Michael R. Baker's Blog, page 10
October 28, 2019
SPFBO Author Interview: Robert J. Power
I return from a very busy weekend at Bristolcon 
October 19, 2019
SPFBO Author Interview: Alexzander Christion
Back with a new interview! Hoping to keep these going with everything going on. I’ll also be at Bristolcon next weekend, so if anyone going wants to chat or anything, just come up!
Next interview is with Alexzander Christion, an awesome guy who does some damn good live readings!
As always, I have a list of my current interviews for SPFBO(5) down below. Check out whichever you like!
SPFBO Author Interview: Angela Boord
SPFBO Author Interview: Deston J. Munden
SPFBO Author Interview: Huw Steer
SPFBO Author Interview: E.L. Drayton
SPFBO Author Interview: R. A. Denny
SPFBO Author Interview: CF Welburn
SPFBO Author Interview: Steve Turnbull
SPFBO Author Interview: Nicholas Hoy
SPFBO Author Interview: Phil Williams
SPFBO Author Interview: Luke Tarzian
SPFBO Author Intrview: L. L. Thomsen
SPFBO Author Interview: Clayton Snyder
SPFBO Author Interview: M. H. Thaung
SPFBO Author Interview: Keith Blenman
SPFBO Author Interview: David Reiss
SPFBO Author Interview: R.M. Callahan
SPFBO Author Interview – Aaron Hodges
SPFBO Author Interview: I. W. Ferguson
SPFBO Author Interview: Vincent Bobbe
SPFBO Author Interview: Aiki Flinthart
And now, onto the interview!
First of all, tell me about yourself! What do you write?
I don’t fall neatly into any genre. What I write is closest to Action movies. The best description I’ve heard is; Lord of the Rings if it was directed by Quentin Tarentino.
How do you develop your plots and characters?
I consider myself a ‘Hate Writer’ I try to avoid all the things I’ve seen in other works that drive me crazy, like the wise old guy who only speaks in riddles even though the fate of the world is at stake. So while my plot and characters aren’t reinventing the wheel, the execution makes them feel unique.
Tell us about your current project.
The series is called ‘By the Hand of Dragons’ It’s about a boy, a magically created perfect soldier who wants to be a hero but loses himself along the way. Three books are out, I’m editing the forth, but it’s a major departure in subject and style from my usual stuff. Instead of 3rd person omni, I’m going with first person limited, and MUCH more character driven than the other books.
Is this your first entry into SPFBO? If not, how many times have you entered?
Yes, this is my first time! It’s the first time I’ve had something good enough and on time to make the deadline! I’ve been chasing this for three years! Win or lose as far as I’m concerned, I’m a rock star now!
Who would you say is the main character of your novels? And tell me a little bit about them!
The main character is undoubtedly Shefa (Sheath at the beginning of the book). As the firstborn he takes it upon himself to lead his clan to victory. He’s ten years old, incredibly powerful but even more ignorant. Being raised as a monk, all his world knowledge comes from books and he finds the real world very different. He’s proud and arrogant and pretty much exactly what you’d expect from a ten year old with power. His journey is not about becoming strong enough to save the day but becoming wise enough.
What advice would you give new writers on how to delve into creative fiction?
Pizza Hut sells shoes. If there’s someone out there buying Pizza Hut shoes, there is an audience for your work. Put the words on the page. Editing, improving, subplots, plot twists, loveable characters, characters you love to hate: none of it exists until you put words on the page. Worry about the book after you’ve written it.
What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the worldbuilding within your book?
The big seven ancient cultures, Egyptian, Roman, Nordic, etc. But the best stuff comes from futuristic civilizations, The worlds of Star Trek and Star Wars. I think it’s the amalgamation that makes it work. I traveled a lot as a kid, my dad and my brother are both stand-up comedians and my mother is an avid reader and Sci-fi fan, so there was no shortage of material in my house.
What inspires you to write?
The suckage of life! Needing to get away to a place where I merit holds more weight than money. Freedom. I used to daydream a lot, ask questions a lot, and I think it’s led me to create worlds where everything works and makes sense. If you look at, let’s say, Star Wars, the movies are great but then when the cartoons came along, they did things the movies couldn’t, they took, not so much the story, but the expanded universe, to infinite proportions. I’m always interested in what’s next, that’s what inspires me.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Getting someone to read it! Movies like Dungeons and Dragons in 2000 that represented the genre SO BADLY, motivated to write the kind of story I’d not only wanna watch be would be proud to have muggles watch. I didn’t want a good fantasy story, I wanted to tell a good story. Studying the pitfalls of other artists and understanding why they made the choices they did and studiously avoiding them, that research was the hardest part. I didn’t know how much I didn’t know so there was very little to impede me once I sat down to write.
What is your routine when writing, if any? If you don’t follow a routine, why not?
Coffee, yoga, and I put something on (movie or tv show for background noise) in the mood or spirit of what I’m writing that day. My mind wanders so its important for me to stay focused on putting my energy on the page. To stay in the mental realm of the day’s chapter and not emails or Facebook or whatever.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
It’s a tie. Chapter 5 Talon Fall was amazing to write. Its all combat. Elves, Dwarves, Humans, magic, weapons; its like the landing scene in Saving Private Ryan. Chapter 34 Chinks, Knicks, and Blood. Its where the big break, the big emotional pay off for everything the heroes have gone through finally happens. It was deep, and painful and cathartic. Exquisite pain.
Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it?
I learned tons. I learned about editing and publishing and how long everything takes and how much everything costs but as far as writing and growing as a person, I learned that my voice has an audience. I’m not the only one who thinks the way I do and like the stories, heroes and villains that I do.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? A gardener or an architect?
Gardener. Architect. City Planner. The concept of just writing and seeing what happens is awesome as a hobby but I don’t think doing anything professionally without a plan, map, or blueprint is a great idea. Not to say it doesn’t work and work well for some people, I just can’t do that kind of math in my head.
It’s sometimes difficult to get into understanding the characters we write. How do you go about it?
I don’t write until I understand the character. Right now, I’m writing a story I came up with three years ago so there is no work left to do, creatively. Once I understand the characters, the story pretty much writes itself. These people would only react a few possible ways in any given situation so once the groundwork is laid, the writing comes as easily as finding time in the chair.
What are your future project(s)?
YouTube channel and Con appearances. The next six books are plotted so its just a matter of punching the keys and hitting publish.
What is your favorite book ever written? Who are your favorite authors?
R.A. Salvatore’s the Silent Blade is hands done my favorite book to re-read. I love Salvatore, Mark Lawrence, Rothfuss, and Michael J. Sullivan, but if there were any author I’d give a thumb to have write another book its John Steakley. Armor changed my life and gave me the fortitude to finish a book. Its also where I got the term ‘Hate Writer’.
What makes a good villain?
Good writing. If you remove the hero from the story, the villain should be able to carry the book. He should be the star of his own show, one that intermittently crosses over with the Main character’s. If your villain couldn’t carry his own book, he’s not finished. But outside of that, they vary as much as good heroes. I like a person who has tried the right way and now the wrong way is all that’s left. The Magnetos and Kilmongers, and Jorgs of the world speak to me.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Nerd conventions. Just get together with friends at the comic shop or at home after the movies and just be nerds in peace and comfort!
If you couldn’t be an author, what ideal job would you like to do?
Film maker. Whatever I do, I’d have to write. I did the Soldier thing which is about as far from writing as I could get and even then I found my way to writing. Pure creative expression and true creative control is everything.
You can travel to any planet or moon in the Solar System. Where would you go, why and what would you do there?
Saturn. I want to see a world so different from mine that it forces my mind into places it never would have otherwise gone.
Pick any three characters from a fiction novel. These are now your roadtrip crew. Where do you go and what do you do?
