A Single Spark
In the enchanting world of Eydis, shadows twirl and weave as trolls ravage farms and villages, orcs grow in their numbers, and goblins flit through the veil of night. Amidst this turmoil, the valiant Rangers of Eldor, under the steadfast leadership of Arien and her friend Ronan, fight to push back the growing darkness.
Yet, destiny weaves a cruel thread when Arien’s beloved younger brother, Emyr, is captured by Akar, the malevolent master behind the chaos. With sinister intention, Akar offers her a choice: join his alliance or let Emyr succumb to despair. As Arien wrestles with Akar’s beguiling temptations, she strives to remain steadfast against the storm that threatens her brother’s destiny. Will she succumb to the shadows lurking within her, or will she cling to the spark in her and defy the grim fate she seeks to avert for her brother?
About Me!
Hey there! I am Kylie and I live in a small, tight-knit community in Kentucky with people who have taught me a lot more than I would learn in just school. I live on a 40 acre farm and I love to take thought-filled walks in the woods to escape the wild world to clear my head. I’m known among my friends for being a shy introvert, often told that I have a BatMan-like presence. But although I don’t say much, I think a lot. I was pushed around a lot when I was younger; I kept words to myself that needed to be spoken and I’ve learned the cost of silence. Although I still don’t talk much, I use the words I want to say in writing stories that display what I mean. Since I usually can’t talk without a random stutter or losing my train of thought, writing stories has helped me use the voice that I can’t seem to use with my mouth.
Why I write!
There’s something special about stories that really stick with you—like a book that changes how you see things, a song that hits you right in the heart, or a quiet moment in nature that feels bigger than words. For me, fantasy has always had that kind of magic. When life felt too heavy, those stories gave me a place to breathe. Watching characters go through things that felt way harder than anything I faced helped me feel less alone. Even though their battles were made up, they reminded me of real things—like dealing with fear, depression, anxiety, or feeling like I don’t belong. And when the story ends and the world goes back to peace, it’s bittersweet. You miss it, but the lessons stay with you.
I’ve learned to hold onto hope, even when it’s small. I find that hope in Jesus—He's been like a steady light, even when things feel dark. Stories taught me that you don’t have to be the strongest or loudest to be a hero. Sometimes the bravest thing is just standing up and saying “no” when something’s wrong. That’s what I tried to put into A Single Spark. And I hope that, in some way, this story gives you a spark of hope too.
In A Single Spark, Arien struggles with her faith in the Maker. She wonders why He never showed up in her hardest moments, and I really connected with that—especially during early middle school, around the time I became a baptized believer. Another big theme in the book is the bond of family. My little brother is the person I’m closest to, and honestly, he was the heart behind this story. When I was little, I used to pray for a brother. God gave me another sister first… but a few years later, my brother came along, and I was ecstatic. I’m super protective of him—probably more than I should be. When I started this book, it was a bit like The Hobbit, but the more I asked myself “what if?”, the more it grew into something new. I kept imagining what it would feel like if my brother was taken from me, and that’s how I ended up writing Arien’s journey.
Inspiration
I was inspired by many, many things to write this story. They came from personal experience, people who have stayed and left, and other stories I have cherished. Many inspiration came from Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Wingfeather Saga. These stories have stayed with me and inspired me to write A Single Spark. They displayed many forms of heroes– often beautifully broken and traumatized characters– who deeply inspired me, including the villains. I love Andrew Peterson’s storytelling in the Wingfeather Saga, how he left hints and clues… and when you read the fourth and last book, it all comes together, every loose end is tied up. With Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, there is so much death but life as well in the end. Although the journey is long and hard, the battles worse and disheartening, the end is full of hope and healing.
Writing A Single Spark has been an incredible journey, and I couldn’t have done it alone. First, a huge thank-you to my critique partner, Lorelai Day. She’s been amazing—catching things I missed and helping me shape this story into something better than I imagined. I also want to thank my high school teacher, Mrs. Bunce, for believing in me this year. Her encouragement really pushed me to think more creatively and stay confident. I honestly don’t think I could’ve finished this without her support. Shoutout to my Kids Write Novels teachers, Ms. Charis and Mrs. Reid. They helped me grow so much as a writer and showed me how to pursue my dreams, while also showing me how exciting this world of storytelling can be. And of course, thank you to my friends and family. Your support has meant everything. I really couldn’t have done this without you. And as always, many thanks goes to my Lord and Savior, my Father in Heaven.
I am currently working on another project that is far from the fantasy genre but I am also working towards starting the second book, the sequel to A Single Spark. Feel free to find me on GoodReads
Until we meet again, dear friends!
