BooksChatter: ℚ Sacred Legacy: The Branded Trilogy [3]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Kat Flannery to talk about Sacred Legacy (31 July 2016, Imajin Books, 234 pages), a Historical western paranormal romance, book three of The Branded Trilogy series.

“A Cherokee man, a Gypsy woman, a magic ruby, a wonderful, captive love story. One of the few stories that captured me from beginning to end.” —USA Today Bestselling author, Rosanne Bittner

“Sacred Legacy will immerse you in a harrowing journey of anger and bitterness that only love and forgiveness can heal. You won’t soon forget Tsura and Red Wolf’s journey.” —Kristy McCaffrey, Award-winning author of the WINGS OF THE WEST

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to Kat Flannery; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Sacred Legacy?

"My inspiration for SACRED LEGACY was my brother, Joe. He passed away in 2014 and I promised I would write him a happy ending…one that he didn’t get while on this earth."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"With this book I placed a lot of my emotions in the characters, it was a good outlet for me while grieving the loss of my brother. I was able to create true real raw characters with real problems and real emotions, and I pulled from my own heartache to write them."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Sacred Legacy - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I love the cover for this book. In fact Ryan Thomas Doan, graphic designer for my publisher Imajin Books, designed all of the covers for The Branded Trilogy.

When I was asked what I saw for the cover I wanted to have a tree and not just any tree, but the Rowan tree because it holds great significance within the story."

Why should we read Sacred Legacy and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"The Branded Trilogy is unique due in part to the gypsy theme and the magick, but there is also history within the stories.

There are characters that suffered, longed for love, wanted revenge, withheld forgiveness, and yet all of them still held onto hope. There was hope within the protagonists for a new life, new love, new beginnings, and hope within the antagonists for similar things.

I write what I love to read, and those are stories full of everything, historical, suspense, romance, and paranormal. I want to give my readers the full menu when entering into one of my novels, and I hope I have succeeded."

Can you tell us something quirky about Sacred Legacy, its story and characters?

"I held a contest when I was plotting this book. I asked my readers for two character names. These characters were to be henchmen, bodyguards to my evil Corsair. What ensued was a list of some really funny odd names and I chose these two: Gaspard and Meril."

Who would you recommend Sacred Legacy to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I would recommend the trilogy to be read by anyone over the age of 17, due to some graphic scenes."

If you could / wished to turn Sacred Legacy and the The Branded Trilogy series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Otakatay: Jason Momoa, Nora: Kate Beckinsale, Pril: Isla Fisher, Kade: Jason Lewis, Tsura: Mila Kunis, Red Wolf: Martin Sensmeier. Director: Ben Affleck."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"My main love is to write historical. I love learning new things and I enjoy the research. I’d never thought to write paranormal, not that I didn’t want to, but it was not the path I wanted to go with my writing. I love westerns, and I love romance. However, I really love paranormal because I can explore the darker side to my writing and I get to go beyond the basics when creating a plot, I get to discover magick."

What is your writing process?

"Well it is kind of all over the place.

When I’m plotting I let the story come to my jotting down bits and pieces as it appears. But when I am in full swing and writing I set a goal of 2000 words a day and I make it no matter what. This can become a challenge especially when I’ve got no creative juices and I’m staring at a blank computer screen.

I need music when I write and candles burning."

What is in store next?

"I will be finishing my novella series The Montgomery Sisters. These stories are western historical romance and follow the three sisters, Fern, Poppy and Ivy."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?