Jarlaxle, Jalan Kendeth, and Tyrion Lannister and we’re going to Futurama!
Finally, what is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, here on Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?
https://www.facebook.com/AlexzanderChristion/
https://www.bythehandofdragons.com/
October 15, 2019
SPFBO Author Interview: Aiki Flinthart
Its been a bit of a lull, I’ve been very busy lately.
Today I bring you an interview with the awesome Aiki Flinthart (An awesome name too I might add!)
As always, I have a list of my current interviews for SPFBO(5) down below. Check out whichever you like!
SPFBO Author Interview: Angela Boord
SPFBO Author Interview: Deston J. Munden
SPFBO Author Interview: Huw Steer
SPFBO Author Interview: E.L. Drayton
SPFBO Author Interview: R. A. Denny
SPFBO Author Interview: CF Welburn
SPFBO Author Interview: Steve Turnbull
SPFBO Author Interview: Nicholas Hoy
SPFBO Author Interview: Phil Williams
SPFBO Author Interview: Luke Tarzian
SPFBO Author Intrview: L. L. Thomsen
SPFBO Author Interview: Clayton Snyder
SPFBO Author Interview: M. H. Thaung
SPFBO Author Interview: Keith Blenman
SPFBO Author Interview: David Reiss
SPFBO Author Interview: R.M. Callahan
SPFBO Author Interview – Aaron Hodges
SPFBO Author Interview: I. W. Ferguson
SPFBO Author Interview: Vincent Bobbe
And now, onto the interview!
Hey, great to be here. Thanks for having me.
First of all, tell me about yourself! What do you write?
I live in Australia (which tells you I’m brave, because everything really is trying to kill you, here). And I write mostly YA fantasy, urban fantasy (not paranormal romance), and sci-fantasy. Although I’m also writing a set of sci-fi short stories with a fellow author at the moment, so that’s a fun challenge.
How do you develop your plots and characters?
So far I’ve been lucky enough to have either (or both) plot and characters, and theme all leap into my head pretty much fully formed. Not all the details, of course, but the key aspects. Once I have the basics and I know how the story ends, then it’s just a matter of writing my way toward that epic set-piece ending. And I always make sure to have a balance of character personalities so every reader will have someone they identify with.
Tell us about your current project.
I’ve not long finished writing my favourite book so far. A huge challenge to myself, more than anything. It’s historical fantasy, set in 1486 London. Lots of research! But it’s not a novel so much as a mosaic novel – a set of 25 short stories, each from a different female character’s point of view. Bakers, nuns, whores, musicians, business owners, healers, midwives, washerwomen. All sorts.
Each story has its own plot, but each one ALSO advances an overall narrative – an attempt by a disgruntled lord to kill the new Tudor kind, Henry VII.
It was a (successful, I think) attempt to teach myself to write 25 unique character voices. Lots of fun.
I’m also now halfway through writing 8 short sci-fi stories to go in an anthology set in a shared-world space station bar called “the Zoo.” I have a feeling it’s one of those worlds we’ll keep coming back to because the four central characters are such fun and it’s a buzz to write with a fantastic fellow spec-fic author, Pamela Jeffs.
Is this your first entry into SPFBO? If not, how many times have you entered?
It is my first entry. I’m quite daunted by the quality of work in the field. But also thrilled to be part of it. Such a great community of authors, all helping to lift each other up and get good self-published books recognised.
Who would you say is the main character of your novels? And tell me a little bit about them!
IRON – which is the SPFBO entry – is the first of a trilogy in the Kalima Chronicles. FIRE is already out and STEEL is out on the 21st of July 2019.
Alere Connor is the main character. Her whole life has been about training to be a telepath-diplomat. One of the elite xintou (telepathic) women of Xintou House. But she’s failed as she has no telepathic gift. T
he House Mistress has made her also train as a martial artist and a courtesan in an attempt to ease the disappointment for Alere. But, although she’s a gifted swordswoman, she feels incredibly unworthy because she failed at what she was born to be. And she deeply resents being forced down a path chosen for her by Mistress Li.
Alere’s main focus is on how she can find her own path, but she’s duty-bound to obey Mistress Li. Needless to say she’s pretty pissed off by her lot in life and just wants to be free.
What advice would you give new writers on how to delve into creative fiction?
Write from the heart. Write the things that make you feel, because the chances are they will resonate with others. Not everyone, because not everyone thinks and feels like you do. So don’t try to please everyone. Learn the ‘rules’ of how to write well, but don’t try to write what others do. Don’t write to the market unless you want writing to be a job.
Just write because you have something important and meaningful to share with people. Forget the money and the fame. Chasing those will just lead you into angst and worry.
Write yourself onto the page. Your heart. Your truths. Your soul.
And, in doing so, you will touch others.
What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the worldbuilding within your book?
I’m a geologist by training, so the worldbuilding was a lot of fun for IRON. Kalima is a colony-world settled by idealists escaping environmental destruction and religious zealotism on Earth.
But when they terraformed the planet, they didn’t really take into account how important a history of life was on Earth to the availability of resources. Earth’s 3.5 billion+ year history of life lead to the formation of banded ironstones (our main source of iron ore), as well as chalk, lime, flint, marble, calcium carbonates, coals, oils, methane etc. All the stuff that’s allowed industrialisation (and destruction). Without all of those, once Earth stopped communicating, the colony was stuck in a semi-bronze age with minimal tech. But they are still aware of tech.
So it was hugely challenging to come up with alternatives for some things. How do you make concrete without the ingredients (lime, calcium etc). How do you make body armour without iron? How do you light fires without flint-and-tinder? How do you build buildings without steel frames? Or ships without iron nails? What do you make your cutlery out of without iron?
Every single thing you touch on a daily basis exists because we have all of those resources. Makes you think!
What inspires you to write?
Usually, I’m just bloody-minded and I’ll write irrespective of inspiration. If I wait, I get distracted by work and stress stuff. There’s no lack of stories, but there’s often a lack of energy or belief in myself.
When I’m feeling really down and unmotivated, I’ll remember the readers who have contacted me to let me know they loved my books. They went out of their way to find me to say I’d moved them. That makes my stories important to more than just me.
That makes it worth opening the laptop again.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Getting back the first lot of edits. It’s always slightly depressing to open the word file and see all the red and comments. I’ll usually go away for a day to process it all, then come back and get stuck in.
Deciding what to stand my ground on and actually keep when the editor said it should go – that was tricky, too, as I’m always second-guessing myself. Who am I to know whether it’s good or not?
But sometimes you have to keep your story’s vision firmly in mind and hit Reject on the suggested change. Other times you have to suck it up and go, Accept and lose some precious words you loved. It’s being grown-up and that always sucks.
What is your routine when writing, if any? If you don’t follow a routine, why not?
I work full time running my own business, so I write after hours and on weekends. I’ll usually unwind for an hour, have a cup of tea and chat with my husband. Then get stuck into a couple of hours of either writing or editing. I can’t do both, unfortunately.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
I LOVED writing the end of IRON. It was the big fight scene the whole book had been building to. I’m a martial artist and I also do archery and knife-throwing. So the fight scenes are always my favourite in each book I write.
And that payoff moment at the end of a book with the climax scene is always so damned satisfying.
Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it?
IRON just kind of poured out of my fingers. Which is great, but also bad. It meant I had to go back and make sure it fit accepted narrative structure for a sci-fantasy novel. Which meant an XL spreadsheet with each scene listed and its wordcount. And I had to make sure every scene was in the right spot to hit the right structural beats. So I learned a lot about story structure and weaving in subplots and themes by working on IRON after I’d written it.
I’m more of a planner now than I was at the time.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? A gardener or an architect?
