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My guest today is author and dragon-tamer J. Michael Radcliffe. I recently had the honor of reading an advanced copy of his new book Bloodstone – The Guardian's Curse, which I highly recommend to all lovers of the fantasy genre and/or those who simply love a good story. Michael is hanging out with us today, answering my usual barrage of questions. First, allow me to introduce you:

An avid reader of fantasy and science fiction novels all of my life, I published my first novel The Guardian's Apprentice in 2010. I live with my family in rural Kentucky along with our five cats. When not acquiring cats for my wife's plan of world domination (cat armies are terribly hard to train), I enjoy spinning stories from the wisps of magic around me.

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Before Michael and I talk about his new book, you should know a little about it:

An ancient evil has returned to threaten the world of magic and mortal alike. Keegan Whitestone has become the Guardian – protector of the magical barrier known as the Veil – but he cannot yet control his powers. He must find and destroy the legendary Bloodstone, a jewel used by the powerful necromancer, Sava, to ensnare and devour the souls of others. In a bid to save the soul of the woman he loves, Keegan faces a terrible choice. 'Bloodstone – The Guardian's Curse' is a twenty chapter novella of 32,000 words, and is the sequel to 'The Guardian's Apprentice'. Also included are the short stories 'Forsaken' and 'Scale of a Dragon' as well as the never before published short story 'Inner Daemon'.

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Now on to some fantasy talk! Mind out of the gutter, people. I'm referring to the fantasy genre.

Oh, wait… Michael is nudging me out of the way. Apparently, he has something to say.

First, I would like to thank you so much for inviting me to do this interview. I would also like to encourage anyone reading this post to consider visiting us over at BestsellerBound.com. Our writing group was (and is) a great resource for someone new to writing like I was over a year ago. But more importantly I have formed many new friendships with fellow writers that I treasure!

I second that! Grab a chair, Michael, and put your feet up. Let's chat:

What is it about the fantasy genre that intrigues you as an author?

I have always loved both fantasy and science fiction, ever since I read 'Star Wars' when I was in third grade. I love being able to create a world with a totally different environment than our own, with creatures that are only limited by ones imagination. Writing in the fantasy genre gives you a certain freedom to set the rules, to create your own world and populate it with the creatures (and monsters) from your imagination.

Bloodstone – The Guardian's Curse is the sequel to The Guardian's Apprentice. Do you have more planned for this series?

Maybe. I had originally planned a series of three books when I started writing TGA in 2002, but the storyline and plot have significantly changed over time. Book one was originally going to be called 'Whitestone – The Guardian's Apprentice', and then of course 'Bloodstone – The Guardian's Curse' and book three was going to be 'Blackstone – The Guardian's Salvation'. I may yet write book three…

I also have a couple of ideas unrelated to this series that I may explore first, if I can just find the time to write!

I can so relate to that!

Magic is a big part of Bloodstone's plot. Are you a fan of modern magic or is it only the ancient magic like your character Keegan uses that fascinates you?

Although I enjoy the smoke and mirrors tricks performed by a good illusionist, I have to admit it is the ancient magic that fascinates me most. I think it must run in my family, as my sister, paranormal romance author Maeve Greyson, is just as fascinated with it – especially the old Celtic myths and legends.

How did you go about creating Keegan's world? Did the idea come to you all at once or was it something you spent a lot of time developing?

Now that is a tough question to answer. When I started out and began sketching the storyline, I had certain ideas about how I wanted the world to appear and operate. I have to admit though, that a good deal of that evolved over time – especially the creatures that populate it.

What is your writing environment like? Neat or cluttered? Quiet or noisy?

I will openly admit to being a 'neat freak', so my desk is pretty tidy – though I do have my dragon statuette (Idris, my writing partner) and several reference books on magical creatures, mythology and dragons lying about. As for the writing environment, it is almost never quiet. We have two kids still at home so it is fairly busy around our house. I usually write either late at night or early in the morning, when everyone else is still asleep. Either that or I plug in my earphones!

Is there a time of day or night when you are most creative?

Usually either late at night, or very early in the morning. I have to admit though, I've had ideas while driving down the road or at other odd times. On a couple of occasions I have actually had a dream that made its way onto the pages – for example just before Christmas I had an unusual dream that turned into the short story 'Inner Daemon.'

I hear you have an army of cats. Tell us about them.

