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