I wrote my first five books (the 80AD YA portal fantasy series) as a complete pantser. They were easy and fun and I fluked the structure of each book and the series. I guess I’d done so much reading that the structure came out by osmosis.
Since writing them and realising that some 400 000 people had read them (that was humbling) I figured I should learn more. So after I wrote IRON I learned about structure.
Now I’m half-half. I know the big story beats to hit and I definitely know the ending. But the bits in the middle I make up along the way. Which means there’s always some rewriting to do, but I enjoy that because it lets me do extra layering of worldbuilding and character depth and thematic underscoring that wasn’t there in the first draft.
It’s sometimes difficult to get into understanding the characters we write. How do you go about it?
I have a big XL spreadsheet with lots of columns. Full of things like their personality type, family, spiritual beliefs, ethics, favourite swear word, dialogue tics, body language habits, secrets, personal beliefs about themselves and their friends etc.
To start with, though, I usually only know their personality and their driving focus – the thing they want most. And I try to balance a team of characters so you get a cross-section of personalities. Leads to great conflict and co-operation.
What are your future project(s)?
I’m partway through a prequel to IRON, set 200 years earlier during a massive rebellion against the governing body. It’s mentioned a few times in IRON, FIRE, and STEEL, so I figured I should write it.
Then there’s a prequel to 80AD people have been nagging me for.
AND an ongoing series of urban fantasy novels set both before and after my Shadows trilogy of urban fantasy stories.
Not running out of things to do, that’s for sure!
What is your favorite book ever written? Who are your favorite authors?
Ooooh – I hate this question. Can one have a favourite book? I like several for various reasons. And ones I LOVED as a teenager would probably make me cringe now if I had to read them for the first time. I grew up on the classic sci-fi and fantasy novels, so I love the Asimov, Heinlin, Clarke stories. I have a soft spot for the Stainless Steel Rat series, too. But I also loved fantasy (Feist, Tolkein). And Sara J Maas stuff is good, too.
Then, I used to read cross-genre – Agatha Christie, Dick Francis, various cold-war thrillers/spy novels. And a heap of classic literature. Love Shakespeare. And Georgette Heyer. She’s my go-to relax read when my brain is full.
What makes a good villain?
I always like the idea that the villain is the hero of his own narrative. He has to want something important. Respect, love, control. And his actions should be as true to his underlying motivations as the protagonist’s are. Evil villains who just want power are a bit dull. WHY do they want power? Because their father was a demanding, critical bastard who never praised them? Because they had an older sibling they could never beat? Give us a true, human motivation that’s gone a bit skewy. Way more interesting than “mwahahaha, pat my white cat.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time? What is this of which you speak? Alright. I do manage to squeeze a few things in. Mostly fantasy-approved hobbies. Martial arts (18 years now). Knife-throwing, archery, lute-playing, and occasionally belly-dancing.
It’s all fun and fodder for stories.
If you couldn’t be an author, what ideal job would you like to do?
Meh – a job is something you do to earn money to support the things you truly love. If you turn your creativity into a job it stops being wonderful and starts being horribly stressful.
I quite liked being a geologist, but I gave that up to spend more time with my family. Now I run a small business with reasonable hours and that gives me time to write and do the other fun stuff. That’s ideal, if you ask me. (unless, of course, I won millions in the lottery and could stop working completely).
Having said all that, if I could have a big property out bush, and invite people to come and learn archery, martial arts, writing, blacksmithing (my husband does this) etc, that would be pretty fun, too.
You can travel to any planet or moon in the Solar System. Where would you go, why and what would you do there?
Many years ago I wanted to be the first geologist on Mars. At the moment, though, I’d wait until someone’s invented radiation shielding. Otherwise it’s a long trip to my chosen planet and a very short life thereafter.
If there was decent shielding, though, definitely Mars to start with. I’d go just to be there. Just to stare up at the pink sky in wonder and touch the rocks and see if they are similar to Earth’s.
Pick any three characters from a fiction novel. These are now your roadtrip crew. Where do you go and what do you do?
Ah – I’d be having a fun criminal adventure with Slippery Jim DiGriz and his family from the Stainless Steel Rat series. I expect we’d rob banks and generally cause mayhem for governments and badguys alike. Get caught. Get out of jail. Explode things. Kill badguys. Fly in spaceships. That sort of thing.
Finally, what is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, here on Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?
I’m generally on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/aiki.flinthart
But you can also find out more on
Also on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5232750.Aiki_Flinthart
And Instagram @AikiFlinthart
And Twitter @@AikiFlinthart
October 9, 2019
Author Interview and Spotlight: Taylor Aston White
I’m back, with a new interview! Taking a bit of time away from the SPFBO interviews to focus on others. Today I’m with Tay White, an awesome author from Essex. She writes fantasy and paranormal, and you can check her work out by clicking on the link down below:
In the meantime, enjoy the interview! Before we begin, just like to say thankyou to everyone who tunes into my rambles, and my door is always open!
First of all, tell me about yourself! What do you write?
I’m Tay, (Taylor Aston White) from England, UK. I have one and a half children (still cooking) and live in a little house in Essex.
I write because I love the escape it gives you creatively. Historically I have tried other creative jobs, from working at the prestigious Royal Opera House as a costume designer, created my own handmade clutch bags as well as selling computer-manipulated designs for phones cases, homeware and crockery.
Pretty random.
How do you develop your plots and characters?
I’m a planner when it comes to writing, which is helpful when you need a little break as the next chapter is already planned out. However, the characters develop like they have minds of their owns as I write. In Witch’s Sorrow, my first novel, I added characters and removed characters because of how they reacted. Also, being angry at your husband one night while writing makes some of the plot twists interesting. I would highly recommend it.
Tell us about your current project.
I’m just about to release my second novel, Druids Storm, which is the second in a planned series while I’m also writing the third. My attention will remain on the Alice Skye novels for a few more books before I introduce a spin-off series.
Who would you say is the main character of your novels? And tell me a little bit about them!
My main character is Alice Skye, a seemingly inexperienced witch that works for The Supernatural Intelligence Bureau as a Paladin Agent. She has a haunting past (because who doesn’t?) and the first novel is all about her unravelling the truth while fighting against vampires, daemons and anything that gets in her way!
What advice would you give new writers on how to delve into creative fiction?
Just write. It’s simple advice but effective. Your first draft is going to be shit, maybe even your second (like mine!) it’s how you develop yourself into a fantastic writer, by learning from your mistakes.
What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the worldbuilding within your book?
As the genre is Urban Fantasy, I have enjoyed using London’s historic structures blended with the glass and steel of modern-day.
What inspires you to write?
Without sounding arrogant, it’s myself. I have always wanted to have a successful creative career which everybody explains is nigh-on-impossible. I don’t agree with others telling you that you can’t be an actor, an artist or a novelist because the competition is too big. That you’re not good enough.
I will continue to do something that I love.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Finding time to write when you have a toddler, and now with the third book, the hardest part of writing is the toddler with an attitude and being pregnant.
What is your routine when writing, if any? If you don’t follow a routine, why not?
I write in the evenings when possible when my toddler tires of running me around and finally passes out. Other than that, I sneak off to write for small periods of time when I can.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
My favourite part of Druids Storm is when Alice accepts her past as something she cannot change, but can learn from. If you want to know more, you can read it…
But obviously start with the first book. Otherwise, it will make no sense.
Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it?
I learnt that my grammar is pretty atrocious and that editors are amazing.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? A gardener or an architect?
Plotter that starts off following the guidelines and then goes off on a tangent.
It’s sometimes difficult to get into understanding the characters we write. How do you go about it?
I try to make them as dynamic as possible. I do little bio’s with random pictures of inspiration to make sure I create a three-dimensional person with their own unique personality.
What are your future project(s)?
