Interview with Nancy Golden, Author of Key of Power

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Key of Power (Dynamis Novels Book 3)?

Key of Power is the third and final book in my Dynamis trilogy. I began this journey in 1986 with the first draft of book one, Sword of Fate—written on a typewriter!! I carried it around with me all of these years, and after releasing my science fiction novel, Alien Neighbors, I wondered what to write next. I realized I had a full first draft already waiting for me in the fantasy genre. Even back in 1986, I knew it was meant to be a trilogy—the title of each book is the name of one of the three symbols of office for the true king of Elayas.

On a more personal note, Key of Power is dedicated to my older brother, Eddie Venetucci. Eddie was my biggest fan, and I am so grateful he got to hold the proof copy in his hands. He fought bravely against pancreatic cancer these past months, and he is now residing in his heavenly home. I miss him so much already, but I also take great joy in knowing he is no longer suffering and is in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The vibrancy of his faith, his love of family, his life of service, and his love for others will continue to echo through the lives of all who knew him.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Key of Power (Dynamis Novels Book 3), what would they be?

Well, we have a pretty large cast of characters, but I’ll do a few: Rugal: I Got the Power, Tonar: That’s What Friends Are For, Ferrous: Desperado Swordsman: You Got a Friend in Me, Mura: You’ll be in my Heart, Lissa: Brave.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Oh, my, how could I ever choose? I think my favorite genre is the genre of the book I am currently reading. I guess that makes perfect sense since I also write across genres. So far, I have released a science fiction novel, a fantasy trilogy, a series of nonfiction Christian devotionals and discipleship books, and next up is a historical fiction/magical realism mashup. I do shy away from horror and books that portray graphic violence or difficult thematic elements. My tag line is “Light in the Darkness,” and my calling as a writer is to write entertaining, clean, uplifting fiction and nonfiction. I gravitate toward books that are similar to the ones I write: great character relationships and lots of fun adventures with unexpected plot twists and obstacles to overcome that keep the pages turning, but at the end of the day, the book is a fun escape that brightens my day. That is the goal I also have for my readers.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

*Squeal with joy* Okay, I admit it. I LOVE horses. Always have…I have been blessed to have many horses in my life. Key of Power was amazing to write. I am a pantser, so I never know what’s going to happen until I get in front of the keyboard (which I find very exciting and motivating). It was so cool to see how all of the threads of what I had written in the previous two books were coming together in book 3 in such a magical and amazing way. It’s really amazing that it wasn’t a planned outline, but maybe that’s part of why it is so magical. One element of that is the horses that are characters in the books. Something really cool happens that I can’t share about, or it would be a spoiler.

Let me just say that how the book resolves part of the oracle that is first given in book two (Ring of Rosin) and how horses are involved is just so cool!! You don’t have to be a horse lover to enjoy the story; it stands on its own, but if you do like horses, you are going to really enjoy that aspect. So many scenes were so fun to write because of the dialogue, imagery, and messaging, but what happened with the horses is definitely unusual and one of my favorite parts.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

When I started Key of Power, I realized one of the characters I wanted in the story was a leviathan. I went to the pet store and bought a beautiful betta and a mini aquarium so he could reside on my desk and inspire me as I write. His name is Levy. I also have a rather large collection of items on my desk that make me smile, ranging from a horse statue my son bought for me, to a handmade sunflower in a small pot, and a coin with Maya Angelou on it—a special gift from a friend. A picture of my brother Eddie wearing a Ring of Rosin (book 2 in my fantasy trilogy) t-shirt with my husband and me, big smiles all around, is very special and is in easy view.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Yes, indeed. Life is hard. We are all pressed in with the trials of life. My tagline for Nancy Golden Books is Light in the Darkness. My calling is to provide fun and entertaining books that contain positive messaging with the goal of uplifting my readers. My commitment to My Readers’ Courage: To swim against the tide when current market values conflict with my own. Quality: To always provide a great reader experience that includes professional editing and thoughtful storytelling. I am committed to no AI in any creative process associated with my books. Passion: To inspire and uplift my readers. I love connecting with my readers. Writing is a fairly solitary endeavor, but I believe we are meant to be in community. I am passionate about helping others to be successful and following God’s command to love one another. We should all try to be a light in the darkness for each other, and it can be as simple as smiling and saying hello.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

To My Readers: My wish for you is to ride dragons and leviathans often and to have your own flutebird—never stop reading! The places you go in your imagination to relax and to refresh will energize you and help you face the battles of real life with a positive mindset. There is enough trouble in the world—read books that you find inspiring and uplifting. And always remember the Kargolith proverb: Darkness may descend, but light shall overcome it.

Much Love, Nancy Golden.

Nancy Golden is the author of the new book Key of Power (Dynamis Novels Book 3)

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