Author CJ McKee has been writing short stories and doing other forms of art and music since he was young. “Creativity is utmost in my endeavors.” Please welcome him to No Wasted Ink.

Greetings! I’m C.J. McKee and I’ve been writing or doing some sort of creative thing for many years. Music, art, you name it which includes making costumes and going to fantasy/sci-fi conventions! I love to dabble in new things!

When and why did you begin writing?

I first got the writing bug way back in grade and high school. However, I didn’t pick it up again, and more seriously until much later. I always loved dragons since as far back as I can remember. In literature, I felt they were never written as anything other than a pest or dangerous being. I wrote my own version, a short story starting in the late 90’s and continued to build on the “realms” until it became a published novel.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

The moment I sat down to write novels. I wrote short stories before that but hadn’t seriously considered publishing. Once I set my mind to it and had them edited and published I knew.

Can you share a little about your current book with us?

Blood and Bane: The Dragon Sage Chronicles is about the Realms ruled by Dragons. All who reside on the land are under the Sovereign Dragons’ rule and must not defile the Land nor harm the balance of the Realms of Arydd. If they do, they suffer the wrath of the Dragons. The Dragon Sage. a wizard of sorts is the liaison between those in the realms and the Sovereigns. He must train others in the art of magic in order to help watch over the humans. For there are those who wish to defile the land for their own selfish needs.

What inspired you to write this book?

Dragons typically are seen or written as being hoarders, dangerous, deadly and a general nuisance. I wanted to portray them in a more positive light. I have loved dragons all my life and wanted to put a positive spin on them. Additionally, how many dragons do you know who are rulers over humans and other life forms?

Do you have a specific writing style?

I’d like to think I have my own, third person with some inner dialogue of the characters. I’ve been told my writing reminds them of Christopher Paolini (Eragon).

How did you come up with the title of this book?

The story revolves around family ties and dark magicks. Those who’re bad guys (evil wizards) are called banes. The Dragon Sage Chronicles refers to the main character, Galddor who is a liaison between the Realms and the Sovereign Dragons.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Don’t take the world around you for granted.

Are experiences in this book based on someone you know or events in your own life?

No, however, the amber eyes of the dragons is in honor to my dog who passed away in 2001.

What authors have most influenced your life? What about them do you find inspiring?

Ray Bradbury. His writing is one of my favorite styles to read. His descriptions are beyond compare and his ideas are incredible. JRR Tolkien for the fantasy aspect, of course. He created the world that forever changed fantasy novels for years to come.

If you had to choose, is there a writer would you consider a mentor? Why?

Ray Bradbury. I felt he was my boyhood hero because of his ability to write a science fiction world that spoke to me. Also, I met him and saw one of his lectures many years ago. A bright, enthusiastic man who saw the world through the eyes of wonder and potential.

Who designed the cover of your book? Why did you select this illustrator?

I did. I dabble in many styles of art and had this idea for the cover that I thought conveyed the amber eyes of the dragons as well as their ever watching gaze on the land.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Read, learn and absolutely get an editor for your writing if you intend to publish. It is well worth it!!!

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I hope you enjoy the world I have created. May you watch the second moon rise with someone you love…

C.J. McKee
Whitefish, Montana

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Blood and Bane: The Dragon Sage Chronicles

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