Secretive spin-offs that are just ideas at the moment.
What is your favorite book ever written? Who are your favorite authors?
My favourite changes all the time, but at the moment I’m re-reading Nalini Singh’s Guildhunter series. Other authors include Kim Harrison, Dannika Dark and James Herbert.
What makes a good villain?
Someone that you can see why they have made those decisions. It’s scary when you can relate to a villain and understand their reasoning.
But sometimes a good villain is simply someone who’s a real bastard for no reason other than the fact he is. Not everyone needs an ominous background story.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
People have spare time with kids?
I try to play video games such as Witcher 3, Borderlands, Kingdom Hearts… my tastes vary.
I’m a consistent loser.
If you couldn’t be an author, what ideal job would you like to do?
I would have gone into the medical field. I find modern medicine fascinating.
You can travel to any planet or moon in the Solar System. Where would you go, why and what would you do there?
Venus, because apparently that’s where women are from. I have no idea what I would do there, it depends on what the women are like? I hope it’s like in Rick and Morty and all the women are “I’m here if you need to talk.”
Pick any three characters from a fiction novel. These are now your roadtrip crew. Where do you go and what do you do?
Nalini Singh’s Raphael – even though he wouldn’t fit in the car, he’s a pretty bad-arse archangel.
Luna from Harry Potter because she’s amazingly eccentric.
Samion from Witch’s Sorrow because he’s highly amusing and will help with the boring road trip.
We would definitely be going to Disneyland.
Finally, what is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, here on Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?
I’m happy to be contacted on my Facebook page and Instagram. However, I do answer questions on Goodreads and on my website.
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/taylorastonwhite
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayastonwhite/
Website – https://www.taylorastonwhite.com
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18902344.Taylor_Aston_White
October 7, 2019
SPFBO Author Interview: Vincent Bobbe
It’s that time again! I’ve been a bit inactive lately but hoping to return to the steady interviews. To everyone who has submitted, I thank you all for your patience. I will interview you all!
This latest SPFBO interview is with Vincent Bobbe, with his awesome looking book Immortal’s Requiem. Go check out his novel down below:
As always, I have a list of my current interviews for SPFBO(5) down below. Check out whichever you like!
SPFBO Author Interview: Angela Boord
SPFBO Author Interview: Deston J. Munden
SPFBO Author Interview: Huw Steer
SPFBO Author Interview: E.L. Drayton
SPFBO Author Interview: R. A. Denny
SPFBO Author Interview: CF Welburn
SPFBO Author Interview: Steve Turnbull
SPFBO Author Interview: Nicholas Hoy
SPFBO Author Interview: Phil Williams
SPFBO Author Interview: Luke Tarzian
SPFBO Author Intrview: L. L. Thomsen
SPFBO Author Interview: Clayton Snyder
SPFBO Author Interview: M. H. Thaung
SPFBO Author Interview: Keith Blenman
SPFBO Author Interview: David Reiss
SPFBO Author Interview: R.M. Callahan
SPFBO Author Interview – Aaron Hodges
SPFBO Author Interview: I. W. Ferguson
First of all, tell me about yourself! What do you write?
I’ve always loved fantasy novels, and fantasy is what I love to write, but I am interested in the idea of magical characters being dropped into the ‘real’ world. I grew up reading authors like Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert E Howard. Then I discovered David Eddings before moving on to David Gemmell, Robert Jordan, and Raymond E. Feist. I loved their work. David Gemmell ticked all the boxes for me, because his characters were flawed … something I think his peers only really touched on in that era. And then I read A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin. This was back in the late 90s, long before the TV series. I remember, even then, reading the first books, and finding myself mixed up about who the good guys were, and who were the villains. It was an epiphany moment – I hadn’t realized that you were actually allowed to do that! To make the characters … human. So, I started writing Immortals’. I wanted a large cast of characters, all flawed, all working against each other, but with realistic motivations. I honestly thought I was writing an urban fantasy. My proof readers all complemented me on the horror aspect! My brother pointed out that Immortals’ was actually a Grimdark fantasy, and after looking into it, I realized that he was right: It’s dark, and gritty, and the characters are just like everybody else – confused, petty, frightened but with the capacity for humor and great heroism. So that’s what I write – Grimdark.
How do you develop your plots and characters?
I just let them have their head. Immortals’ was an organic process spanning ten years. There was no pressure – it was a hobby and I was doing it for myself. I wanted to write the book that I wanted to read. So, I kept a notepad (later Apple Notes on my phone) with me and when an event or character occurred to me (usually the middle of the night!) I’d just fit it into wherever I was up to and the story would evolve from there.
Health Warning: That is not an easy way to write! The amount of time I spent going back and tweaking stuff because it was not planned out in advance was ridiculous!
Now, I follow the same process, but rather than just jumping in and writing it, I create a very detailed plan. That way, it’s easier to go back and change what needs changing at the inception stage. Once the story is ready, I start typing.
Tell us about your current project.
It’s a sequel to Immortals’. I’ve not decided on the title yet. I say sequel, but I probably mean spiritual sequel … it’s set in the same universe and it has a couple of the same characters in it, but it can be read on its own alone. I’ve planned for five books in this series, but I don’t want to play that game where it is essential to read the whole series … I always used to find it annoying when I was reading a book, enjoying it, then got to the end and found a cliff hanger! So, I don’t want to do that. That being said, if I make it to the last two, they will probably have to be read in a series … it was supposed to be one book, but it got too big! I’ll try and release them at the same time though 
Is this your first entry into SPFBO? If not, how many times have you entered?
First entry.
Who would you say is the main character of your novels? And tell me a little bit about them!
The main character in Immortals’ was probably a chap called Cam. In short, he’s an alcoholic elf living in Manchester, England because he’s in self-exile from the Seelie Court. He’s a drunk, and a thief, and a bit of a nihilist really. But, as is wont to happen in a story, he gets dragged into something much bigger than himself.
I say he’s the main character, but he’s on an equal footing with several others. I suppose Cam is just my favorite
What advice would you give new writers on how to delve into creative fiction?
Don’t feel like you’ve got to follow the tropes. If they’re in there, fair enough, but if you want to try something different; something new … have at it!
What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the worldbuilding within your book?
I live in Manchester in England. That is the setting of my first book – they say, “write what you know” and I know Manchester. I get inspiration from people I meet and things I see. But I’d say a good eighty percent of it is all me. It is fiction, after all. What that says about my state of mind … who knows?!
What inspires you to write?
I think, for me, that it serves as a cathartic release. It’s therapy. If I didn’t write, all the shitty stuff I see every day would overwhelm me. I know that the world is a pretty dire place, and part of me just wants to go out there and sort it all out; to make sure the baddies get their comeuppance. But, since I’m not a street-ninja, and never will be, writing gives me the chance to purge some of those negative feelings in a positive way.
That’s part of it. Another part is that I enjoy telling stories – I enjoy crafting something that is as real as it can be without actually being real. Just like a painting, or a sculpture – it’s an art form.
And, of course, when you create a world and have absolute power over everything that happens within it, only limited by laws you set down yourself … well that can be an enormous rush. I think I’m a bit of a control freak
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Re-writes. It’s always the re-writes. You’ve finished it, it’s been a great experience, and you’re going back through looking for spelling mistake and … boom! … you see a massive plot flaw. That’s hell, because altering one bit causes ripple effects throughout the whole novel. Then, you think you’ve got it sorted and your proof-readers, or your copy editor notice something and you’re back to square one!
With Immortals’, the early feedback I was getting was that the ending wasn’t up to much. They were absolutely right. I went back in and completely re-wrote it – 20,000 words. That caused some serious structural tremors right back to the beginning of the book. I’m talking the bloody prologue! And I’m having to mess with dialogue in the prologue … yeah. I hate re-writes.
