Welcome back for another posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) and my irregular weekly blog post. Why irregular you ask? Well, because I’ve turned my blog over to an amazing writer and friend whose book is out this week. Breanna dropped by to share info. about tomorrow’s release of her debut novel and to answer a few pressing questions about her interesting protagonist Corcoran Gray. Come closer and find out why you simply must check out this book.

First off, Breanna, what is the Lord of Secrets about? 

Outlaw wizard Corcoran Gray has enough problems. He’s friendless, penniless and on the run from the tyrannical Mages’ Guild – and with the search for his imprisoned grandfather looking hopeless, his situation can’t get much worse.

So when a fugitive drops into his lap – literally – and gets them both arrested, it’s the last straw – until Gray realises that runaway slave Brix could be the key to his grandfather’s release. All he has to do is break out of prison, break into an ancient underground temple and avoid killing himself with his own magic in the process.

In theory, it’s simple enough. But as secrets unfold and loyalties shift, Gray discovers something with the power to change the nature of life and death itself.

Now Gray must find a way to protect the people he loves, but it could cost him everything, even his soul . . .

With the humour of V.E. Schwab, the scale of Trudi Canavan and the deftness of Naomi Novik, Lord of Secrets is a heartwarming fantasy novel about saving the people you love without destroying the world (or yourself).

Oh, oh, oh. More. I want to know more. 

What do you want to know?

Well, I would think having a main character with as strong a sense of humor as the author could result in some serious writing shenanigans. How did Corcoran Gray respond to you trying to force him into compliant writing corners? 

It always sounds a little weird to talk about characters as though they’re real people who can resist you, but that’s definitely how it feels, and Gray is…not somebody that you can force very easily. For example, I first tried to write the book in third person, and he pretty much sat down and refused to talk until I let him narrate. And then he wouldn’t enact the ending that I wanted the book to have, either. Gray’s a snot. I love him, but he’s a snot. It’s disconcerting to argue with someone you made, and it doesn’t seem possible–but, then again, I have kids.

How does a grumpy outlaw mage feel about a bunch of readers finding out about his powerful secrets?

He’d love the chance to show you how smart he is. He’s an outlaw because he’s got problems with authority in general, but in particular with the authority that says “you’re allowed to study this, but not that.” I think if he existed in our world Gray would probably be running some sort of anonymous Tumblr or YouTube channel with a name like “GUILD MAGIC SECRETS EXPOSED!” where he would post long, irritated explanations of various spells and why they’re only dangerous if you’re stupid about them.

Now, his personal secrets, those are different. I think he would run screaming from the “so, are you married?” sort of questions at your average neighborhood barbecue.

Last, but most certainly not least, I know we get our dose of the curmudgeonly Corcoran Gray tomorrow, but is that all? When will get more of him?

He’ll be back next year! The sequel to Lord of Secrets is called Lady of Shadows (see what we did there?) and it will be out in the spring of 2020. It’s about law and identity and bias and the challenges of building relationships…and traps and mummies and body-snatchers. I’m excited and very, very nervous to find out what people think of it.

I lied. I have one more question. How do we buy a book released in England? 

My wonderful publisher, Jo Fletcher Books, is a UK imprint. Due to how weird publishing territories work, this means (sadly) that ebooks won’t be available in the US until next year at the earliest. Paperbacks, however, can be ordered from the Amazon UK page (note: NOT the Amazon US page) and shipped to the US and they don’t cost a million dollars to ship (I checked, mine cost $24 altogether). Other folks have been able to order Lord of Secrets on the Dutch Amazon site, and a range of British and Australian shops are carrying it. I promise to let you know the minute I have information about a US ebook!

Thanks for stopping by, Breanna! For everyone else, you can learn more about Breanna by following her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or checking out her website. Or, just go buy the book.