An Interview with Author Ulff Lehmann

Joining me today is author, Ulff Lehmann, who has a lot to say about writing, and his epic fantasy ‘Shattered’ books in general. Thank you, Ulff, for taking the time to chat to me. Please sit down, get comfortable and let’s begin.

About Ulff Lehmann

German born but English writing author, Ulff Lehmann, was raised reading almost any and everything, from the classic Greek to Roman to Germanic myths to more appropriate fiction for children his age. Initially devouring books in his native language, he switched to reading English books during a year long stay in the USA as a foreign exchange student.

In the years since, he has lost count of the books he has read, unwilling to dig into the depths of his collection. An avid fantasy reader, he grew dissatisfied with the constant lack of technological evolution in many a fantasy world, and finally, when push came to shove, he began to realize not only his potential as a story teller but also his vision of a mythical yet realistic world in which to settle the tale in he had been developing for 20 years.

What’s the name of the book you’re here to talk about?

Shattered Dreams

Tell us a bit about your book

For two years the mercenary Drangar Ralgon has kept his back to his dark past. Afraid to live, afraid to die, Drangar tries to ignore the abyss that lies behind him. Now, faced with a war he wants nothing to do with, he finally turns around and gazes back.

Inspired by the vigorous style of George R.R. Martin’s A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, and in the vein of historical fictioneer Bernard Cornwell, SHATTERED DREAMS brings to life a stark, uncompromising tale of a man’s path to redemption.

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

Important only in the way that human names should ring if not downright be Gaelic/Welsh/Breton. Other than a character who I incidentally named after a Gaelic deity, no. They might have meaning to the folks living in my world, but I have no clue about that. I just tell stories from there.

Give us an insight into your main character. What makes them unique?

Drangar is a tortured soul. The only thing he sees about himself is the pain he caused and the pain he is feeling. He has no aspirations to becoming a hero, he doesn’t care about the world or himself, yet he has a strong sense of justice which he cannot escape either. In many ways he is utterly broken.

But those looking at him see someone who is fair, with an impeccable sense of what’s right and wrong, who suffers no deception, other than deceiving himself into thinking he is worthless.

Where do your ideas come from?

I got a nightstand, they jump out of there at night.