Interview with K.S. Krueger, Author of the Traegonia Series

Thank you for joining us today, Kim Krueger. Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself?

Thanks for having me, I am a wife and mom, I have three daughters ages 9, 11 and 21. We also have a dog, a cat, a love bird and a bunny rabbit. They all keep me very busy. 

When did you first get bit by the writing bug?

When my oldest daughter was 3 she had an allergic reaction to some medicine. I was at the time a single mom and stayed alone with her all night long in the hospital, sleeping very little. When she finally fell asleep I went into the quiet empty hallway with a pad of paper and started writing a story about a princess and a flower and have been writing stories and poetry ever since. 

Why did you decide to write stories for children?

I think the types of stories I write just choose me. I didn’t set out to write children’s stories and actually have other projects that are not geared toward children. It just seemed to work out that way; probably because I have children and in many ways they inspire me. 

Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?

No, I think writing is a creative outlet and when you let the stories flow and develop, any number of wonderful ideas can surface from that creative place within all of us.  

What is your favorite part of writing for young people?

My favorite part of writing whether it is for young people or the young at heart is the impact the stories have. When someone is touched by something I have written, or when someone who doesn’t like to read, is moved to pick up the book, because they saw the sculptures of the characters, or someone is inspired by the books, these are the moments that feed my soul and bring joy to my heart. 

Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?

My latest book, Traegonia the Ember Rune, is the continuing adventures of a young boy from the Midwest. But first let me tell you about book one. Traegonia the Sunbow Prophecy is about Dino, an average boy from the Midwest, who has a fateful encounter with two young Traegons, in a local forest. Traegons are sixteen inch tall forest dwelling creatures that resemble a cross between a troll and a wingless dragon. Looking beyond outward appearances, Dino chooses to find out more about them and discovers friendship in this most unlikely meeting. When the home of the Traegons, becomes threatened by an unscrupulous developer, Dino and his new friends Karia and Juna, must work together to stop the destruction that looms. An ancient Traegonian Prophecy is revealed and the three friends find that their friendship is the key that sets the prophecy in motion. Follow them as the adventure unfolds and the World of Traegonia is unveiled.

In Traegonia the Ember Rune, when Dino is faced with leaving, Karia and Juna, his two young Traegon friends, behind when his parents decide to take a vacation, the three devise a plan to smuggle Karia and Juna on board a plane to California. His family vacation turns into an adventure of a lifetime when they meet two young girls and a bold and a bit wild young Traegon named Fletch. This Northern California Mountain holds danger, mystery and a path of learning for each of these new friends.  Faced with forces of nature, a rogue cougar and the evolution of their own journeys, the group of unlikely friends must believe in themselves and each other to uncover the meaning of the Ember Rune and get off the mountain safely. New friendships are made, old ones are revealed and a new community of Traegons is introduced.

What inspired you to write it?

I was inspired to write the Traegonia series when a friend and former neighbor, Dino C. Crisanti, created a couple of the sculptures that would become Traegons. My husband went next door to help Dino move a piece of furniture and happened to see one of the creature sculptures. He thought they were so cool that he called me over to see them as well. The three of us talked about how cool it would be to give them a world and a life and since I loved to write the task was mine. I tell people all the time that inspiration can come from anywhere; you just have to be open to the possibilities.

Where can readers purchase a copy?

Both Traegonia the Sunbow Prophecy and Traegonia the Ember Rune are available through our website www.WorldofTraegonia.com, where you can also view the incredible sculptures of some of the characters. The books are also available through Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. You can also request the books at your local book store where they can order it for you as well.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

As I have already mentioned we have a full website with a market place to purchase the books, t-shirts and other really neat items. You can check out the meet the characters page to view the sculptures and the characters bios. We also have a contest page where we post writing contests and other creative contests. We have a curriculum available for teachers and educators to download for free if they would like to use the books in their classroom. If you would like to see additional pictures from some of the events we have attended and those we will be attending, you can follow us on our Facebook page at World of Traegonia.

What is up next for you?

We are currently working on the third book in the series, which is yet to be titled, but I can give you a little sneak peek into what is coming. In book three, Dino, Karia and Juna head to New York, where small groups of rogue Traegons have taken up residence within the city. I could go on but I won’t you’ll just have to wait until it is done. There are also 10 illustrations in the first book and as requested by our readers, ‘more pictures’, there are 20 illustrations in the second book. We will have at least that many in book 3. 

Do you have anything else to add?

Oh, yes I do, I almost forgot to tell you about our sightings page. On our website at www.worldoftraegonia.com we have a page where you can view a book trailer for The Sunbow Prophecy as well as other sightings and investigations. Because Traegons live anywhere there is earth, trees and places where they can hide and remain undiscovered, they are all over the world and sometimes closer than you might think. So the next time you are walking through the park or your local forest and you hear a noise in the brush, look carefully, because as my 9year old says, “It’s not always a squirrel mom!” Take a look and decide for yourself…Do they Exist?

Do you Believe?

Thank you for spending time with us today, Kim. We wish you much success.

Thank you, and always Believe!