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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Blitz: A Question of Counsel by Archer Kay Leah

A Question of Counsel by Archer Kay Leah 
Publication date: May 27th 2015
Genres: Adult, Fantasy


Life hasn’t been easy for Aeley since she arrested her brother, and her role as a political leader leaves her feeling isolated and lonely. Days before her brother’s trial, she meets Lira, a quiet and modest scribe who makes Aeley want more than just a professional relationship.
When she attends the trial and leaves with a marriage contract, Aeley doesn’t know what to do. She must choose one of two brothers, marrying into a family she doesn’t know. Then she discovers that Lira is part of the same family–a sister to Aeley’s suitors and the family’s disgrace. And not at all opposed to an intimate relationship.
Except random acts of violence against her people test Aeley’s ability as a leader, and a web of lies and deceit threaten not only her chance at happiness, but her life…


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AUTHOR BIOs:
Archer Kay Leah was raised in Ontario, Canada, growing up in a port town at a time when it was starting to become more diverse, both visibly and vocally. Combined with the variety of interests found in Archer’s family and the never-ending need to be creative, it has been this diversity that has inspired Archer’s love of toying with characters and their relationships, exploring new experiences and crazy situations.

Archer started writing stories at age six and became “that kid” with their nose in the books and a pen in their hand, pursuing the challenges of writing novels at age thirteen and conquering the dread of poetry at fifteen. Archer most enjoys writing speculative fiction and is engaged in a very particular love affair with fantasy, especially when it is dark and emotionally charged.

When not reading and writing for work or play, Archer is a geek who has too many hobbies, keeping busy with other creative endeavors, a music addiction, and whatever else comes along, especially if it is in technological form. Archer lives in London, Ontario with a same-sex partner and their cat.

Author links:

A Question of Counsel
Author Interview with Archer Kay Leah






In ten words, tell us about you.
Introvert, geek, music-obsessed, Canadian, cat person, realist, middle-of-the-road, diverse, oddball




What motivates you to write?
I’m compelled to write; if I don’t, I get grumpy and feel like there’s a void in my life (a lesson learnt the hard way!) Storytelling is exciting, challenging, and an outlet for all the pent up creativity. All about appeasing the muses!




What inspired you to write A Question of Counsel? How long did it take to write?
AQoC was inspired from Rule Breaker, a novella I wrote for the anthology, Won’t Back Down, published by Less Than Three Press. The story takes place in the same fantasy realm, and Aeley makes an appearance since her brother is the antagonist. But there was something to Aeley that hollered for a separate story.


The idea existed for months, but I had it on the back burner due to other projects. Then I wrote it in a complete frenzy – something like 39 days? Deadlines are awesome like that.




What are your favourite things about Aeley and Lira? What makes them dear to your heart?
I love Aeley’s spunk, how she doesn’t like taking crap, and she always wants to do the right thing, even when it’s at cost to her.


On the flipside, I love how Lira doesn’t want to live for everyone else. She cares about others, but she won’t compromise who she is. She’s not the perfect, proper lady by societal standards, but she’s not going to apologize.




Did anything surprising pop up while writing A Question of Counsel?
A couple fun things happened. The first was Mayr, Aeley’s best friend. Originally he was just supposed to have a *couple* lines at dinner and a brief appearance. Yeah… no. He decided he wanted a larger part – REALLY large. It increased further when working with my editor. Readers beware: Mayr wants to steal a piece of your heart!


The second thing was thanks to some tips from my editor, Tan-ni Fan. The result was a set of brothers who are even bigger jerks (and more unhinged) than I realized in the beginning.




Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Do you think it captures the spirit of the book?
I L-O-V-E the cover! It was designed by the incredibly talented Natasha Snow, who turned a photo I loved into something even more beautiful. I really do believe it captures the book. Other than the fact the model resembles Aeley, the blindfold reflects the fact she’s blind to so many things and needs to question the advice she receives.




When you completely finish a book, how do you celebrate?
Sadly, I don’t have a ritual. Usually it ends in sleep. Lots and lots of sleep, due to the crazy amount of editing I do. Although in the case of AQoC, I went grocery shopping. That’s something, right?




Are you working on anything right now?
I just finished For the Clan, a M/M/F dystopian romance with a personality disorder (it’s fantasy and science fiction, too). Set in Canada in 2165 AD, it features two real sweethearts, one of which needs a really big hug.


Just as I was finishing FTC, I got smacked with a new project. Apparently Mayr (from A Question of Counsel) wants some love. I outlined his story in the two days after submitting FTC. Again, Mayr wants a larger role. I’m now officially working on Four, next in The Republic series. So any readers who enjoy Mayr… he’s getting his own story with the thoughtful, conflicted priest, Tash.




Any last word to readers?
Thanks for reading along today! I appreciate all of your support. And if you’re looking for a bit of a party, the Release Party for A Question of Counsel is happening next week, May 27th to 28th. It’s online at Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/events/450660561775319/ – so grab your computer, fave snacks, and some pals. Win some stuff. Jam to some tunes. The more the merrier!

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