Enter The Kingdom of Author, Amory Cannon

Grab your tiaras, ladies and straighten your crowns, dear men, for we are plunging into the realm of a mythical place. My dear friend, Amory Cannon, is our guest today and is escorting us through her Young Adult series, The Broken Crown. But if that's not your cup of tea, she offers many other genres to  enjoy as well. Step closer to the thrones, my dears, and learn all about Amory and the Atlas Empire. . .

PT:  Welcome Amory! I'm so excited to be highlighting you and your new book. So, basics to start, tell us your genre, how long you’ve been writing, and what drew you to be a writer.

AC:  I started writing in the mystery/crime procedural genre about ten years ago, but lately I’ve been leaning more towards speculative or YA fiction. My first two books (Learning to Die and Warzone) fall into the mystery category, but my latest book (The Broken Crown) has a much more YA-feel to it. I’m currently finishing up the sequel to The Broken Crown.

PT:  Nice. A little something for everyone. Now tell our readers, do you have a day job and how does that influence your writing career?

AC:  I currently work as a clinical laboratory scientist, but before that I was a forensic scientist—yes, just like the CSI people. I worked in DNA specifically and loved it. It was definitely helpful to have the background when writing my first two novels, but because I was surrounding myself with so much crime and intensity both at work and in my writing time, I looked for an outlet that was a little more lighthearted. That’s when I stumbled into writing YA.

PT:  Ah, interesting. I've discovered a lot of not-so-young-adults who love YA. So, could you share the title of your new book and whether it is a standalone or part of a series?

AC:  My newest book is called The Desolate Reign. It’s the second book in a planned trilogy and follows The Broken Crown.

(The first book.)

PT:  Nice cover. I simply adore the font! (flutters face with an intricate oriental fan) When does your new book release and where is it set?

AC:  The Desolate Reign doesn’t have a firm release date yet, but I hope to have it ready to go by the end of the year. It’s set in the fictional Atlas Empire which is comprised of five (or six depending on who you ask) countries ruled by vassal kings and one emperor. The setting and culture have a lot of ancient Roman influences, but it’s definitely its own world.

(The second book.)

PT:  Intriguing. I love entering an entirely new world. Are there any characters in your books that resemble you most in personality?

AC:  I think I relate to most of my characters on some level—obviously some more than others. Emilia from The Broken Crown is who I’d like to be. She has her flaws for sure, but she’s courageous and considerate, and she always strives to do the right thing even if it costs her on a personal level.

PT:  Wouldn't we all like to be more like Emilia! And that's a fabulous lead to my next question. What’s the main Biblical theme/lesson in your new book?

AC: The Desolate Reign deals with choosing God’s plan over our own even when we can’t see the path in front of us. It focuses on not necessarily being the most qualified person to carry out God’s plan, but being willing to do whatever He calls us to because the task relies on His power working through us and not our own.

PT:  Indeed a maxim for us all. Now, my favorite. (sets down sceptre-spelled the British way, 'cause the interviewer secretly delights in British spellings-to rub hands together) Name 5 things fast about Amory Cannon that have nothing to do with writing.

AC: I have 2 dogs

        I’m a runner 

        Fall is my favorite season

        I love to travel

        And cookie dough is my weakness. 😊

PT:  Well, after all, who can resist cookie dough? (wink) Of course we all want to know your next project.

AC:  I’m jumping straight into the final book in The Broken Crown series. I also have plans for a romance currently titled To Whom It May Concern that I’ve had on the back-burner for a while now.

PT: Amory is giving away a copy of The Broken Crown to one lucky reader who leaves a comment. You'll be caught up and ready for her new release at the end of the year. Don't miss your opportunity to be entered, but if you cannot wait, go here to purchase The Broken Crown right now! 

And as always, thanks for joining us in the throne room of the Diamond Mine and getting to know author Amory Cannon a little better. Thanks for joining us, Amory!

Bio: Amory Cannon is an author of Young Adult and Romantic Suspense novels. Her favorite things include autumn (anything pumpkin spice), Harry Potter (proud Ravenclaw), and Sherlock Holmes. She published her first book under the name Amryn Cross while working as a forensic scientist. Her non-writing time is filled with running, crafting, and snuggling her two dogs—Luna and Argo. She currently resides in Tennessee.

Visit her website amorycannon.com or on Instagram @amory.cannon.