Kerelyn is an author I met via Instagram during the February #authorlifemonth2020 event (for lack of a better term). I enjoyed the photos she shared with the community, and when she started to share snippets of her new book, I knew she’d make a great interview. Also, I get to interview a Squirrelmonk which is pretty special.

Her debut book called Mulrox and the Malcognitos will be released on March 29. You can preorder the ebook from most online retailers.

You can preorder the print book by calling and requesting from your local indie bookstore, or ordering on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or wherever books are sold.

She’s also got a beautiful hardcover version that you can get at IndieBound.org.

IT, Music, and Smithing

Emily: Are you a full-time author?

Kerelyn: No, I work as a software engineer at a startup in Seattle.

Emily: Nice. How are you enjoying that? I am always intrigued by super creative writers who have day jobs that are very logical and left-brainy. I hope you’re able to telework during these crazy times.

Kerelyn: Yes, I’m really lucky to be able to work from home right now. I’m really grateful that they made that possible.

And Yes, I really enjoy my day job! I only recently became a software engineer. My degree is in English Literature, so it was not a natural leap.

I worked in the software industry for about a decade, doing all the other jobs: technical writer, business analyst, UI/UX designer, systems analyst, project manager. But I got tired of not being the one actually making the software.

So I decided to teach myself to code. It was important to me to find a job that I would be happy with regardless of what happened with my writing career.

Being a software engineer is a demanding career, and it can be a lot to balance these two passions. But having a job that I love gives me energy.

I like to call attention to my strange background because I think there is a common misconception that to be a software engineer as a woman, you have to have a super technical background and have been really into math and computers all your life. It’s a demanding and difficult job in many ways, but it primarily requires logical thinking, organization, tenacity, and curiosity.

I’d encourage anyone to try out coding and see what they think. It can be really fun and addictive.

Emily: It’s funny that you commented on one of my photos on Instagram saying that we have so much in common because this seems like another area where we’re alike. I studied Mass Communications, but eventually ended up in systems doing UI/UX, then taught myself front-end development, and on to testing and project management. I did like to code as well. It was like a puzzle. Back you, though! What hobbies do you have?

Kerelyn: I’ve had a lot of different strange hobbies at different times in my life. Right now with the book launch, I’m pretty much all-in on my day job and writing. Generally, besides reading, I also love to be outside (hiking, gardening, running). I’ve played soccer most of my life. And I love to play music. My main instrument is saxophone, but I also play guitar, bass, and piano.

Emily: Wow, you’re super talented. Please tell me you were part of a band! What kind of music do you play?

Kerelyn: Yes! I’ve been in several bands. I’ve played in a lot of jazz groups, a ska group, a funk group, a sort of indie-rock/punk duo, and some more experimental bands. It’s been a while since I’ve played as much as I would like. We've been living in apartments for years, which limited what we could do. But I'm hoping to play more again soon.

Emily: That’s so awesome. You’ve just listed a bunch of music I like. What are the other hobbies?

Kerelyn: In the past, I’ve enjoyed hobbies like welding, blacksmithing, painting, dancing, needle felting, and baking.

I feel like the common thread is making things and being outside, so let’s just settle on that.

Emily: Wait, what? I’ve always wanted to try blacksmithing! What did you make?

Kerelyn: You should try it! It’s super fun.

I made a chair with a tree growing up the back and vines wrapping around it. It looks nice but is one of the most uncomfortable chairs ever made. We jokingly call it a torture device.

Emily: Haha…it’s like you built the Iron Throne.

Kerelyn: I also made a human-sized set of wings. The underlying bone structure is the component I blacksmithed. The feathers were plasma-cut from sheet metal and then ground to have a feathered pattern. I welded the top layer on and tied the others on through loops so that the feathers can move.

Emily: Oh my gosh…I envision something steampunk and fantastic. Do you have any tips? Most importantly, do you watch Forged in Fire?

Kerelyn: As for tips, do not wear giant pants, and always pull back your hair. I definitely had both catch on fire (only briefly; it was only mildly alarming).