What is your routine when writing, if any? If you don’t follow a routine, why not?
No routine – whenever I get five minutes between my day job, keeping on top of whatever chores I’ve got to get done around the house, and spending time with my family, I’ll write a few sections.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
Not a chapter really: I think it was some of Cam’s dialogue. He channeled my sense of humor, and I enjoyed just being allowed to let rip taking the micky out of everything. The book’s pretty dark so it needs a shot of comedy, and that’s where Cam’s snipes and one-liners come in.
Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it?
Plan ahead! I tried planning a book once before, and the characters took on a life of their own. I’d find myself in a position where the plan said the character did one thing and I could practically see them, looking back at me from the page, saying ‘why would I do that? It’s like running upstairs when there’s a murderous psychopath in the house!’ So, I gave up on that and went back to allowing them their own pace.
I carried that philosophy on into Immortals’ … then came the re-writes …
So, as I explained before, I now let that organic process flow but only so far as an incredibly detailed plan. Then, when the story is complete and whole in my mind, I write.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? A gardener or an architect?
Do you know, I’ve never heard those phrases before? I had to look them up. Both and both. As I said, I have the plan set out ahead of time, but when it comes to the actual writing, I’m throwing things in there to make the story as realistic as possible. And occasionally, something better occurs to you as you’re writing. At that point, you’ve got to trust your instincts and if it means going back and ret-conning a load of stuff then so be it.
It’s sometimes difficult to get into understanding the characters we write. How do you go about it?
I don’t. It’s a mystery. I know they come from me, but they aren’t me. I know what they will say, what they will do, and why they will do it … but I can’t claim to understand them. They’re all just in here with me, and I let them out onto the page. I know that sounds wishy-washy, but it’s the way it is.
What are your future project(s)?
I’ve got more than enough on my plate just trying to finish the series. I’ve sub-headed Immortals’ ‘An Alternative Earth Novel’ for two reasons; firstly, because it is clearly based in an alternate timeline. Secondly, because at some point in the future, I would like to take some of the characters’ and explore their alter-egos in our reality. Maybe write some straight fiction about them. That’s a long way off though. And then, I’ve got all sorts of other ideas rattling around in my head which I’d love to one day make the page … so who know?
What is your favorite book ever written? Who are your favorite authors?
American Tabloid by James Ellroy. I love that book – I can always dip back into it. However, my favorite authors are … wow, there are so many! At a pinch I’d say David Gemmell, George R. R. Martin, Clive Barker … oh, and what about Neil Gaiman? I’d have to put American Gods up against American Tabloid as my favorite book. There’s just so much talent out there at the moment.
What makes a good villain?
Believability. They have to be believable. They have to have a purpose and a motive. And, of course, they need to do some really awful stuff because you’ve got to really get your audience wanting their comeuppance.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I write!
If you couldn’t be an author, what ideal job would you like to do?
I’ve got a day job – if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to pay the mortgage! My ambition is to be a full-time author!
You can travel to any planet or moon in the Solar System. Where would you go, why and what would you do there?
I would definitely go to Europa. Firstly, I’d just like to get that close to Jupiter. The view would be awesome! Secondly, if there is life anywhere else in the solar system, Europa’s a fairly decent bet. Who knows what might be down in those oceans …
Pick any three characters from a fiction novel. These are now your roadtrip crew. Where do you go and what do you do?
Repairman Jack, Druss the Legend, and Logen Ninefingers. I’d go wherever they god-damn well told me to, and I imagine there would be a lot of drinking
Finally, what is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, here on Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?
However they like – Facebook’s probably a good bet
https://www.facebook.com/VincentBobbeAuthor
https://www.amazon.com/Immortals-Requiem-Epic-Grimdark-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B07DDDVDR5
October 2, 2019
Book Review: Smoke and Stone
I haven’t reviewed a novel in a long time, and this is the perfect time to return to it.
I’ve spent a long time writing and reading dark, gritty fantasy, and sometimes it can go too over the top. Well, i’m pleased to say that this book has found a perfect balance.
Fletcher I think is pretty well known for grimdark. His series Manifest Delusions pretty much defines the genre. Gotta love some human stew.
I absolutely love that series, and I hope it continues in some form someday. If that series had a weakness, if any, it was possibly too grimdark, almost to a psychotic degree.
Smoke and Stone tones down the brutality to something thats both more managable, and quality. It is by far Fletcher’s best work (though his work in general is excellent quality, so that should be a testament to how much I enjoy this book) and as of typing up this review, it’s the best book I’ve read so far this year. That’s taking into account some excellent books like The Lore of Prometheus, Blood of Heirs, Seraphinas Lament, Dreams of the Dying and the entire Expanse series. Yes, I think the book is that good. In short, buy the fuck out of his book and read it!
But you guys came here for a review, so here goes.
While Smoke and Stone is well balanced and in my opinion a more flexible take on grimdark, it’s still violent. It takes place inside one city with a ruthless caste system, and there is still the good murders and violence that makes Fletcher’s books so good. The worldbuilding is stellar, and it really brings you into the immersion. I can follow the narrative and see everything, which takes skill to do.
The characters I think are the best Fletcher has ever written. We have Nuru, a street sorcerer who is trying to survive, who joins up with a small group, and Akachi, a priest of Cloud Serpent who is doing what he can to bring peace to this violent, war-torn city. The gods are preparing for war, and have fucking awesome names. Mother Death, a banished underworld god, battles Akachi in a war that will define the future of humanity.
It still takes a bit of time to get with the characters, but I found things really tight, and I found myself rooting for everyone. Again, this takes skill. The writing is tight, and puts the characters through hell. Fletcher ruins them, and breaking only makes them more powerful.
The magic system is truly impressive and I think it’s the biggest part that draws me in. Seriously, magic based on drugs! It’s so damn cool, and it’s really fleshed out. There are no fewer than twenty drugs used by sorcerers to do magic, and they get mixed for extra effects. Akachi can turn into a fucking puma, and Nuru turns carvings into living automatons. It’s such a cool magic system, and as someone who also experiments with drugs in his own novels (In the fantasy world, NOT ours! We’re all good here), It’s a true example of how creative you can be.
This might be a shorter review than I usually do, but I think I’ve summed up everything. I liked the tight writing, the brilliant world design, and the story sets the scene for what I think is going to be a brilliant series.
Rating: 5/5. I absolutely adored this book from beginning to end. If I use a best out of 10 system, I would round things down to a 9.5. The only thing which I think could improve this book even more would be a bit more exploration in the world, but I think Book 2 will go into that more.
September 30, 2019
SPFBO Author Interview: Deston J. Munden
To quote Deston’s badass cover, the job starts here! Last day of the month and it’s been a busy one. Today’s interview is with Deston J. Munden!
As always, I have a list of my current interviews for SPFBO(5) down below. Check out whichever you like!
SPFBO Author Interview: Angela Boord
SPFBO Author Interview: Huw Steer
SPFBO Author Interview: E.L. Drayton
SPFBO Author Interview: R. A. Denny
SPFBO Author Interview: CF Welburn
SPFBO Author Interview: Steve Turnbull
SPFBO Author Interview: Nicholas Hoy
SPFBO Author Interview: Phil Williams
SPFBO Author Interview: Luke Tarzian
SPFBO Author Intrview: L. L. Thomsen
SPFBO Author Interview: Clayton Snyder
SPFBO Author Interview: M. H. Thaung
SPFBO Author Interview: Keith Blenman
SPFBO Author Interview: David Reiss
SPFBO Author Interview: R.M. Callahan
SPFBO Author Interview – Aaron Hodges
SPFBO Author Interview: I. W. Ferguson
First of all, tell me about yourself! What do you write?
