Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
Talking about myself is probably my least favorite pastime, but here goes.
I’m a creative, meaning I’m someone who is only truly happy when I am creating something. I’ve tested this theory a few times over the years by taking breaks from my various endeavors. Invariably, after a few weeks of not producing anything, I start to get grumpy and depressed. The curious thing I found though, is that it didn’t really matter *what* I created so long as I was making something. Therefore, I’ve spent a good deal of time on a wide variety of projects, including producing graphic assets for video games, weaving chainmail from ancient patterns for modern jewelry, producing marketing images for businesses, and eventually building worlds from words for public consumption.
For me, the evolution from reader to writer was quite organic. I’ve spent my whole life with either my nose buried in a book or hunched over a drawing pad. When I got to college, I didn’t know what to study, so I just kept reading and drawing. As a result, I eventually graduated with degrees in both literature and studio art. I spent the next few years traveling, working, and trying to figure out who I wanted to be. All the while, I kept reading and creating. Then, one day, while I was absorbed in a particularly engrossing book, I realized that for all the hundreds, maybe thousands of books that I’d read, I’d never seen any of the stories that were in my own head. If I loved to read about the worlds and characters other people had created, perhaps other people could get the same pleasure from experiencing the worlds and characters I created. So, without any idea if I could, and with no formal training in creative writing, I sat down at my computer and started to write. The book that came out was A Drop of Magic, which in its first year became both a bestseller and an award-winner, and the reviews have been enough for me to say with certainty, “Yes, people are enjoying what I created.” It’s the best feeling in the world.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
According to most people . . . pretty much everything. But one thing that often catches people by surprise and makes me stand out is that I design and create my own chainmail jewelry. It started as a hobby when I was in college. I majored in metalsmithing, and for one of my projects (an articulated silver glove) I needed a section of basic chainmail. So I poked around online, found some tutorials, and taught myself how to weave European 4-in-1. After that, I found more weaves and made more complex patterns. Now I make and sell my creations in an etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WimsiDesign. I’m still learning new weaves and coming up with new combinations all the time. Lots of people think I’m insane for staring at something so small and so complicated for so long, but I find it relaxing. Kind of like knitting, but with hundreds of tiny metal rings.
Where were you born and/or where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Colorado. My parents were from opposite sides of the country and met here in the middle when they were both stationed at Fort Carson. They fell in love with the scenery and never left. I’ve lived in a bunch of different cities, but they were all along the Rocky Mountain Front Range, where I’ve spent many days hiking the trails and exploring the backcountry.
If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
Well that’s depressing, but I’d spend it with my family, making as many good memories as possible. I’d pack a picnic, go for a bike ride, play a board game, and laugh as much as I could. I’d also write a series of letters for my daughter to open on each of her upcoming birthdays for the next decade.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I love to read, play video games and board games, and go for hikes or bike rides. And of course, all those things are better when I get to do them with my family!
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Introverted. Intelligent. Perfectionist. Critical. Creative.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I guess I didn’t really consider myself a writer until I started getting positive feedback on my first book. Before that, I might mention that I’d written a book as a side note when people asked me what I did, but it wasn’t until that first book was published that I started proudly proclaiming that I was a writer.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I’m not sure about a movie, but I think the Magicsmith series would make an excellent television show.
What is your favorite childhood book?
Hands down, Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? by Dr. Suess. I can recite the whole thing from memory.
Who are your books mostly dedicated to?
My family. Without their support, I never would have made it this far. Seems only fair I give them a piece of the glory.
Is there any writer whose brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?
Bradon Sanderson. I love the unique worlds and magic systems he creates, and I’d love to get a look at his brainstorming process.
Of Mettle and Magic
The Magicsmith Book 5
by L.R. Braden
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
L.R. Braden’s Magicsmith series conetains the best of all worlds–murder, mayhem, and magic. How can you go wrong?” –Jeanne Stein, best-selling author of The Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles
Part fae, part human, all magic. .
Now it’s time to choose a side
When the Unified Church in Rome is destroyed by rogue sorcerers, tensions explode. Alex Blackwood will do whatever it takes to prevent a war between the humans, fae, and Earth paranaturals–even turn herself over to the PTF. But when a man she thought long dead walks back into her life at the head of a sorcerer army, surrender is no longer an option.
With all the world watching, and half hoping she fails, Alex and her friends scramble to find a peace that won’t cost them everything.
Buy Links: Amazon – B&N – Google – Kobo
Other Books in the Series
A Drop of Magic
The Magicsmith Book 1
**Only .99 cents!!**
Add to Goodreads * Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo
Courting Darkness
The Magicsmith Book 2
Add to Goodreads * Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo
Faerie Forged
The Magicsmith Book 3
Add to Goodreads * Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo
Casting Shadows
The Magicsmith Book 4
Add to Goodreads * Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo
L.R. Braden is the bestselling author of the Magicsmith urban fantasy series. Her work has won the Eric Hoffer Book Award for Sci-fi/Fantasy, the New Horizon Award for debut authors, and the Imadjinn Award for Best Urban Fantasy. She lives in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies with her wonderful husband, precocious daughter, and psychotic cat. To connect online, visit her website and Facebook page.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
$20 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
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Tracie Cooper
June 19, 2021 at 7:22 am
I am so excited to read this book!
polly
June 18, 2021 at 11:28 am
I think it includes something for every reader to enjoy!
Leela
June 3, 2021 at 6:22 pm
It looks like a good read.
Janie McGaugh
June 1, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Sounds like an interesting read.
Jodi Hunter
May 24, 2021 at 1:59 pm
Sounds like a great book.
Sarah L
May 23, 2021 at 10:45 pm
Interesting book.
Thanks for the contest.
DebP
May 23, 2021 at 4:23 pm
I enjoyed reading the interview. This certainly looks like a good read, although I think I should start with the first book of the series.
L.R. Braden
May 24, 2021 at 12:44 pm
While not 100% required, I definitely recommend reading the series in order. You’ll get much more out of it. 😉
Darlene Owen
May 23, 2021 at 4:12 pm
I love murder mystery books and this one sounds like a good one.
Sandra Dufoe
May 22, 2021 at 7:20 am
Sounds like a great read love the excerpt.
Jennifer Rote
May 22, 2021 at 6:26 am
This sounds like a great addition to the series. Love the cover.
Jeanna Massman
May 22, 2021 at 12:12 am
I like the cover! The colors are great!
Bonnie
May 21, 2021 at 7:36 pm
What an exciting book! Great cover too.
Debbie P
May 21, 2021 at 6:04 pm
This sounds like a really good read. Cool cover!
Mary Kirkland
May 21, 2021 at 1:30 pm
I’ve read so many great series that I wish were made into tv series. This one sounds great.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Freebie Friday!
Susan Smith
May 21, 2021 at 1:02 pm
Sounds like a great book. I like the cover.
Lynn Brown
May 21, 2021 at 12:54 pm
The blurb sounds good. I love a paranormal read. Thanks for the chance.
Ken Ohl
May 21, 2021 at 10:35 am
this book looks intriguing
Cathy French
May 21, 2021 at 10:21 am
I like her green outfit on the cover. Sounds like a new series for me
Anne
May 21, 2021 at 10:13 am
This sounds like a great series. Turns out I have the first book. Will have to send it to my reader.
Mary Dellenbusch
May 21, 2021 at 8:25 am
Fantastic! Thank you for the chance.
Rita Wray
May 21, 2021 at 7:23 am
Sounds like a great book.