Also, even though they always show blacksmiths as giant burly dudes, it just takes knowing how to swing a hammer with purpose, which anyone can learn. I’m a very small person: 5' 1" on a good day. It might go faster if you’re bigger, but you can definitely do it.

I haven’t heard of Forged In Fire. I’ll have to check that out.

Emily: You absolutely must. What do people tell you is the most interesting thing about you?

Kerelyn: I'm not sure anyone's ever told me what they found most interesting about me. Because a lot of the things I enjoy tend to be male-dominated, people are usually a bit surprised by me, if not interested.

More Books for the TBR!

Emily: What have you read from middle school or high school—or any time—that just stuck with you?

Kerelyn: When I was in elementary school, I was absolutely in love with the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede. The series is mostly about Princess Cimorene, who runs away from her life to become a dragon’s princess. The books are hilarious and light-hearted. They play with the fairytales we all know and love and turn them on their heads. It was while reading these books that I first remember saying, I want to be a writer.

Emily: It sounds hilarious, and I’ve just added it to my TBR.

Kerelyn: I think my next obsession was the His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman. The Golden Compass remains one of my favorite books of all time. I loved the idea of daemons, an animal companion that is the embodiment of your soul. This world is so vivid and harsh, and Lyra, the main character, faces it all with such courage and determination. Plus, it’s just so cool!!

Emily: Real quick, what would your animal companion be? I think everyone knows mine is an octopus because I don’t shut up about it.

Kerelyn: Hmmm, I don't know. The animal I'm most often associated with is a bear. So probably a bear, but possibly something a lot less imposing.

Emily: Ok, back to the books!

Kerelyn: In middle school, I adored The Song of the Lioness quartet. These books were so important to me and my friends. The protagonist, Alanna, is a girl who disguises herself as a boy and runs away to be a knight. She deals with things like getting her period, relationships, sexism, responsibility, and finding out how to be herself. Not only is Alana a strong female character, but she is a full person. She has flaws and has to deal with all the same little problems all the rest of us face.

Emily: Ok, adding that to my TBR as well. So what are you currently reading?

Kerelyn: I’m currently reading Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman. I think it’s classified as YA, but I’d say it could also be considered adult fantasy. I’m not very far into it, but so far it’s about a girl who’s ruined herself (had a baby out of wedlock), who runs away with a quigtul (a lizard/dragon creature) and goes searching for the world serpents. I absolutely loved Hartman’s earlier books, Seraphina and Shadow Scale. This one is shaping up to be just as good. Hartman’s narrative voice is really impressive, and I love spending time in the world she’s created.

Emily: What are you reading next?

Kerelyn: Not sure yet! Likely The Eye of Ra, a middle-grade adventure novel by Ben Gartner, about siblings who find themselves transported to ancient Egypt.

Emily: What did you read last? These interviews really do cause my TBR to go insane.

Kerelyn: The Secret of Zoone by Lee Edward Födi. This is a hilarious and really fun fantasy adventure novel about a young boy named Ozzie who finds a door that leads to Zoone. Zoone is the nexus of the multiverse, a world with doors to all the other worlds. It’s as fun as it sounds!

Emily: That sounds really fun, and I get the sense that you’re into Fantasy—YA and school age? Do you have a preferred genre?

Kerelyn: I’ve lately been on a big Kidlit and Fantasy kick because that's the genre I'm writing in. But I also love reading classic literature, science fiction, YA, and literary fiction. I’ll read most things, as long as I like the narrative voice.

Ogre Poets. That’s What I Said…Ogre Poets

Emily: How long have you been writing?

Kerelyn: I think since before I actually could write. A few years ago, I found a book my mom had transcribed for me buried in the back of my parents' cabinet. It was about a bear eating my older brother….

Emily: Hahaha! Writers have so much power. Which of your books should we read first?

Kerelyn: Mulrox and the Malcognitos! It’s my only published book so far. There will be others soon I hope!

Emily: Tell us what it’s about!

