Brandy Ackerley on Fictionalizing Japanese Kitsune Folklore and an Epic Cover Reveal
You know, this feature started out as a way to help out some friends who were launching books, and it is still that, but I think I’ll keep it as a regular feature. I’m really enjoying spreading the word about other author’s books and finding out the “stories behind the stories.” We all love to find out more about amazing books and authors, right?
That’s because we authors are so cool.
Hey! I saw you snort in the back there.
Ahem.
I’ve got two awesome authors featured in this post. Brandy Ackerley, for whom I did a cover reveal for her book Lord’s Curse a couple months ago, is back to answer some questions about her process and the story behind why she chose Japanese kitsune (fox) folklore as her inspiration.
I’m also excited to introduce you to epic fantasy author L.R. Knight, whose brand-new epic fantasy trilogy will soon be released into the world.
L.R. Knight: Road of a Paragon
I met Luc a few years ago in the spring of 2018 when he came up to my table at a book signing in Calgary and struck up a conversation. Overall, that particular day was my worst book-signing experience ever, but meeting Luc and his wife Sophie was one of the best things that happened on that entire tour. (Just goes to show that every experience, no matter how bad, usually has some good come from it.)
He was already a published author for nonfiction, and he told me that he was working on a fantasy trilogy. So am I, I gushed. So we’ve been Facebook friends ever since.
Well, his first fantasy book is being released this fall, folks. And I’m pleased as punch to share this beautiful cover with you:
Road of a Paragon
(Volume I of the Rise Of Shadow - Reign Of Light Trilogy)
Kaldon’s true identity is unknown by even those closest to him. Secrets enshroud him; he is far more than he seems. Rumours abound throughout the land of Agadin as the Dominion of Shadow is waging war on the Kingdom of Light. Dark creatures manifest, slaying and terrifying citizens while warriors on both sides of this epic war rise up. Kaldon must decide who he will be. Will he be one who cowers or will he embrace his destiny and lift his blade?
I mean, it’s got a sword, and a cape, and beautiful green leather-bound texture. Don’t you just want to hold it?
You can pre-order the book from his website, or follow him on Facebook for updates.
Brandy Ackerley: Lord’s Curse (Kitsune-Ken Book 2)
It wasn’t until I was putting this post together that I realized the main characters of Brandy’s story are inspired by Japanese folklore. Kitsune means “fox” in Japanese, and in their culture, foxes are supernatural shape-shifting beings with a great deal of power.
I’ll let Brandy tell you the rest. But first, the book:
Lord’s Curse (Kitsune-Ken Book 2)
Kuzunoha, bastard daughter of the Tanaka family, is determined to leave the village she grew up in and take control of her own life. Her sister, Himiko, is just as determined to keep their splintering family together. When a forgotten branch of their clan is discovered in the far city of Kalvettika, Himiko suggests that a trip to find them is just what they need.
Though Kuzunoha is excited to finally leave, even if she is traveling with her sister, she finds herself tempted by what Himiko offers should she return to Hidan, and the family home, after. Her conflicted feelings multiply when an old flame leaves, proving that even if she did return with her sister, home will never be the same again. Worse, something seems to be hunting them, and secrets, old and new, will threaten them all.
Will our heroes survive to see inside Kalvettika's tall walls in this intriguing sequel to Hunter’s Gambit?
Can Kuzunoha persevere and accept who she was meant to be, or does destiny have other plans?
About Brandy:
Brandy Ackerley is a creator of worlds with words. While primarily a fantasy writer of novel-length fiction, she also enjoys writing short stories and novelettes in a variety of genres. She adores anime, tabletop RPG’s and finding out more about mythology and culture worldwide. Brandy lives in Calgary, Alberta with her husband, both of whom are owned by their cat.
Lord’s Curse is Brandy’s second published novel, the sequel to Hunter’s Gambit in the Kitsune-Ken series.
Brandy Ackerley, author of the Kitsune-Ken series
Please tell us what the series is about.
The Kitsune-Ken series follow the adventures of a young woman, Kuzunoha, bastard daughter of the Tanakas, a noble family in a tiny town. Kuzunoha is headstrong and not at all happy to have her sister named family matriarch. Every future leads her to being a pawn for the family, an end that is as unacceptable as it seems unavoidable.
In Hunter’s Gambit, she finds a way to fight back by going on a very literal treasure hunt with a man she just met.
