Now that THE BOOK KNIGHTS is finding more readers, and interest in the book continues to grow, I thought I'd re-visit a post explaining my inspiration for writing this YA fantasy spin on the legend of King Arthur. I'd love to hear your thoughts about the power of words, the magic of books, and what writing and reading means to you. You can find more information on THE BOOK KNIGHTS and its Amazon links here. Happy reading!
My Inspiration for THE BOOK KNIGHTS
Most people believe magic doesn’t exist, but we experience it every day in the books we read. The alchemy of a skilled author crafting words in the cauldron of a manuscript is magic in its truest form; it makes the impossible real. Characters who never existed before spring to life, strange and wonderful creatures walk and breathe, and the worlds they inhabit become as tangible as our own. That magic inspired me to write THE BOOK KNIGHTS. I believe the power of words is humanity’s greatest gift, our Holy Grail, and my story asks the question: What if that gift was stolen?
I decided to use the legend of King Arthur as my story’s template, starting with the discovery of a hero worthy of leading such a perilous quest to take back the power of words. But instead of Arthur Pendragon pulling the sword from the stone, I have Arti Penderhagen pull the words from the tome, and the “grail” she seeks is a book. Like Arthur, Arti will depend on the fealty of her knights—Gal, Gwen, and Lance—to complete her mission. That and the guidance of Merl, an old librarian who understands better than any the magic that words possess. With their help, Arti will try to discover the underlying truth that can save them. And that leads me to the second element that inspires my writing.
Facing fear and danger and death, the young book knights reveal the transformative power of love and friendship. They rely on each other for the strength and courage to succeed, even when the odds are stacked against them. The bonds between characters hold a magic all their own, and a good story cannot exist without them.
Finally, as an author I am driven by the desire to share the power of words with others. The “magic” doesn’t happen unless there are readers to experience it. In my work, I try my best to give readers what they deserve: a story that is worthy of their valuable time and money. I want them to lose themselves in the book, to become part of the world I’ve created, to really care about it. One early reviewer of THE BOOK KNIGHTS said it made her “laugh, cry, and cheer.” I could ask for no more.
As I search for the appropriate closing remarks about what inspired me to write THE BOOK KNIGHTS, something strange is happening. Arti and the others are telling me that their story isn’t over, that there are still more adventures ahead. In all honesty, a series was not in my plans. In fact, I’ve already started work on another project. But who am I to deny the book knights their desire to live on? I must embrace the magic.
J.G. McKenney
My Inspiration for THE BOOK KNIGHTS
Most people believe magic doesn’t exist, but we experience it every day in the books we read. The alchemy of a skilled author crafting words in the cauldron of a manuscript is magic in its truest form; it makes the impossible real. Characters who never existed before spring to life, strange and wonderful creatures walk and breathe, and the worlds they inhabit become as tangible as our own. That magic inspired me to write THE BOOK KNIGHTS. I believe the power of words is humanity’s greatest gift, our Holy Grail, and my story asks the question: What if that gift was stolen?
I decided to use the legend of King Arthur as my story’s template, starting with the discovery of a hero worthy of leading such a perilous quest to take back the power of words. But instead of Arthur Pendragon pulling the sword from the stone, I have Arti Penderhagen pull the words from the tome, and the “grail” she seeks is a book. Like Arthur, Arti will depend on the fealty of her knights—Gal, Gwen, and Lance—to complete her mission. That and the guidance of Merl, an old librarian who understands better than any the magic that words possess. With their help, Arti will try to discover the underlying truth that can save them. And that leads me to the second element that inspires my writing.
Facing fear and danger and death, the young book knights reveal the transformative power of love and friendship. They rely on each other for the strength and courage to succeed, even when the odds are stacked against them. The bonds between characters hold a magic all their own, and a good story cannot exist without them.
Finally, as an author I am driven by the desire to share the power of words with others. The “magic” doesn’t happen unless there are readers to experience it. In my work, I try my best to give readers what they deserve: a story that is worthy of their valuable time and money. I want them to lose themselves in the book, to become part of the world I’ve created, to really care about it. One early reviewer of THE BOOK KNIGHTS said it made her “laugh, cry, and cheer.” I could ask for no more.
As I search for the appropriate closing remarks about what inspired me to write THE BOOK KNIGHTS, something strange is happening. Arti and the others are telling me that their story isn’t over, that there are still more adventures ahead. In all honesty, a series was not in my plans. In fact, I’ve already started work on another project. But who am I to deny the book knights their desire to live on? I must embrace the magic.
J.G. McKenney
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