Interview with The Dragon Lady, Donita K Paul

Nickname: Dragon Lady

Genre: Christian Fantasy and Romance

Personal Philosophy: Love others as you would have them love you.

Fave Scripture (& why): I have favorite Scriptures for different circumstances. Not one overall verse.

Fave Quote: “Fairy tales do not give the child his first idea of bogey. What fairy tales give the child is his first clear idea of the possible defeat of bogey.” G. K. Chesterton

Paraphrase:  “Fairy tales are more than true — not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten.” Neil Gaiman

In high school, I was an observer.

Donita’s pet Dwarf Netherland lop-eared bunny

Donita K Paul is the author of One Realm Beyond and Two Renegade Realms, books #1 and #2 of the Realm Walkers Trilogy. Here is an excerpt from Two Renegade Realms:

Bixby hurried to her patient’s side. “You’re awake. Let me give you a drink.”

“There was one brew you gave me last night that tasted like it’d been dipped from a frog pond. The other one was all right.”

Bixby wrinkled her nose. “I’m afraid it’s the frog pond for now. It eases your pain and allows you to think clearly.”

“What does the other one do?”

“Allows you to rest and keeps you from vomiting.”

“Well, I’ve got something to tell you, so I guess I’ll swallow the pond water.”

Bixby hesitated. “You do know that it isn’t really pond water?”

“I know. It would help if I could hold my nose.”

“Your nose is broken.”

“I know.”

Cantor heard the humor in the wounded man’s voice. He stepped closer and caught him winking at Bixby.

“I’ll help hold him up so he can drink.” Cantor positioned himself at the head of the bed. He could brace against the frame and keep it from swaying. He could also redirect any inappropriate conversation should the man feel like one last flirt with a pretty girl.

Bixby squinted her eyes at him. Cantor, he’s dying. 

These guards can be rough individuals. I just don’t want him talking to you like you were a bar room floozy.

She giggled. Bar room floozy?

Cantor did not want to be diverted. Doesn’t this man need a drink? His medicine?

She went away to fix the potion. When she came back, Cantor held the guard, gently lifting him by the shoulders and supporting his head against his chest. Jesha moved aside, hopping off the bed and exiting the cabin.

The guard drank the smelly brew all at once.

Bixby smiled at him. “I put spoonfuls of Old Trout’s honey in it. Was it any better?”

Cantor lowered him carefully before the patient answered. “It was sweeter . . . but still pond water.”

Bixby heaved a big sigh. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I figure you won’t be able―” He grunted. “―to pour many more of those down me before I die.”

Bixby remained silent for a moment. Cantor thought the sorrow on her face would tear a hole in his heart.

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Ms. Paul, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to share with us today. 

Whom did you have in mind when you wrote Two Renegade Realms?

I write stories I want to read and that I think my grandchildren will enjoy.

I know I enjoy them. 🙂 What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

To be careful with their lives. Each circumstance is an opportunity. Our choices must be based on Truth, not on a situation. A firm foundation is the only way to have a joyful life.

Making decisions based on feeling or circumstance without a firm foundation is certainly a scary prospect. Which character is most like you and why?

Today I feel like Bixby, an enthusiastic being who is so much more than appearances would define.

Today I feel like Bridger’s cat. Ready to curl up in a ball and take a nap. 😉

If you could meet one of your characters in real life, which one would it be and what would you do together?

Chomountain, the Right Hand of Primen. Talk, laugh, explore, and serve.

I really lliked Chomountain, a character introduced in book 2. He’s a great addition to the ensemble!

Thank you for sharing with us today, Ms. Paul!

The adventure begins in book #1, One Realm Beyond.

Lisa Godfrees

GIVEAWAY – Ms. Paul will be sending a signed paperback of Two Renegade Realms to someone living in the USA. Head over to my blog, lisagodfrees.com, and comment for a chance to win.

FOR A 2ND CHANCE TO WIN, TELL ME – If you could travel anywhere in the world, or outside the world, where would you want to go?