In Lord’s Curse, Kuzunoha’s sister is determined to keep their family together. Having found out that they may still have some family members living in a nearby city, Himiko suggests the two travel to find them, hoping to get rid of her sister’s urge to leave permanently by providing a safe destination. She also sweetens the pot, offering her what, just a few weeks ago, would have been everything Kuzunoha ever wanted… provided that Kuzunoha returns with her. Though tempted, Kuzunoha is worried that even if she were to return, home would never be the same again.
What was the inspiration behind this story?
In this case, it was the dynamic caused by two people who should love each other the most being raised as enemies. That story, how they are rivals while at the same time knowing that they’re all the other has, really excited me, and I knew I needed to write it.
Of course, there’s more to the story than that. The two main male characters are perfect foils for each other which made them a blast to write. I loved the dichotomy. Any of them can stand on their own, but its the contrast between them that really makes them interesting, in my opinion.
Who is your favourite character and why, or what is your favourite scene and why?
Honestly, my favourite character is, and will always be, Kuzunoha. Her battle to find a place for herself is one that I have always enjoyed reading about, and I found that I loved telling it even more.
As for my favourite scene in this novel, there is a one right near the end of the book where my roguish scoundrel, Richard, is given the opportunity to have everything he wants—but if he takes it, he would have to give up the burgeoning friendships he’s been making throughout both books. Watching him make that decision keeps me on the edge of my seat every time I read it, even though I know it like the back of my hand after editing it so much.
How did you first hear of the legendary Kuzunoha?
Foxes were always my most loved animals as a child, and upon learning that Japan had "magical" foxes, I proceeded to research the heck out of them. It was difficult before the age of the internet, but her tale was one of the ones I found in my local library. Despite that, it wasn't until nearly twenty years later, looking into fox-based myths worldwide, that I found it again as a footnote in her son's biography and knew I'd found the perfect name for my character.
Offhand, her son, Abe no Seimei, was a living person during the Heian period and is a legendary figure, much like Merlin is considered here.
How much of your series is inspired by folklore or other works about her legends, and how much is original?
The myth of Kuzunoha has always been a favorite of mine, a tale of poignant love that I adore. While I'm not drawing on the myth directly, that feeling of love and regret is a major part of my Kuzunoha's character, so I felt the name was fitting.
What research did you do that you were or were not able to include in the book?
I did a lot of research into ships. I live in a landlocked province, so having to research tides, travel times, and what coral provides our oceans was a lot of work, but very rewarding. Unfortunately, very little ended up making it into the novel since I don’t really have any sailors as main characters. I may have to add one in the future just to see if I can show off some of it.
The other thing I did a lot of research on was the care and breeding of silkworms and how you actually get silk from them. None of that made it in either, though I have found a lot of use for the knowledge in the novel I just finished writing. I hope that some of it will stay in the novel after the editing process.
Who is this book best for?
The biggest thing that will draw people to my work is my characters. I put a lot of work into making the interpersonal dynamics as true to life as I can while still making them tense and interesting. If you like reading about people, rather than ideas, my book will be for you.
As far as age goes, I would say that this book is best for older teens and twenty-somethings, though there isn’t anything in the book that couldn’t be read by someone younger or older quite easily.
Do you have any other projects on the horizon right now?
I am currently editing book three in this series, tentatively titled Fox’s Façade, and I just finished the rough draft of book four, even more tentatively titled Noble’s Choice. Beyond that, I’m also working on a diesel punk spy novelette that I would like to publish later this year.
Is there anything you'd like to add?
Writing is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. That said, it’s also one of the most difficult. Sometimes it’s all the care and well-wishes from my readers that get me through the day. To everyone who reads my books, leaves a review, or comes to chat with me on my Facebook page, thank you! You make my day and I’m glad that my writing can make yours, too.
You can get Brandy’s books on any platform. Here’s a link to pick up Lord’s Curse on Amazon:
In personal writing news, The Waterboy audiobook is officially in production. My narrator, Jonathon Carley, is fantastic. I am SO excited to share this with you all.
The Waterboy by Talena Winters. A Rise of the Grigori story. Coming soon to audio!
AND!
I’m getting a new cover made for this book, too, one that will better reflect it’s genre of YA historical fantasy. This is the first announcement, so you heard it here first! :-)
As cool as this cover is, it’s not quite right for the book. So watch for news of the new cover to come.
Happy Friday!
Author, editor, and hydra-tamer Rhonda Parrish has made a life doing what she loves best—writing and helping others. Her deep-seated passion for creating community grew from surprising roots. Rhonda has been a positive influence for many aspiring and established writers. Read this post to find out how she forged a path to get to where she is now.