Come along as author Nicole Conway interviews her character Javid Broadfeather~
and don't miss the GIVEAWAY at the bottom!
He’s insanely brave, a terrible dancer, and the dragonrider who might just save two kingdoms from ruin—meet the mysterious Jaevid Broadfeather!
Hello and welcome, Jaevid! I understand this is your first interview. Can you tell us why you have been so reluctant to make a public appearance?
“To be honest, I’m not very good at public speaking. I grew up trying my best to remain unnoticed because any attention I received was the pretty much always the negative kind. It’s only been recently that I’ve found courage to step into the spotlight regardless of what people think of me.”
You’ve certainly come a long way. Do you have any advice for others who may be dealing with some bullying or discrimination?
“I’m not sure this counts as advice, but I know the point when things started to change for me was when I began to realize that the things other people hated about me were things I couldn’t change. They hated me just because they didn’t understand who I was or where I’d come from. But I am who I am, and those differences that set me apart from everyone else aren’t my weaknesses anymore. It can be the same for you, too. What makes you different doesn’t have to be something you’re ashamed of—in fact, it can be your greatest strength.”
That’s such an inspiring testimony! So, what’s it like to have a dragon so closely bonded with you?
“It can be the most amazing thing in the world, as long as he’s not hungry. Mavrik has been there for me during some really rough times. I tell people all the time—he’s not mount, he’s my friend. But sharing thoughts with him when he’s thinking about chomping into a deer or a cow is something I could do without.”
Yikes! That would be a pretty nasty image. Speaking of tough times, though, we heard this year’s battle scenario is supposed to be the hardest part of your training. Are you feeling confident about it?
“As confident as I can be. I’ve made it through some tough scrapes and close calls before. Hopefully it won’t be as bad as everyone says.”
Can you tell us anything about what you might expect to happen?
“Well, I know they’ll be testing our resolve in interrogation training. Supposedly they beat you up pretty badly, you know, to make sure you aren’t going to crack under pressure. That’s nothing new for me, though. I get beat up all the time! Then they force you to test your survival skills in the jungle. That’ll be extra difficult since this jungle is supposed to have a lot of dangerous wildlife from Luntharda.”
That sounds tough. Do you think everyone is up to that challenge?
“We’ve all gotten the same training. My instructor, Lieutenant Jace Rordin, tells me that morale is everything and these things are decided when we take our first step. If you have the wrong mindset, you’re doomed before you ever get started. Felix gets cocky sometimes, but he’s usually strong enough to back it up. Lyon? Well, he’s more of a follower. Hopefully he won’t get led into any more trouble.”
We can only hope, right? Well, we’re all dying to know about the upcoming annual officer’s ball. Do you have a special lady in mind you’d like to see there?
“Uh . . . well, sort of. I guess so. Yes. But I’m not very good with girls. Felix has tried to teach me to be charming, but he says I’m too nice and I usually get so nervous that I do or say something embarrassing. It’s like girls have some kind of secret code, and I don’t understand any of it. Sometimes they tell me I’m handsome, but I can never tell if they’re joking or not.”
Aww, I’m sure they’re being serious. So has becoming a dragonrider been everything you hoped it would be?
“I didn’t know what to expect when I started this journey. I never dreamed of being a dragonrider—I thought stuff like that was out of my reach. But being there now, and working so hard for this goal, has shown me that having a direction is the most important thing a man can have. It defines you, and it’s taught me to expect more from myself. So yes, I guess it has been everything I hoped. It’s been more than that, because now I have a chance at a future filled with pride rather than hiding in shame.”
Only last question, just because we’re all curious to learn more about who you really are behind the helmet. Once all this training is over, and the dust has finally settled, what will be your new goal to strive for?
“I haven’t really thought that far. Right now, things are just a daily struggle to survive the next phase of training. But if I have to answer, I guess I look forward to having a family of my own. I’d like to get married, and I’d like to be a father. Maybe that sounds weird, but almost dying on a regular basis tends to shift your perspective on what’s important in life.”
ABOUT AVIAN:
Title: Avian (The Dragonrider Chronicles #2)
Publication date: August 26, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Nicole Conway
What kind of power is lurking inside him?
After a year of training to become a dragonrider, Jaevid Broadfeather has been sent home to rest during a three-month interlude. But when he returns to find the king drake has chosen Beckah Derrick as his new rider, Jaevid realizes something big is about to happen. Every fiber of his being is pushed to the breaking point as Jaevid battles through his avian year, preparing for the final graduation test of the battle scenario. But there is more standing in his way than a few pushups and fancy sword moves.
Jaevid must face a new fear as he is tormented by a gruesome nightmare of a mysterious gray elf warrior murdering the royal family of Maldobar. It seems obvious to him that this is some kind of message about how the war started long ago—until Felix assures him the king is very much alive. With his strange powers growing stronger by the day, and that violent dream replaying in his mind every night, Jaevid no longer wonders if he will pass his avian year or not . . . he wonders if he will even survive it.
The truth will soon be set loose.
ABOUT NICOLE CONWAY:
Nicole is the author of the children’s fantasy series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES, about a young boy’s journey into manhood as he trains to become a dragonrider. She has completed the first two books in the series, and is now working on the third and final book.
Originally from a small town in North Alabama, Nicole moves frequently due to her husband’s career as a pilot for the United States Air Force. She received a B.A. in English with a concentration in Classics from Auburn University, and will soon attend graduate school.
She has previously worked as a freelance and graphic artist for promotional companies, but has now embraced writing as a full-time occupation.
Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves watching children’s movies and collecting books. She lives at home with her husband, two cats, and dog.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Link to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21525968-avian?ac=1
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Chapters Indigo! | TBD | IndieBound | iBooks
Giveaway Information: Winner will be drawn September 26, 2014
· Four (4) winners will receive a digital copy of Avian by Nicole Conway (INT)
· One (1) winner will receive a digital copy of Avian by Nicole Conway AND a $10 Amazon Gift Card or B&N Gift Card – Winner’s Choice (INT)
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