An interview with IBOR entrant Kate Kelly

Author name: Kate Kelly

Book entered: Dragons of Dunmoray

Sale link to book: https://amzn.to/3NQKTdJ

If you were telling a fellow fantasy reader about your book over a drink, how would you describe it?

Dragons of Dunmoray is a story about the dragon war set in modern day Scotland. The war has been raging as long as the world has existed. And now the dragons are stirring again.

Alba MacGregor can see the dragons. She thinks she is alone in this. But she is not. But she is alone in one respect – for only she can stop the war.

What made you decide to enter IBOR, and what are you hoping this competition gives your book?

I spotted it on X. I had entered SPFBO for the first time but missed out on the lottery. To see someone taking an initiative like this was so refreshing. I couldn’t pass the opportunity by.

Who do you think your book is really for?
This isn’t your typical fantasy, and although there is a romantic sub plot its very much not Romantasy. I think it will appeal best to readers who don’t have any strong preset expectations from the genre and are willing to open their minds and embrace the different.

What do you think your book does best?
A tricky question. I would say it’s the worldbuilding. I’m a scientist by trade, specifically geophysics, and this story blends the science of Earth, geology, vulcanology, oceanography and meteorology with dragons. But don’t expect the science to be realistic. This is pure fantasy, with dragons, lots of dragons

What kind of experience are you trying to give the reader?
I hope the reader enjoys the ride. It’s going to be wild.

Are there any fantasy books that feel like a good ‘neighbour’ for yours on a shelf?
I would say Anne McCaffrey’s dragons would sit well beside mine. They’re very different but are definitely an influence.

Has the book changed since it was first released?
I haven’t changed it since release but one thing I did learn was that maybe I didn’t target the right ARC readers, since from their reviews they were expecting something a bit more traditional.

Is this a standalone or part of something bigger?
Dragons of Dunmoray is very much a standalone. The resolution is complete, so there really isn’t scope for a sequel.

What’s a piece of feedback you’ve had that made you stop and think, “Yeah, that’s fair”?
Some of the readers have remarked that they didn’t really warm to Alba, but that’s fair enough. She’s a complex and flawed character, dealing with childhood trauma and taking on a huge burden in her life. She doesn’t always handle situations perfectly. She’s very human in that respect.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Inspiration is all around. You just have to learn to look. For me it’s often a scientific article, or a snippet of history, or even just a place, that triggers a chain of thought that can spiral off in all sorts of directions if I let it.

Are you working on anything currently?

At the moment I’m dabbling in crime, which is a bit of a digression for me, but a lot of fun.

Why do you think IBOR is the right place for this book?
Having missed out on the SPSFBO lottery this competition is a great opportunity, not just to reach more potential readers, but to network with other fantasy authors. I’m discovering a lovely community which for me is the biggest bonus.