Thrilled that YA fantasy author, Katie Keridan, has returned to the Spotlight this week to chat about her second book in her series

Author Name: Katie Keridan

Book Title: Blood Divided

Book Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: 10/3/23

Publisher: SparkPress

Welcome back, Katie! How would you describe Blood Divided?

Kyra and Sebastian have finally remembered their pasts as the former Felserpent King and Queen and now it’s time for them to change the future—by reuniting the realms and bringing peace to Astrals and Daevals. But tensions between those in Aeles and Nocens have never been higher, and it will take help from Cyphers, as well as friends old and new, to defeat their arch enemy and bring those with silver and gold blood together again.

What sparked the idea for this book?

I knew when I first started writing this book that it was going to be darker than Reign Returned. I specifically wanted to delve more into Sebastian’s backstory, which is filled with trauma, and to examine how we carry the past with us as we move forward in our lives. Some things we work through; other things we live with, and what that looks like fascinates me as an author who is also a trauma-survivor. And of course, I wanted to explore more about when the past and present collide in a romantic relationship…while Kyra and Sebastian can remember being madly in love in a past life, in their current life they’re two young adults establishing a new relationship and experiencing all of the awkwardness, frustration, and uncertainty that goes with that.

What drew you to YA fiction?

I love fiction because literally anything is possible. And I love writing for young adults because everything is so intense…it’s either the absolute best or the absolute worst, and there’s no in-between. I very much relate to that. Plus, young adulthood is a time of juxtaposition: you’re assuming greater control over your own life but at the same time, you’re learning really painful truths about the world, your friends and family, and even yourself. Everything is in flux, and while the successes offer greater rewards, the failures and losses are more painful (and costly) than you ever imagined. Everything is a battle between the existential and the mundane. You’ve never felt more ready to do something, but you’ve also never been more aware that actions have consequences. It’s an exciting and overwhelming time, which provides a great backdrop for a story.

What’s your favorite part about writing/being an author? What do you find challenging?

My favorite part of being an author is connecting with readers. When someone takes the time to message me about something I’ve written, it absolutely makes my day, especially when they feel comfortable enough to share something personal and explain how that connects to a character or a scene. I love being tagged in character art, and if anyone ever writes fanfic for any of my characters, I’ll be the first to read and share it. The most challenging part of being an author is not comparing yourself to other people who seem to be living your dream. On the days when you feel completely lost and wonder if you’ll ever write a good sentence again, it’s tough to be excited for people getting big book deals and tv series adaptations, even when you’re genuinely happy for them. But every journey is different and it’s really not a competition because there are more than enough readers out there for every book.

If you were speaking to someone who hasn’t read your writing before, why should they want to read Blood Divided?

At first glance, Blood Divided is a YA fantasy featuring enemies-turned-lovers, grumpy-sunshine soulmates, found family, an evil villain, and animals who act as counselors and consciences. So, if you like those things (oh, and there’s a dragon!), you’ll most likely enjoy the book. But on a deeper level, this book is also an examination of what it means to be vulnerable. Working through trauma and learning to trust others is hard, and I don’t shy away from showing the realities of that. Finding the love of your life doesn’t mean your life is now easy or perfect…it means you have someone by your side supporting you when the challenges and losses inevitably come.  

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

Great question! I hope they take away a better understanding of what it’s like to heal from trauma. It’s a process, and it’s not linear. A therapist once described healing to me as making your way up a circular staircase…you might be looking at the same things but hopefully each time you revisit them you have a new perspective. I hope readers take away the importance of asking for and accepting help from others. And I especially hope they take away a deeper realization of the importance of communication in a relationship. It’s so important to speak up about your wants and needs and to listen to your partner when they do the same. It can be awkward and incredibly uncomfortable (as Sebastian and Kyra find out), but I don’t think there’s anything more intimate than baring your soul to someone and being vulnerable and having them see you and love you for who you truly are.

What about the writing/editing/publishing process has been the most surprising to you so far?

How important your relationship with your editor is! I’ve been so incredibly fortunate to work with the same editor for Reign Returned and Blood Divided, and I will never stop thanking the universe for connecting me with AR Capetta. From the moment they read the first draft of my first manuscript, they saw the diamond in the rough and what this series could be, and they pushed me, guided me, challenged me, and supported me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be the writer I am today without them.

What are your interests outside of writing and reading?

I love to travel. I’m an avid yoga practitioner. When I’m not writing, I try to get outdoors as much as possible, kayaking, hiking, or doing something where I can watch animals in their natural habitat. I also love lounging on the couch with my husband and our two cats and watching Star Trek, Disney park walk-throughs, or Mystery Science Theater 3000.

Are you working on a new project? Please tell us about it.

I’m finishing up the third and final book in my Felserpent trilogy, which has a pub date of October 2024. I’m so excited to tell this story, but it’s also bittersweet because I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters or this world I’ve lived in for so long. Rest assured, all your burning questions about Kyra, Sebastian, and Batty will be answered, and there will be twists, turns, heartbreaks, and discoveries every step of the way.

Where can readers find you?

My website is katiekeridan.com, and I do occasionally send out a newsletter. I’m @katiekeridan on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Find me and say hi!

Thank you, Katie! Blood Divided is out now.

Blood Divided

Now that Kyra Valorian and Sebastian Sayre have remembered their pasts as the former Felserpent Queen and King, they are ready to reunite the realms and bring peace between Astrals and Daevals. Unfortunately, their arch-enemy, Tallus, has also returned, determined to stop them. Can they outwit him, or will those with silver and gold blood be divided forever?