Hello, I’m Deston J. Munden, an African American storyteller for North Carolina. I’m the author of the entry, Tavern (Book 1 of the Dargath Chronicles). I’m a huge video game, anime, and fantasy/science fiction book nerd. I write in those same genres: soft science fiction and epic high fantasy novels. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
How do you develop your plots and characters?
They usually start with a small idea. What if these characters were like this or I see an opportunity for another character in a previous book to have their own book? I like to think that my ideas and characters start off with a tagline. Sometimes I’ll sit on a character or an idea for months before I do anything with them. I have what I call my junk drawer file. It’s just a text file of me rambling off until something of substance comes up or I feel like charging head-on into an idea.
Tell us about your current project.
As of a few weeks ago, I just finished the second installment of the “Dargath Chronicles” books named Duke’s Brand. My main character was inspired by Thor from the MCU but with a twist, he’s on the autism spectrum. It follows his journey to becoming a knight while fighting off parts of his bloody past that crept into his life via his father’s machinations. It’s both fun and heart-wrenching tale of a man learning to come more of his person after years of abuse and mistreatment from those around him. It’s also about following your dreams, even at an age where people would’ve already given up.
Is this your first entry into SPFBO? If not, how many times have you entered?
It is! I’ve followed all four prior and I always wanted to join. If not for Jonathan French’s coaching, I would’ve chickened out.
Who would you say is the main character of your novels? And tell me a little bit about them!
Xel is the main character of the entire series. He appears in every book in one shape or another, even when he’s not the protagonist. A spymaster, a healer, a guild master, and a businessman, Xel suffers from anxiety that he’s constantly learning to manage. He’s an interesting fellow. Though powerful and capable beyond his years, he doubts his own abilities often. As a person with clinical anxiety, it was important for me to write a character like him and show even with these crippling symptoms, you can achieve amazing things. Also, he’s an orc. So, there’s that.
What advice would you give new writers on how to delve into creative fiction?
I’ve noticed a lot of new writers finding themselves getting tripped up on the starting process. I’ve recently been helping a friend get started on his book and it took me weeks to get him to even start the book. He had the outline started, he had amazing ideas, and a good plot ready to go but he refused to start writing the process. Sometimes, the very best you can do is to jump in. You are never going to be happy in your first draft, especially in your first book. It’s better to get started, start learning, and crank out those words. It teaches you discipline as well as skills that you can transfer into new drafts and new skills.
Also, read in your genre. Learn from others. If you’re not writing, you should read or consume media. People underestimate the latter. Learning from shows, comics, anime, video games, and movies are amazing ways to learn a creative craft. I tend to always write down notes or talk to friends about what I liked or disliked about a show. It will teach you what you enjoy and what you can put into your work.
What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the worldbuilding within your book?
Everything. Honestly. That’s the truth of the matter. Days after days, I fall down the rabbit hole of learning stuff about our world. Whether it’s animals, different cultures, different languages, martial arts, history, food, etc. I binge watch documentaries and youtube videos. My google search is filled with a bunch of weirdly unrelated searches. I try to bring a little bit of the real world in my fantasy. I want people to feel welcomed and see themselves within the pages of a book. Sometimes, I just sit back and research something I don’t know just to get to some knowledge on the matter.
Also, people. Sometimes I get inspired by the people in my life. A lot of the characters are bits and pieces of people that I know or have interacted with. There are other times where I just see a stranger and a story just pops in my head. It makes visits to stores like Walmart interesting.
What inspires you to write?
I’ve always wanted to. At first, I didn’t think that it would be possible, but I wanted to try anyway. After several failed attempts, enough was enough. I wanted this more than anything in the world, so I had to push myself harder. There’s not a lot of people like me and I wanted to make a statement on the world in this genre. So, I started treating it like any other job. After a while, the routine became an inspiration on its own. I want to show people that everyone can make a splash in this world and I want to tell fun and exciting stories that I would want to read on the shelf.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Tavern was an interesting experience. This was my first real attempt in writing an epic fantasy. It is and always will my favorite genre, so I wanted to give it the attention it deserves. The hardest part, however, was the editing. After the first draft was completed, I sent it to my readers for a look over. There was a lot of things wrong. It took so many painstaking hours to figure out how to incorporate all the feedback I’ve gotten and get over the self-doubt that came with it. I was sure that the book would never be the quality that I want it to be.
Even now, there are things I know I could’ve done better. Alas, that’s the problem with writing. Once you get better, you look back on older stuff with the incredible power of hindsight. I know what I can do better with the editing and writing of the next books and I hope that Duke’s Brand will be even better.
What is your routine when writing, if any? If you don’t follow a routine, why not?
Monday-thru-Friday from 8-4 PM, sometimes a bit on Saturday and Sunday. I’ve gotten to the habit that now it feels wrong if I don’t write in those time slots or if I miss a day.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
Chapter 13 and 14 of Tavern. Chapter 13 was probably the best battle that I’ve ever written my entire life. Chapter 14 I have been cursed out about in my DMs by everyone that has read the book. It’s so hilarious. I’m a vile writer that likes to watch my readers suffer from time to time. So, it’s probably a tie between those two.
Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it?
I’ve learned to pace and plan myself better. There were times where I would run myself to the ground writing Tavern. It got so bad that my friends put a limit on how much I could work in a day and when. Passion can be a dangerous thing. I’ll advise anyone to learn their limits in their first-ever draft. It took me several first drafts and failed books to realize that I probably should care about my health as well as my craft.
Other than that, I feel like I’ve gotten better with the craft in general. I’ve been reading more and writing more every day since Tavern’s completion a few years back. I can now write and read faster and I’ve learned my strengths and my weaknesses throughout the process. A tip, treat yourself better and allow yourself to make mistakes. You’re going to in your first book no matter how hard you try.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? A gardener or an architect?
I’m a pantser, 100%. Well. At least in the first draft. My goal at first is just to get the story out of my head to the best of my ability. Once I finish that draft, I go back and go into a plotter mindset. I fill in the gaps that I made, fix pieces here and there, and work to make the story feel more alive and cohesive than before. My author friends tease me because I do my outline after the first draft is already completed. For me, that works the best. There I know what is happening without having the unfortunate side effect of me derailing my outline. It’s already down. If I want to add a part or take away a scene, I’ll know when or where I can do it. It’s weird, I know, but it’s something that I learned best suits me. Given an outline before the draft, I’m going to go so off the rails with a sudden idea midway through a chapter that I’m going to wreck the outline in the first five chapters.
It’s sometimes difficult to get into understanding the characters we write. How do you go about it?
Learning what makes them tick. The best way I’ve to learn to understand a character… is to hurt them in the most painful way possible. Yes. I know. It’s twisted. But you tend to learn a lot about a character when you put them in life-threatening or emotionally compromising situations. Give them the old tough love. Sometimes, they just must learn what conflict is and sometimes, they are better or worse off from it. Pain is love from the author. My characters know that coming in.
Other than putting them through torture, I like to know what they enjoy as hobbies. A person’s hobby tells a lot about them. It shows what they enjoy, where they like to spend their time, and more than often tells you how their brain works. Are they creative? Are they logic? Do they like games? It’s a good start to understanding a character and their motivations.
What are your future project(s)?
Right now, I’m working on my science fiction book named Dusk Mountain Blues. It’s space mutant hillbillies avoiding colonization. It’s a fun book, to say the least, based on Red Dead Redemption, Fallout, and Mass Effect and the space opera genre all thrown together. So that’s something to look out for.
I also have plenty of short stories planned, Duke’s Brand in the second draft phase, and the future third book in the Dargath Chronicles under the code name Undergrove.
What is your favorite book ever written? Who are your favorite authors?
I’m huge into listening and reading books and audiobooks. Here’s a list (only to name a few).
Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames
The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George RR Martin
A Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Embers of War by Gareth L. Powell
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
A Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercombie
Theft of the Sword by Michael J. Sullivan
What makes a good villain?
Charm. There’s something powerful with a villain with charm. Their motivations become much more interesting when you can’t quite pin down what they want. I enjoy a villain that can play circles around the protagonist. I also am drawn to the villains that I can’t help but agree with on some emotional level. Agreeing with a protagonist is easy. You are always in their heads so often you tend to default to their line of thinking. I’m drawn to villains that makes a good case for their cause. I love thinking well…that does make sense when the villain reveals their motivation. Despite their malicious or evil intentions, the villain must have some sort of charm and motivations to get people on their side (even you the reader).
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a huge gamer and cook. When I’m not writing, I’m playing video games of all types. I enjoy playing League of Legends, Rainbow Six Siege, Call of Duty, and Overwatch in my spare time. RPGs are also my weakness. Very often I can lose hours and hours in an RPG.
Cooking is a relatively new hobby I picked up. After suffering through a bunch of medical issues, I decided the best way to get healthier is to learn how to cook some of my favorite foods.
I hope that I can get well enough, for I can add powerlifting and live-action roleplaying to my hobby list.
If you couldn’t be an author, what ideal job would you like to do?
Video Game Designer. I have a degree in it but by the time that I was ready, I’ve heard so many negative things about the process that I decided to put that on hold. If not that, I would love to try my hand at being a professional baker or chef.
You can travel to any planet or moon in the Solar System. Where would you go, why and what would you do there?
Mars. Every time I see a video game or show talking about settling on Mars, I always want to try it out too. There’re so many good stories that are set on Mars that it kinda romanticized the planet for me. Given the chance and guarantee that I will you know…breathe on Mars, I would be the first on a spaceship to start a new colony. Maybe find some weird alien life. A man can dream.
Pick any three characters from a fiction novel. These are now your road trip crew. Where do you go and what do you do?
I’m picking Clay Cooper (Kings of the Wyld), Logen Ninefingers (The Blade Itself), and Jackal (The Grey Bastards). We’re gonna make a band and go a rock tour, probably get in more trouble than we signed up for. We’ll go travel the world, playing music and probably get arrested in every town that had the displeasure to deal with us. Ahhhh good times.
Finally, what is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, here on Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?
If I haven’t scared you off already, you can find me in loads of different places. I’m good at keeping my social media up to date and it’s probably the best way to contact me. Also, feel free to drop me an email on my contact form of my site.
Website: www.djmunden.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SrBuffaloKnight
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordjmunden/
Tumblr: https://djmunden.tumblr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D.J.Munden/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18874896.Deston_J_Munden
Also if Tavern tickled your fancy, here’s a link to that as well: https://www.amazon.com/Tavern-Dargath-Chronicles-Deston-Munden/dp/1795562587
Thanks for having me!
September 25, 2019
SPFBO Author Interview: R. A. Denny
Back with a new interview – things are pretty hectic on my end, so they may be less frequent in the coming weeks. Today’s interview is with R. A. Denny with her SPFBO entry The Emperor’s Harvest.
Check out some examples of my SPFBO interviews by clicking on the book covers down below!
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First of all, tell me about yourself! What do you write?
Hi, Michael! I’m a former criminal prosecutor who left my career to do what I love. Now I write epic fantasy and historical fiction. I’ve never looked back!
How do you develop your plots and characters?
Stories pop into my head when I least suspect it. Then I do a lot of research, which for me is half the fun. I travel, read, and listen to lectures from The Great Courses. Then I bounce my ideas off my own team of “inklings.” I’m so fortunate because several of my family members are authors.
From the beginning I know the end, but the characters lead me down surprising paths along the way.
Tell us about your current project.
Here’s the blurb for my new time travel novel: Flung into the 17th century by ball lightning, Peri learns that alchemy in the hands of modern terrorists is about to destroy the world. Only she can stop them. But a time-traveling terrorist turned pirate stands in her way.
I’ll be announcing a release date soon!
Is this your first entry into SPFBO? If not, how many times have you entered?
Yep, The Emperor’s Harvest is my first entry. I’ve always loved competition. Win or lose, it’s a great motivator, and it’s fun to take an active part in the writing community. Good luck to everyone who entered!
Who would you say is the main character of your novels? And tell me a little bit about them!
In The Emperor’s Harvest, I have three protagonists, but my personal favorite is Brina. She is a Glider, which means that she has a layer of skin between her ankles and wrists that she spreads taut to soar from tree to tree. How cool would it be to be able to do that? When the series begins, she has no concept of what it costs to be a hero. She experiences a lot of shocking twists of fate, but she is resourceful and determined. Brina is vulnerable yet strong. I guess that’s what I strive to be.
What advice would you give new writers on how to delve into creative fiction?
Give your imagination free rein and just start writing. You can go back and edit later.
What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the worldbuilding within your book?
I do tons of research into history, religion, and archaeology. To name just a few sources of inspiration: the Scythians, Alexander the Great, the Bible, Ancient Rome, Anatolia, the Incas, Plato, Balearic slingers, Congo Pygmies, and Herodotus. I challenge my readers to spot these connections on their own, but the details are available in the author’s note at the end of The Emperor’s Harvest, and on my website https://www.radennyauthor.com/blog. Warning: it contains spoilers!
What inspires you to write?
Everything around me: people I know, this world, and its history. The flying squirrels I raised as a kid gave me the idea for my Gliders.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Keeping all the story lines straight. Actually, writing it was not difficult, but editing was a bear.
What is your routine when writing, if any? If you don’t follow a routine, why not?
I’m a spontaneous, shoot from the hip sort of person. But when I write, I sit on my couch with my laptop on my lap and type. My kitty curls up next to me (like she is right now.) If I get stuck, I go for a walk, jump on my trampoline, or go for a swim if it’s summer.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
My favorite part to write in The Emperor’s Harvest was the ending of the Trees plot. It was exciting and had a huge twist, which I’m pretty sure nobody will see coming. Twists are so much fun to throw in!
Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it?
Hmm. Well, I was still working as a criminal prosecutor so it was cathartic. I spent my days dealing with people who only cared about what was in it for them, so at night I created some heroes who actually tried to do “the right thing.” The world of Tzoladia was a much needed escape. The journey helped me to be grateful no matter my circumstances.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? A gardener or an architect?
I create an overarching plot, but after that I’m a pantser and gardener. I go with my heart and let the characters lead me. My newest book is historical fiction, so the confines of history reel me in. Even so, I research, and then I let my imagination run a little wild.
It’s sometimes difficult to get into understanding the characters we write. How do you go about it?
I have a vivid imagination, so it’s pretty easy for me to get lost in my character’s heads. Sometimes I write a short summary of their background. I know things that reader won’t ever know.
What are your future project(s)?
Too many to list them all. I’m starting a YouTube channel. I’ve completed book one of my duology, tentatively called The Alchemy Pirate. I was going to start writing book 2 today, but I got distracted by this interview!
What is your favorite book ever written? Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite novel is The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis. Nothing can beat Puddleglum’s speech to the Lady of the Green Kirtle.
What makes a good villain?
Wait…villains aren’t good, they’re evil! A well-drawn psychopath or someone with narcissistic personality disorder fits the bill. At work I made a list I called “Most Likely to Kill.” I picked out killers before the age of 12. And I was right most of the time. That’s a pretty scary thought. Nothing is scarier than reality, even in fiction.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Travel (I just got back from Italy); swim, horseback ride, kayak, paint, read, play tabletop games. Actually, I enjoy most activities outside, most games, and most creative endeavors. Best of all, I like to hang out and relax with my family and friends!
