Kelli Swofford Nielsen graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in teaching English. She and her husband, Jeff, live in Chicago, Illinois, with their two sons. Journey to the Fringe is Kelli’s debut novel.
Visit Kelli’s WEBSITE.
LDSWBR: Do you find it easier or more difficult to write during the summertime? Why?
KELLI: Even though the summer can be busy, I actually think it is easier for me to write when the sun is shining and I am having good experiences out of doors to keep me fresh and more intellectually alert.
LDSWBR: Would you rather be in the pool or next to the pool?
KELLI: I would rather be in the pool than next to it. I like to play with my kids. Also, I’m not a fan of that skin scorching sensation, so I’m not much for “laying out.”
LDSWBR: Ice cream or slushie? What flavor?
KELLI: I love ice cream, and am not picky about flavors. This month I’m favoring Breyers black raspberry chocolate.
LDSWBR: Mmm, that sounds delicious. Thanks, Kelli!
Journey to the Fringe (The Stone Mage Wars, Vol. 1) by Kelli Nielsen
Long ago, Stone Mages were revered in Lyria. They were men and women who could use powerful tradestones to harness their unique gifts of wind, rain, and earth to help those around them. But war with the Southern realm has threatened the mages with extinction. The truth about the tradestones has been lost, and the remaining magic is dwindling.
When Princess Ivy, the beloved daughter of the king, is abducted, it seems that all hope for Lyria is lost as well. But when an unlikely group of loyal subjects embarks on a dangerous journey to the far-distant Fringe, the hope of restoring crown and kingdom is renewed. Among the group is Simon, a fool with wisdom beyond his years; Gilda, a nonmagical witch; Burr, a young thief; and Merrick, a jaded sea captain. Their quest will test their courage, their strength, and their friendship.
But at the Fringe, they encounter a truth that will change everything they thought they knew about themselves, and this small band of heroes must embrace the power that is their birthright and stand together as Stone Mages of Lyria.
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Prizes include a $25 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions HERE.
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Book prizes donated by the authors include:
Reality Check by Karen Tuft
Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson
Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Nielsen
Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena (choice of print, Kindle or Nook)
Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson
Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen
16 Responses to “Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Nielsen – Countdown to Summer 2012”
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Kelli Nielsen is my sister-in-law, and I am always amazed at her talent and writing abilities. I love reading her poems and stories. She has a unique way of capturing peoples attention. I enjoyed reading her book, and I look forward to watching her writing talent grow as she continues to publish more books.
Another great book to put on my “To Read” list! I love the cover, and the synopsis has me wanting for more! I can already tell that this will be one book my family and I will enjoy!
I saw this at Deseret Book and it looked so interesting and unique! Can’t wait to read a book by a fellow USU graduate!
A nonmagical witch and a fool with wisdom beyond his years? A pair of intriguing paradoxes that only attract me to this book even more! This book sounds great!
This book looks amazing, it’s already on my to be read list!
This book looks amazing, it’s already on my to be read list! I can’t wait to read it.
I haven’t heard of this book yet, but the description sounds very intriguing! I always love a good fantasy.
This book sounds interesting!! I love the cover with the red cape adding a great pop of color!
I went to USU as well!! This book–who doesn’t love a story with a princess in it? I can’t wait to read it!
Another book to add to my to read list. Thanks so much for reviewing all these great books and for the interviews with the authors. I love to have so many to chose from. Looking forward to reading this book.
Thanks for the heads up on these books. I don’t know that this is the type I’d usually seek out, but I read the sample on Deseret Book and it was really interesting.
Sounds interesting, perhaps on the challenges of good overcoming evil? The description of the characters is appealing.
I wonder if this will be a series? I also love the cover and think that the plot of the book sounds very interesting. I love finding new books through the countdowns.
A small band of misfits who go on an adventure to help others and learn about themselves in the process, sounds like my kind of book. I am sorry to say that I have never heard of this book before reading this review but now that I know about it I am really excited to read it and share it with my friends and family.
I’m like Kelli in that I’m not much for laying out in the sun, either. And not only do I not care for that, I also don’t much love hot tubs or saunas. They just seem to drain the energy right out of me. I have to say, though, there is the rare occasion where they are relaxing instead of life-draining.
Congrats to Kelli on her debut novel!
This looks like a great book – I am always amazed at the creativity of those who make up new lands and folklore. Can’t wait to read it.