Yes, our ever-growing cadre of cats seems to keep getting larger each year! We are now up to five, two outdoor and three indoor, to be specific. I'll give you a brief bio on each of them – I've also included my writing partner Idris, the dragon, as he'd never let me hear the end of it if I didn't…

Idris (a.k.a. Shimmerscale)

On a trip to Washington D.C. we visited a shop in Baltimore where my attention was drawn to a display case filled with various dragons. Now I have always loved dragons, but this one truly spoke to me – though I cannot explain why. I swear I heard his voice in my head saying "Finally! Have you ANY idea how long you've kept me waiting? Now pay the ransom and liberate me from this prison!"

Not being one to argue with a dragon, I paid the rather exorbitant price, er – "ransom" and brought him home. He now occupies a place next to my computer, where he supervises my writing – usually by providing frequent editorial comments about my dialogue.

After much prodding and cajoling, he has finally entrusted me with his name. His true dragon name is 'Idris' and his human given nickname is 'Shimmerscale.' I appreciate him sharing his true name with me, as most dragons are loathe to divulge such a thing to a member of one of the lesser races (humans, elves, etc.) Note: That last comment was from Idris, not me. I personally do not think we humans are a 'lesser' race, but who am I to argue with a dragon?

Mickey – the new recruit

The most recent addition to our army, Mickey was adopted when the janitor at my wife's school found him locked in a storage shed in 96+ degree, humid Kentucky heat. Severely malnourished – you could see his ribs and backbone – she brought the poor little fellow home. The kids named him 'Mickey' due to his enormous ears and in honor of our trips to Disney (yes, I know, a cat named after a mouse…).

A very loving and affectionate cat, Mickey has fattened up and now weighs close to 10 pounds at just seven months; he also wants absolutely nothing to do with outside, preferring to sit on window perch and watch. Cocoa, Cookie and Jasmine have not accepted him yet and skulk about the back deck, plotting an assassination attempt. Maddie is more accepting, though dislikes it immensely when he pounces on her from underneath the bed skirt…

Maddie

Maddie was found on the side of the road in December 2009. Only about five or six weeks old (we think) at the time, someone had apparently thrown her from a moving vehicle, shattering her left hip and leaving her with a multitude of scrapes and bruises. When found, she had a soda cup stuck on her head and was starving. A happy and healthy cat now, Maddie has made a full recovery and doesn't seem to realize she's missing a leg. Her natural prey are Nerf darts, which she attacks with a vengeance whenever possible.

Jasmine

The "middle" cat, Jasmine has never quite grown up. Extremely loving and affectionate, she is also incredibly jealous. She despises Maddie and will go into a week-long sulk if around her. As a result, she is now the official upstairs cat, while Maddie and Cookie diligently patrol the lower levels.

Cookie

Convinced that humans exist for the sole purpose of feeding her, Cookie is fickle with her affections and dictates when the unworthy may approach. She also has an odd fondness for the refrigerator, and if unguarded will jump onto the bottom shelf. She will then hide behind the soda cans and refuses to come out for at least five minutes. If human, she would be the Queen of Hearts, shouting "OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!" at those who annoy her.

Cocoa

Evil incarnate, Cocoa is bipolar on her best days. When the mood strikes her and she wants your attention, she will sneak up behind you and lick your ankle, foot or leg. At this point you have two choices: (1) pet her and make her happy or (2) ignore her and suffer her wrath, which usually consists of latching onto you with her teeth (if you're smart, you'll go with option #1…). Once she tires of your attention she will usually sink her teeth into your hand, indicating that your usefulness has ended.

They are all adorable! And I love their stories. I'm a sucker for a rescue. (Which is obvious by my five 4-legged misfits. )

What are your 3 most treasured material items?

Yikes! That is truly a difficult question to answer – you see, I am a sentimental fool. I think I probably have every Father's Day and Birthday card given to me by my wife and kids and I form an emotional attachment to things. If forced to choose, I would say the three items are:

My grandmother's cookbook – containing all of her best recipes written in her own handwriting, the pages stained and dusted with flour and cocoa powder.
A star sapphire ring given to me by my mother, not long after she had a heart transplant.
A gold pocket watch, given as a wedding gift to my great-grandmother and handed down through the Radcliffe side of my family.

Aww. That is such a great answer. Careful, Michael. You're showing everyone what a sweet guy you are.

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Thank you, Michael, for hanging out here with us today!

Readers are invited to connect with Michael in the following places:

Website: www.theguardiansapprentice.com

Blog: www.michaelradcliffe.wordpress.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Alderdrache

Here's a look at Michael's books on Amazon:

Amazon.com Widgets

You can also find his books Barnes and Noble for Nook, and on Smashwords, in ebook format for all ereaders and computers.

I hope you'll take the time to explore get to know more about Michael, his writing, and his pet dragon.

Thanks for reading.