Kerelyn: Mulrox and the Malcognitos is about ogre poets, bad ideas come to life, and embracing your imperfections.

Mulrox the ogre wants to be the greatest poet in the world. Unfortunately, all of his ideas are terrible. Then the worst thing he can imagine happens; his bad ideas, the malcognitos, come to life. Mulrox soon finds himself on a quest to save the malcognitos, with his sassy pet toad, quirky neighbor, and a hoard of mischievous bad ideas.

It’s an exciting adventure novel, but it’s also about a young ogre’s struggle to belong, find his voice, and battle perfectionism.

Emily: Adding that to my TBR. Fantasy?

Kerelyn: It’s a middle-grade fantasy adventure novel. I wrote it in the style of some of the classic read-aloud books like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Wind in the Willows, so although it’s aimed at children, it should be enjoyable for anyone who likes a good adventure.

Emily: That would be me, as I love a good adventure. I’d like to get to know your characters. Which one should I interview and why?

Kerelyn: I’d say you should interview one of these three characters, your choice.

Yahgurkin - Mulrox’s quirky neighbor who loves all the things an ogre isn’t supposed to and is just unapologetically herself. She’s always dreaming up her next crazy idea and can’t be bothered with the practicalities of reality.
Yvwi - He’s the ringleader of the malcognitos. He’s rabidly cheerful, sarcastic, and generally unhelpful.
Rodenia - Rodenia is an extremely vain and self-centered Squirrelmonk: a mystical rodent who gives prophecies with the help of her golden walnut.

Your choice!

Emily: Oh my goodness…this is going to require some thought. While I think, let’s go through a few fun questions.

The So-Called Fun Questions

Emily: What are you binge-watching?

Kerelyn: Nothing really at the moment, but I’ve been rewatching The Office, New Girl, The Great British Baking Show, and Star Trek Deep Space Nine.

Emily: I keep hearing about this baking show. I might have to check it out. Which Hogwarts House are you in?

Kerelyn: I’d say a mix of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.

Emily: You always know the big time fantasy readers because they have an answer ready for that one. What's the last movie you watched?

Kerelyn: Saving Mr. Banks.

Emily: Ah! I haven’t seen that yet. It’s on my list. What's your karaoke song go to?

Kerelyn: Just a Girl by No Doubt.

Emily: And the musicians always have their song! I like it.

Interview with Rodenia, Mystical Rodent

I spent the better part of the day wandering around this redwood forest looking for a fairy ring which is comprised of a circle of trees that sprouted up from the remains of a redwood. I got lost, then found myself again at least four times. At one point, I got freaked out by something that may have been a rodent of some sort, but I’m pretty sure it was a moose.

Just fall into the hollow and cross dimensions, the ogre said. I was skeptical, but apparently Squirrelmonks don’t make house calls or agree to meet you halfway. Seeing as I’ve never met a squirrelmonk before, I figured it would be worth the hike.

When I got lost for the fifth time, I decided that it just wasn’t meant to be. I mean, the ogre was traveling in a different place. I was on earth—and not even in Scotland where the veils are thin and falling through to another dimension might be easier.

Defeated, I went to find myself again, crossing over a bridge that didn’t look familiar, then over a bit of an incline, and squeezed past some strange rock formations. I kept walking, shading my eyes from the sun which chose that particular moment to blast its way through the clouds.

That’s when I stepped into the fairy ring. That’s how I—quite elegantly—spotted the squirrelmonk’s abode.

Feeling quite proud of myself, I strode towards Rodenia’s hollow, tripped on a rock, and fell flat on my face. As I got up and dusted myself off, I thought I heard the sound of someone tsk-ing at me.

I approached Rodenia who was perched in her hollow.

Emily: Hi! I mean, greetings, oh gracious squirrelmonk. An ogre named Mulrox said you might have something for me and wouldn’t mind if I asked you a few questions.

Rodenia: I think you will appreciate this. It is quite special, a real honor for you.

She turns and digs in the pockets of her robe and pulls out a highly creased piece of paper. On the paper is a mass of scribbles and smudge marks where something has clearly been erased several times. It looks a bit like a rabbit mixed with a loaf of bread.