If you couldn’t be an author, what ideal job would you like to do?
Film producer? Board game designer? Artist? Motivational Speaker? Anything creative. I wrote a screen play once and produced a full length feature film. That was so much fun! I’m illustrating a video game right now.
You can travel to any planet or moon in the Solar System. Where would you go, why and what would you do there?
Io. I wouldn’t land on it since it’s the most volcanically active world in our solar system. But picture lava fountains miles high! It’s truly a land of ice and fire. The colors are spectacular, so I’d paint it! And who knows, I might find life in the underground lava tubes.
Pick any three characters from a fiction novel. These are now your roadtrip crew. Where do you go and what do you do?
Ok, so I’m going with Amanki, Brina, and Moshoi from my Tales of Tzoladia. After all, I created them and hung out with them during several years of writing! I’d go to their home towns, go fishing in the Lanaduk River, climb to the top of a Mesmeringa tree, and explore the caves of Hattom. Fun adventures! As long as the emperor doesn’t send his henchmen after us…
Finally, what is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, here on Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?
I love to hear from my readers!
Twitter: @RADennyAuthor
Website: https://www.radennyauthor.com/
Email: radennyauthor (at) gmail.com
Facebook: @RADennyAuthor
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/R.A.-Denny/e/B0159K758U
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13988866.R_A_Denny
September 18, 2019
SPFBO Author Interview: CF Welburn
We know the drill by now! I’m back with a new interview with Craig Welburn. Hope you enjoy it
September 15, 2019
Author Interview and Spotlight: Andy Peloquin
Something a bit different, or back to normality as I would say. This awesome guy’s recent novel (he publishes so many!) Shields in Shadow launched a couple of weeks ago, an amazing military fantasy that is part of The Silent Champions series. I jumped at the chance to give Andy an interview, because he’s a great author and a good friend.
Click on the spiffing book cover down below to go to the buy link. I had the pleasure of beta reading this book (and probably was really critical with it, sorry Andy!) Expect a review of this book in due course!
First of all, tell me about yourself! What do you write?
I’m Andy Peloquin, author of dark epic fantasy. All of my stories are epic in nature and scope, but they tend to focus on the darker side of the genre—both the darker characters (thieves, assassins, bounty hunters, and killers) and the darker side of human nature. With so many “heroes” in fantasy, I’ve always loved exploring the other, more hidden aspects of the genre.
How do you develop your plots and characters?
Loaded question there!
I guess I can say that they both start with snapshots, little glimpses of who/what they are before I start writing them. I get the idea for a story or character, and I flesh it out one piece at a time. That way, I have an idea who I’m writing and what plot I’m writing about before I sit down to write. However, as I finally begin to write, the characters and settings come alive in fascinating, unexpected new ways, so each new chapter is a chance for interesting and unpredictable things to happen.
Tell us about your current project.
The Silent Champions is essentially a modern-style covert ops team, but using fantasy-level technology and magic and set in a fantasy world. After an enemy ambush massacres his entire company, Captain Aravon accepts command of a team of six elite warriors who operate ex umbra, part of the established military of their kingdom (the Princelands) yet independent of it. It’s a fascinating look at military, special ops, tactics, strategy, and battles through the lens of highly complex and intriguing characters.
Who would you say is the main character of your novels? And tell me a little bit about them!
Captain Aravon is the POV character of this series, so he’s definitely the “main” character. As the son of a renowned general, he’s lived under the shadow of his father’s legacy—and disappointment. It’s shaped his actions throughout his entire military career, and has made him the man he is.
However, each of the six elite warriors under his command are equally complex (a half-breed born to two worlds but belonging to neither, an archer who’s had to fight every day of her military career, a mute alchemist on an impossible mission, etc.) and intriguing. The series takes a deep dive into each of their minds and hearts—all through the eyes of Captain Aravon—to give us a better understanding of who these elite warriors are beneath the armor and military titles.
What advice would you give new writers on how to delve into creative fiction?
Learn writing craft first, then learn business. Writing a great book is just the first step; you have to sell it, and keep selling it to thousands of readers each month. The only way to make it into a living is to be both a good writer and a savvy businessperson.
What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the worldbuilding within your book?
I did a lot of research for this story talking with former special operatives, learning from them everything I could about these people, the operational practices, the types of missions they were assigned, and more. Some of the characters are actually crafted according to real-life stories from former soldiers.
What inspires you to write?
I love telling great stories that haven’t been told before. Being able to craft unique characters and ask questions that other authors won’t or don’t think to ask is my personal challenge, and it’s what makes writing an absolute thrill.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
The military strategy and tactics. As a civilian, I knew next to nothing about battles and warfare when I set out to write The Silent Champions. Now, I know only fractionally more, but at least enough to tell a story that reads as genuine and accurate.
What is your routine when writing, if any? If you don’t follow a routine, why not?
I’m very routine-oriented. I always start writing at the same time every day (2:30 PM) so I can finish by the time my wife gets home from work. I make my drink (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate), turn on my writing playlist, and start work at the same time. It helps me get into the flow of the story easier.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
There are so many! There was one death scene in Steel and Valor (The Silent Champions Book 3) where I had two of the male characters express their feelings for each other by saying, “Fuck you!” That brought a huge smile to my face!
Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it?
So much! Probably the most important lesson was that I need to give each character and plot element time to “breathe”. The books expanded to upwards of 200,000 words because instead of pushing things along, I let the story take its natural course, giving the characters time to develop and grow more complex. It’s something I’m going to apply to every book I write from here on out, even if that means the books are longer and take more time to write.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? A gardener or an architect?
75% plotter, 25% pantser. I put down the outline, but I leave enough room for creativity and flexibility as I write. The story invariably follows the plot line I’ve set out, but the route it takes to get where I want to go will often change.
It’s sometimes difficult to get into understanding the characters we write. How do you go about it?
LOTS of research! The more I understand the character before I sit down to write, the easier it is to come up with their dialogue and their unique style of talking. And, as I put bits and pieces of them onto the page, I find they reveal more about themselves to me.
What are your future project(s)?
The next project is an Atlantis-style high fantasy series based off the first novel I ever wrote. I unpublished the novel a couple of years ago, and I’m now taking the best bits and pieces from it to craft this grand, epic-scale world reminiscent of Atlantis—but set in my own world, with characters and worldbuilding elements cropping up from all of my other series.
What is your favorite book ever written? Who are your favorite authors?
I’d have to say The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, The Black Company by Glen Cook, and The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson take my top spots. Riyira Revelations by Micheal J. Sullivan and Sherlock Holmes come in for a close tie.
What makes a good villain?
Desire, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve it. I like villains who are driven, and who are just ruthless enough to run over everything and everyone in their path. Even if their desire is for something “good”, their actions are what make them bad.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Read, watch TV, cook, snowboard, play board games, hang out with friends. I’m a simple person and lead a simple, quiet life.
If you couldn’t be an author, what ideal job would you like to do?
I’ve considered actor, psychologist, and bodyguard as possible fallback careers.
You can travel to any planet or moon in the Solar System. Where would you go, why and what would you do there?
(Insert Uranus joke here)
Joking aside, I think I’d go to the moon. To be able to look down from the moon and see Earth would be truly spectacular.
Pick any three characters from a fiction novel. These are now your roadtrip crew. Where do you go and what do you do?
Locke and Jean from Lies of Locke Lamora, with Kaz Brekker from Six of Crows. Either Atlantic City or Vegas, just so I can watch them run cons on all the casinos.
Finally, what is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, here on Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?
https://www.amazon.com/Andy-Peloquin/e/B00J9008MC/
https://www.facebook.com/andyqpeloquin
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8KnIEoUDWRJkAhJ16CN5Dw
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8038662.Andy_Peloquin
