I'm so excited to be a part of Mikey's blog tour! This series is amazing and I've been looking forward to book three since I finished the last page of book two last year.
Here is the synopsis:
This is the exciting conclusion to The Dream Keeper Chronicles.
When the nightmare king escapes into the world of Awake, it is left to Gladamyr and his teen bonds, Parker and Kaelyn, to stop him. They must return Mares back to Dreams before the barrier between the two worlds crumbles and darkness reigns forever. But to do so, Parker and Kaelyn must heal broken friendships and unite an army of children who are brave enough to conquer their fears.
I got to ask Mikey some questions about his book and writing/illustrating in general. Here are his answers:
Where did you come up with the idea for the Dream Keeper trilogy?
It all happened one night as I was trying to fall asleep. It was extremely late and I had to get up for work in just a few hours. I remember thinking that it would be cool if there was a guide that could just take you to and from dreams if you said their name. Suddenly there was Gladamyr and he had a story to tell me.
Which character do you relate with the most?
I think I relate to most of them but I have a connection with Gladamyr. He is a reformed nightmare. He’s made a lot of really bad choices in his life but he has overcome them. I think anyone who can overcome weaknesses and make them strengths is someone to relate with.
What would your Nightmare look like if you were to describe it?
Oh gosh…every nightmare I focus on was something that haunted me as a child. Minion, the nightmare that is a collection of spiders is one of those things I hope to never see in real life.
What is your favorite part of illustrating book covers or picture books?
I like showing a different part of the story…or something that maybe has symbolism throughout the book. In the books you’ll find many of the tools the kids are given to help them can also be used as a weapon. I wanted to share that there is always two sides of a coin…one good and the other bad. I hope I convey that through my art. At least for the Dream Keeper Chronicles.
What was your hardest project?
The hardest project was writing the ending to The Dream Makers. I always knew how the story would end, just when it came time to do it I couldn’t bring myself to write it. I avoided it for a long time. To the point I had readers asking me over and over when the next book was coming out. Read the book and you’ll see why it was so difficult to write.
If you had a super power, what would it be?
I would totally want to have telekinesis (or the power to move objects). I’m lazy by nature so it would be nice for me to just move things with my mind.
Which character was your favorite to write?
I really liked to write Mab. Although she is a bad guy in the story she has such rich backstory because she used to be good. It was fun writing about her because she is found in folklore and even Shakespeare. She definitely formed her own character and took over (as in I never intended her to become one of the main villains in the book).
What is your favorite part about being a writer?
The money…har, har! No…I’m definitely not in it for the money. My favorite part is seeing kids connect with the story. I get fan art and stories about how my books helped them in situations at school. Isn’t that the coolest thing ever?
If you had a dragon, what color would it be?
I think I’d have a dragon that changed colors depending on its mood. I’m kind of like that. Some days I just want to wear brown and be all earthy. Other days I want to wear all blue and be happy and energetic. Red days are for those fierce moments when I need to concur a challenge. Wouldn’t it be cool to know a dragon’s mood? It might be very helpful.
What would be your weapon of choice: a sword or a bow and arrow?
Can I have a magic wand instead? LOL! I’d totally take you up on the sword. I have a bunch of them my wife makes me hide away in a little bathroom I nicknamed the armory. Before my days as a husband they used to cover my walls in my bedroom. Somehow she didn’t think swords on the walls scream romance in the bedroom. I will note on caveat to having a sword as a weapon. I have no idea how to wield a sword. I’d need someone to teach me.
About the Author:
About The Author:
Mikey Brooks is a small child masquerading as an adult. On occasion you’ll catch him dancing the funky chicken, singing like a banshee, and pretending to have never grown up. He is an award winning author of the middle-grade fantasy adventure series The Dream Keeper Chronicles. His other middle-grade books include: The Gates of Atlantis: Battle for Acropolis and The Stone of Valhalla. His picture books include the best-selling ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures, Trouble with Bernie, and Bean’s Dragons. Mikey has a BS degree in English from Utah State University and works fulltime as a freelance illustrator, cover designer, and author. His art can be seen in many forms from picture books to full room murals. He loves to daydream with his three daughters and explore the worlds that only the imagination of children can create. As a member of the Emblazoners, he is one of many authors devoted to ‘writing stories on the hearts of children’ (emblazoners.com). You can find more about him and his books at: www.insidemikeysworld.com
Don't forget to enter the giveaway and check out his trailer!
Rafflecopter Info:
There will be a giveaway of a $20 Amazon gift card (a worldwide contest) AND a signed boxset of The Gates of Atlantis series (limited to the continental US) that can be featured on all the blogs via rafflecoptor. I encourage all the bloggers to share the giveaway on their blogs and encourage friends and family to enter. This is the html to copy and paste into your blog:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
