The Author Interviews: #8: Aaron-Michael HALL

In this series, I'll be interviewing self-published authors and writers about their books and their lives as writers. For my eighth interview, I had the privilege of interviewing Aaron- Michael HALL on 18/06/2016. HALL writes adult epic fantasy and is the author of Piercing the Darkness (The Rise of Nazil Book III).Let's get started!What made you want to become a writer?I have been writing since I knew how to write. The first story I can recall was about the way the worms wiggled at the end of my hook. It was my first experience fishing with my father. It was a big hit at home and school. Since then, I have written hundreds of poems, short stories, and many novels.Why did you choose to write in this genre? Have you ever considered trying other genres?I have always enjoyed epic fantasy and science fiction. It is thrilling to construct new worlds, languages, and species. I live in the “real world” everyday. When I write, I love creating elements that can only be imagined. Through my writing, I bring that vision to the readers and allow them to partake and submerse themselves into something fantastical.It is a wonderful gift to be able to bring forth new life through my imagination.What do you love most about writing and why?The freedom to create what I love without the confines and limitations of what someone else deems “proper.” These worlds, peoples, creatures, languages, etc. are unique to Faélondul. I adore aspects of each of them, even the more sinister characters. There are no absolutes; not in real life or my stories. The characters are all fallible and multidimensional.Another aspect is research. It can be tedious but also gratifying. If you desire to get the details correct in your work, you need to research every important facet.I recall researching something I thought would be simple. In my first novel, The Rise of Nazil, I needed to know how far a horse could travel over rough terrain in a 24hr period. Sounds simple, right? Well, there was much more to it. In order to get the conditions, mileage, rest time, etc. correct, I had to do a lot more. I had to measure mileage on the map of my world and calculate all of these different factors for horses alone, with riders, pulling carts, etc. By the time I was finished, I had no time to write the scene. And that was something very small.The ancient herbs, plants, etc. were interesting as well. My least favorite was researching torture techniques.I literally learn something new with each day. I believe a huge part of writing it not only improving your literary skills, but growth.What do you dislike about writing and why?I do not dislike anything per se. If I had to give an answer, it would be time constraints and not having enough free time to create.If you could trade places with any of your characters, which would you choose and why?Oh my! I have a myriad of characters. That is a difficult question because many of them are exceptional in numerous ways. From book I (The Rise of Nazil) I would select Danimore Benoist. From Book II (Seed of Scorn) it would be Ahvixx Ahllendale. From Book III (Piercing the Darkness) I would select either Ayrmeis or Symeon Yego. From book I of the upcoming trilogy (Blood of Oisin) it would be Kuhani or Ahgelon. Thalassa and Angelaris are extraordinary as well. You see? Extremely difficult.If you could live in any of the worlds you have created, which would you choose and why?Faélondul is the world in which I write. It is a diverse world with unique and interesting denizens.What's your writing routine or schedule like? Do you struggle to find time to write? How do you stay organised and keep to your deadlines?I have never had an issue with organization and schedules. Usually, I am up late after my son is in bed. I also keep notebooks and my Mac with me. You never know when something remarkable might need to be written.Who or what inspires you? Where do you get your inspiration?Weaving tales that I always wanted to read and could never find. That is inspiration. It is truly fulfilling when I receive an email or review telling how my stories and characters have touched someone. Having diverse epic fantasy is something that has been lacking. Every person wants to identify in many ways with a hero or heroine. It is nice to have that hero/ heroine to resemble you physically as well as internally.Do you have a favourite author and if so, why do you enjoy their work?There are far too many. R. Scott Bakker, Octavia Butler, George Martin, Ursula Le Guin, Michael Moorcock, R.A. Salvatore, and Joe Abercrombie are a few.What do you find most challenging about being an indie/ self-published author and why?As with many self-published authors, the most challenging aspects are marketing, advertising and reaching your target audience.Most of these skills require extensive research with copious amounts of information. Thusly, it is integral to read and learn as much as possible before you publish and also establish a presence for you and your work. It is constant, time-consuming and necessary. It can also be quite fulfilling.Any COMMENTS/ NOTES to the reader:I would like to thank the readers and reviewers out there. With the vast titles available in today’s market, I appreciate you taking the interest and time to purchase and read my novels. You have a cornucopia of artists from which to select. I am honored that I am one of those you chose.Authors rely upon reviews not only for the exposure but also for the feedback. It helps us understand what connects with our audience and where we might need improvement. This is important for all authors but extremely so for indie/ self-published authors. We do not have large companies backing us financially or otherwise. Each book we produce takes sometimes years to create and that is but the beginning. After employing several editors, proofers and designers, our work is nearly complete. Albeit to ensure we produce the best product for you, we rewrite what is needed and delete what is not. Once our novels appear online, enormous amounts of time, energy and finances has gone into creating something we pray you will enjoy. When I read the reviews, they warm me and encourage me to write that next page.Thank you again for your support. I do not know if you were aware of how important and appreciated you truly are.Thanks to Aaron- Michael HALL for this interview. I wish him all the best with his books. If you'd like to find out more about this author, please follow one of the below links:WebsiteAmazon Author PageTwitterBook Trailer links:https://youtu.be/VD5W1DwUzQ4https://youtu.be/sWpwppYjYBc