for joining us today. Can you start off by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Greetings, and thank you for having me. I am merely a humble minstrel by trade. I make my living by wandering the known world and making up songs about the things I see, and the stories I've heard.

You must have seen a lot of amazing places in your time as a wandering minstrel. Can you tell us about your favorite place you've been, and some of the most impressive audiences you've performed before?

I could tell you tales! I have seen so much and performed for kings and commoners. I have travelled the length and breadth of Tellurae Aquaous and I am afraid I cannot pick a favorite. Aom-igh has become my home in recent years, and I must admit my heart has embraced its people. King Oraeyn and dear Princess Kamarie, as well as their family and friends have become like family to me. But Llycaelon is a place of mystery and hidden depths, as well, and it has a special place in my heart. Wild, good Emnolae; beautiful, cultured Yochathain; magnificent Kallayohm, with its high cliffs and sparkling lakes; strong, rugged Effoin-Ebedd, with the music of its forges ringing all across the plains... ah, nay, I fear me I cannot choose a favorite. As for impressive audiences, you would not believe me if I told you.

Do you enjoy being a minstrel?

It is my life, my breath. Music was once a thing I never thought to attain, and so to have access to it is beyond my wildest of dreams. It is a gift for which I am most grateful.

If I am not mistaken, you do have a role in SECOND SON. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

I play a role throughout the series. It is, after all, entitled "THE MINSTREL'S SONG." And who is the Minstrel, if not I, the great and magnificent Kiernan Kane?

Turns a cartwheel and begins juggling lemons.

Fair enough. It has been pointed out that one of the themes in my books is characters being more than they seem. How are you more than you seem? It certainly appeared that you knew Yole was not what he claimed when you first meet him in KING'S WARRIOR.

I? I am but a humble, wandering minstrel. Perhaps the others are more than they seem, but I remain, as ever, merely Kiernan Kane. As for Yole... anyone who has been among dragons could tell the boy was a dragon. The fact that he was not aware of his true nature did not make him any better a liar.

I see. Well, that makes sense, I suppose. What are your most prized possessions?

My mandolin is quite dear to me. It was a gift from... someone very special. I have treasured it most of my life. It is truly the only thing that I prize dearly, though I do care for my horse. I suppose you would call him more of a mule, but he is noble, in his own way, and has traveled with me further than any other living companion.

Is there anything in Tellurae Aquaous that you truly fear? Having been all across it, surely you have seen some terrifying things, as well as the wondrous.

More than anything I have seen, I fear the passage of time. It careens far too quickly for me to keep up with at times, and my best-laid plans oft feel as though they are all for naught. I suppose what I most fear is time running out before all is ready.

That was... um... different, and not quite what I was expecting. I can see why you drive Brant a little nuts. Speaking of Brant, what do you think of him?

He is strong, noble, and a warrior. He carries his burdens far too closely, and is far too quick to take responsibility for things he should let others carry. Most of all, though, he is one I would be proud to call "friend."

I guess that's about all I have for now. Thank you so much for coming and answering a few questions today.

Thank you, dear lady, for having me. It was my pleasure to be here.

********

Ever the charmer, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Kiernan Kane. I hope you enjoyed this interview and any insight you may have been able to glean from Kiernan's somewhat veiled answers! If you have any other questions for him, please feel free to leave them in the comments section. And don't forget to enter the giveaway HERE for your chance to win a signed copy of SECOND SON! (The proof copies are supposed to come later today or tonight, so be on the lookout tomorrow for what I am hoping is GOOD NEWS!!!)