3 Things I Want to Know About Kayelle Allen

Here's me being nosy again! I invited Kayelle Allen, who is one of my favorite people, to talk about her latest release, The Last Vhalgenn--as well as some other fun things I wanted to know about. I think you'll enjoy what she has to say. So here goes!

1. You write about sci fi fantasy worlds, and I'm intrigued to find out how you come up with the various unusual names for your characters. Have you ever decided that you misnamed somebody and had to change it later?

I try not to do normal names because societies undergo change and names are a product of the societies in which they are created. I have Luc Saint-Cyr, and Wulf Gabriel, but most of the others are quite unique. It also means I rarely have to worry about accidentally using a name for a real-life person. That said, I named Wulf's artist friend Anne Cain after my artist friend Anne Cain. I got her permission first, and she even graced my website with a mini art gallery for my character. But other names like Dessy, Izzorah, and Alitus are not likely to be found. Changing a name? No. I had an editor suggest I change Luc's name once. She thought it sounded too modern day. Trouble is, he'd been a character in three books by the time, so that was ignored. And anyway, that particular character is an immortal, and takes on names the way some people change coats. Luc Saint-Cyr fit his persona for the current world.

Once I decided on a name for her, Raik Ty Hellesbor, clan Ddumach of The Last Vhalgenn came to life. Her name is part of her, and defines her. The name "Ty" means "committed for service" and designates a service from birth. She was born into the Ddumach clan but committed to Hellesbor, in service to the King's house. In the sequel, Return of the Vhalgenn, the name "Loc" is used for the main character. It means "apprenticed" and will show the young hero is not yet on his own. Names are functional parts of a society, and I try to incorporate that concept wherever I can.

2. How cool about naming a character after your artist friend! And I know exactly what you mean about characters coming to life once you have their name right. Okay, next question: If you and I were forced to fight for Tom Hiddleswoon's attention, would it involve arm wrestling, or rock/paper/scissors?

Oh, Donna. Really? You know I would totally share him with you. Because I would want someone to talk to about him and the experience and I could tell you ANYthing! And just think of the fun we'd have together.

3. *gulps* Uh, sharing. Of course. Why didn't I think of that! (We'd definitely have fun together with TH. *takes a moment to swoon*) Which scene in The Last Vhalgenn was the first one you wrote?

The opening of the story, in the throne room. I originally wrote it as a male character returning, but decided to go with the more unusual aspect of a female warrior. The Vhalgenn is in love with him, and you can tell that in the way she sees him. He's lush, and sultry, and in command. But she can still take an apple right out of his hand and bite into it, and then hand it back as if it's no big deal. She's comfortable with him, despite the fact that he's exactly the man she wants and the king.

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Kayelle Allen is a multi-published, award-winning Science Fiction Romance author of unstoppable heroes, uncompromising love, and unforgettable passion.

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The Last Vhalgenn

Duty to king and country has shaped Raik's life since birth, but to protect them, she must perform a ritual that betrays all she holds sacred.

The Vhalgenn is a warrior, bedmate, soulmate, companion, and friend. Trusted by the king. Hated by the queen. To save the newborn prince, the Vhalgenn will risk her position, her honor, and death itself to honor the Old Ways. But when she takes the newborn prince to the queen's homeland for a ritual blessing, she discovers a betrayal so deep the kingdom -- and her heart -- might never recover.

This fantasy features a strong heroine, and was originally part of the 2008 EPIC eBook Award Finalist anthology A Time To... Volume 1 - The Best of The Lorelei Signal, from Wolfsinger Publications, which is now out of print. The strong female heroine possesses nobility, honor, and courage, and is a role model for women. The book is dedicated to all women warriors, whatever their battle, and is written by a female veteran. Available exclusively at Amazon.

Excerpt

In this scene from The Last Vhalgenn, the heroine, Raik, has just bathed and eaten, and is alone with King Orix. They grew up together, but his new queen barred Raik from the palace. Raik is back to deliver news of a battle and while delighted to be with Orix, is nervous about his queen discovering them.

Orix set his fingers beneath my chin, and turned my face up to his. "You're more than pretty, Vhalgenn, you're magnificent. She's never once sat near the fire with me and talked."

It had been our nightly ritual. "Never?"

"Never." He brushed my hair back from my face. "I've learned to get along with her, Vhalgenn, but I never had to learn anything with you. We grew up with one another. You were my partner in everything I did. My lover, my sister, my sparring partner, my best friend. My everything."

I lifted my head to look up at him. As I did, his mouth came down on mine. A feverish chill coursed through me at his touch. I'd wanted his mouth from the moment I'd seen him on his throne. Orix could not help but be languid and sultry and hot. I felt desire emanating from him like heat from an oven with its door ajar. It scorched my face and I drew in a shallow breath, afraid of being burnt.

Resisting him was something I had never done, except in play. He thought I meant it that way now and made as if to pressure me, until he saw my eyes were brimming.

"Please, Orix. Don't." I pushed myself away from him. "I can't."

He frowned, confused. For him, life was simple. A need? Fulfill it. Thirsty? Drink. Hungry? Eat. Lusty? Love.

"Half the palace must know I'm here. Do you think your queen will let this go unnoticed? She'll have someone in here to check on me before the night's through and I won't be thrown out again, Orix. I couldn't bear it."

"Vhalgenn, I promise. She'll never know."

"No!" I moved away from him. "She's no fool. She's your queen and she's risking her life to have your child. The least you can do is be faithful."

The look of horror on his face tore out a piece of my heart. Then I realized he was looking past me.

His pregnant queen stood in the darkness, right outside the door.

~~~

Kayelle has a little freebie for everyone, an illustrated eBook called Behind the Scenes with The Last Vhalgenn. This is an inside look at the characters and setting in the story. When you click the link, this will either offer you a download, or open in a new window, depending on your settings. To read it, you need Adobe Reader, available free.

Comments

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Loved the excerpt! And I agree, that finding the right name can have an impact. Some character names come easy; others are difficult.

Posted by: Cara Bristol | April 28, 2014 at 01:18 PM

Cara, I've had characters completely refuse to say anything until I figured out what their REAL name was. LOL Then when I did, they were so much more chatty!

Posted by: Donna Cummings | April 28, 2014 at 01:45 PM