Emily: Um…it’s wonderful. I mean, look at these…lines. Clearly, it’s a…um…

Rodenia: I’d think it was obvious. But I suppose not everyone’s mind is as tuned to fine art as my own. It doesn’t matter which dimension I go to, there's always an appalling lack of education. But I suppose there is no helping it. As a superior animal, sometimes you forget just how blessed you are.

So human, you have been honored to receive my self-portrait. One of the first. You’ll notice the excellent tail curvature.

She points at one of the darker smudges and then pats the paper.

Emily: Oh! Of course, that’s what I was going to—

Rodenia: If you insist, I will sign it for you. Though let’s be quick about it, I don’t have all day to sit around scribbling things, unlike a certain ogre I’ve had the great misfortune to know.

A little free advice: steer clear of the ogres. It’s just disaster after disaster with that lot.

Emily: So where exactly are you from? I mean, where am I?

Rodenia: That is a trade secret. As near gods to you lesser mortals, we can’t have you just popping by.

Should you wish to find me, you can meet me in my hollow. It appears in different locations in different dimensions. As Mulrox could tell you, my home in Veralby is nestled within the Woods Mercurial.

If you find me, I will occasionally accept a gift in exchange for a few words of wisdom, or a peek at the future.

Emily: Where’d you get that golden walnut?

I start fishing in my backpack for some kind of offering for this squirrelmonk. I am so unprepared.

Rodenia: It was bestowed upon me when I was inducted into the order of squirrelmonk. Many years of training and preparation led up to that moment: trials you couldn't begin to conceive of, tasks that would shake you to your very core. Of course, I excelled.

Emily: Sounds dangerous and difficult. Surely you have some fun?

Do squirrels like bananas? I don’t even know. Maybe it was golden. I keep digging around.

Rodenia: I work much too hard to have fun.

But from time to time, if things are a bit slow, I might pop down and make a wee bogus prophecy to an unsuspecting passerby.

Chuckles.

Boy, does that throw them off.

Emily: Haha! The poor sap. Do you have any embarrassing moments?

Rodenia: The impertinence! You clearly are not well acquainted with the mysteries of my kind. A squirrelmonk is the pinnacle of dignity and grace. You will find me to be perfectly composed at all times. Just ask Yahgurkin; she will fill you in.

Emily: What’s the most random thing in the pockets of your mysterious robe?

I watch as she digs into her pockets. Sunflower seeds, a crumpled-up handkerchief, and a piece of string fall out. I feel like my bruised banana stands a chance.

Rodenia: Ahh here.

She produces a small wooden statue of a rodent in a great billowy robe.

That grinder, Tork, made this. It has a certain rustic charm to it, if not the artistic flair of my self-portrait.

Emily: Oh, yes, that’s lovely. Much more lovely than the—I mean, so what’s something you would avoid at all costs?

Rodenia: Ogres. They bring nothing but trouble.

Emily: Ah ha! I’ve found an offering for you!

I hand her a jagged, dirty piece of rose quartz I found while I was lost. She does not look impressed.

Do you have a prophecy you could share?

Rodenia: I foresee that Mulrox, Yahgurkin, and that toad will cause untold catastrophes by inviting those malcognitos into their realm. I’ve told them and told them. But do they listen? No! They insist on allowing that hoard of bad ideas to visit them. You would think after everything they’ve seen that they would be a little more careful, but no, that would be too logical… fades into incomprehensible grumbling.

I also predict that if you like humorous fantasy, epic adventures, or conceptual stories, you will enjoy Mulrox and the Malcognitos.

There's not nearly enough emphasis on squirrelmonks, but besides that massive flaw, it's pretty okay.

For more information on Kerelyn Smith and her new book, check out the links below:

Website: www.kerelynsmith.com

Instagram: kerelynsmith

Twitter: KerelynSmith

Facebook: KerelynSmithAuthor

Pinterest: kerelyns

Goodreads: Kerelyn_Smith