Orphan’s Song by Gillian Bronte Adams

Gillian Bronte Adams

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Nickname: Sidewinder—it’s my “wrangler name” at the camp I work at

Genre: Fantasy – the echoes of eternity

Personal Philosophy: Live each day as if it were your last

Fave Scripture (& why): So hard to choose! This is one of my current favorites: Psalm 46:10a “Be still, and know that I am God.” Sometimes our lives are so hectic that we need to just stop and stand still for a moment and remember how great and awesome our God is.

Fave Quote: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” –Les Brown

In high school I was a… Quiet one, dreamer, super competitive

Gillian in high school

Every generation has a Songkeeper—one chosen to keep the memory of the Song alive. And in every generation, there are those who seek to destroy the chosen one.

When Birdie’s song draws the attention of a dangerous Khelari soldier, she is kidnapped and thrust into a world of ancient secrets and betrayals. Rescued by her old friend, traveling peddler Amos McElhenny, Birdie flees the clutches of her enemies in pursuit of the truth behind the Song’s power.

Ky is a street-wise thief and a member of the Underground—a group of orphans banded together to survive … and to fight the Khelari. Haunted by a tragic raid, Ky joins Birdie and Amos in hopes of a new life beyond the reach of the soldiers. But the enemy is closing in, and when Amos’ shadowed past threatens to undo them all, Birdie is forced to face the destiny that awaits her as the Songkeeper of Leira.

Hi Gillian! I’m super excited to host you on our blog today to talk about your amazing debut novel, Orphan’s Song! Without further ado, let the interview begin!!

Whom did you have in mind when you wrote Orphan’s Song?

Honestly, it may sound kinda self-centered, but I had myself in mind when I wrote Orphan’s Song. I wrote it as the sort of fantasy I would have enjoyed reading once I figured devouring works by Lloyd Alexander and Andrew Peterson, not to mention all the books on my local library’s shelves.

Lloyd Alexander started me into the fantasy realm too! I don’t think I’ve read anything by Andrew Peterson though.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I didn’t have a specific message in mind when I wrote Orphan’s Song, but my desire is that my readers will be filled with a sense of hope and longing when they finally turn the last page and set the book down. In my writing, I strive to portray the “echoes of eternity.” To point to something greater than this world. To awaken the elusive desire that Tolkien and Lewis spoke of, a desire for the “far country.”

“Echoes of Eternity” – I love that. And how fitting with the song that percolates throughout your novel!

Which character is most like you and why?

There are definitely bits and pieces of me in each of the three main characters—Birdie, Amos, and Ky—but no one of them is exactly like me. Thanks goodness. Right now, I’m at the stage of my life where I’m figuring out my plans for the next few years, and then watching those plans either stand or unravel as God reveals His better plans for me. I don’t like not knowing. I like to be able to plot everything out. So I’m learning a lot about trust. And I can relate a lot to Birdie and her desire to figure out who and what she is and where she belongs in the world.

Hmm, I would want to meet Paddy. I feel like we would have quite an enjoyable conversation over coffee, and I would fall in love with his hint of an Irish accent and carefree attitude.

Want a chance to win a copy of Orphan’s Song? Gillian is running a launch contest on her blog for three super cool character themed prizes (think weapons, autographed books, music, awesomeness). The contest is almost over, and it’s super easy to enter, so don’t miss out! And don’t forget to tell her we sent you. 😉

You can connect with Gillian at her blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

AND NOW, TELL US, WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DRESSED AS FOR HALLOWEEN?