Thursday, April 12, 2018

Guest Post with Liz Long

Photo Content from Liz Long





1. This story was inspired by a post my brother shared a couple years ago about lab experiments on mice (though I won't say any more due to possible spoilers!). A friend joked I should write a story based on the thought I had for it, and when I couldn't get it out of my head, I knew I had to write it. I wrote the book in a record (for me) four months while finishing up my Donovan Circus series.

2. This is a YA dystopian story (2 books total) with LGBT themes. Much of the story is about the struggle in being true to yourself in a world where you're explicitly told not to, as well as fighting for a better future when all your options seem hopeless.

3. My dream cast would include Selena Gomez as Reina Torres, John Barrowman (Malcolm Merlyn of CW's Arrow) as King Magnus Brighton, Zendaya as Iris, Jeremy Irons as Instructor Ford and The Runaways actress Virginia Gardner as Princess Helena Brighton.

4. THE GOLDEN CITY is the duology's sequel, due out in September. Now that we've seen the world of Brighton, readers will be thrown into the world of rebels. And I have to admit, it was really fun to write! I loved the new characters that were brought in, as well as the twists that take place. One character in particular, who is also in the first book, really steps up in a surprising way to prove their commitment to taking the monarchy down.

5. I read a ton of dystopian books that revolve around government, i.e. The Hunger Games, Divergent, Darkest Minds and more. "Research," right? So instead of different factions or geographical areas, Brighton and KEY have industries, such as Business, Technology, Media, Education, and Healthcare, plus a few more. Students choose what to study so they can best serve Brighton. Reina ends up choosing the Media industry, which accidentally leads her into private interview with the King, and it spirals from there. 

6. Chapter 1 was the first chapter I wrote. The second chapter I wrote was the last chapter! KEY, the acronym for King's Education for Youth, came to me somewhere in between.

7. The cover was designed by Molly Phipps of We Got You Covered Design. Bless her, she did such a wonderful job, especially given that I had next to no details to give her (I mean, who can create something out of "Uh, definitely some blood on the cover"?!). Graphic designers are brilliant!

8. This is my 11th full-length novel, and the first of my books that doesn't have either a gifted world Easter egg (from my Donovan Circus and Heroes of Arcania worlds), or any references to Southwest Virginia, where I reside.

9. My editor finished the first book and was angry that I didn't immediately have the sequel ready for her. That's probably a good sign, right?

10. There's a bit of a play on some of the names:
King Magnus Brighton = "Magnus" is Latin for "Great"
Reina Torres = Queen of the Tower (The Tower is where the King resides in Brighton...get it?)
Helena, the Princess = a spin on Helen of Troy, because Princess Helena is as beautiful as the legend
Fiona, Reina's roommate = an Irish name meaning "fair, white" - a play on a play, as yes, she's a redheaded, fair-skinned girl, but also fair in the sense of right and wrong













You can purchase The Blood King at the following Retailers:

Thank you LIZ LONG for making this giveaway possible.
3 Winners will receive an E-Copy of Heroes of Arcania: SuperNova by Liz Long.


  1. I have dreamed of retirement lol, esp when I WAKE UP so sore from my job

  2. I've dreamed of learning a new language.

  3. I dream of my first cup of coffee of the day.

  4. I want to go see the Grand Canyon.

  5. I dream of the day I can retire.

  6. I have been dreaming of going to Disney World. Thanks for the giveaway!

  7. Yes there is something I dreamed of doing for a long time but not anymore