VBT: Interview with Joshua K Johnson, author of The Cerberus Rebellion & Giveaway!
Welcome, Joshua! Tell us about your new release.
The Cerberus Rebellion is a Gunpowder Fantasy that combines elements of traditional high fantasy (Elves, magic, epic scale) with more advanced gunpowder technologies (rifles, artillery and early steam power). I would say that it’s a step below Steampunk as it doesn’t have airships or other fantastical steam-creations of that particular genre.
The nation of Ansgar is torn apart by a rebellion when the King demands that his nobles provide soldiers for a war thousands of miles away.
Describe the heroine in three words.
The Cerberus Rebellion doesn’t have a heroine, however a major character in the sequel would probably qualify for the title.
What was your inspiration for this story?
I had the idea for a fantasy world that was different in some major way from most other epic fantasy out there. Gunpowder ended up being the thing that made it stand out.
Who is your favorite character from this book?
I have a special place in my mind for all 4 of the main characters in Cerberus, but Magnus Jarmann (the leader of the rebellion) was my favorite to write. His grand-father launched an invasion on the nation of Ansgar that went bad; the nation of Kerberos was annexed and the Jarmann family was relegated to the title of Duke. Magnus plans to free his nation from the oppression and return them to independence.
Roland Jarmann swept into the room followed by his bodyguards. The heir to the Agilard Duchy still wore his riding clothes: leather chaps over woolen pants, a black wool shirt and a fur-lined black greatcoat. He was nearly identical to his father; even his eyes were the same shade as the elder Jarmann. He spent much of his time at sea in command of the frigate Eastern Honor; he was the most respected captain in the Kerberosi squadrons of the Ansgari navy.
“Father, how unlike you to start without me,” Roland said in their native tongue. Kerberosi was a throaty language, rough and loud. Several of the men whispered; others shook their heads.
King William the Defender had proclaimed that in exchange for the freedom of their nobility the Kerberosi would forget their language and learn the common tongue of the Ansgari. Laws were passed against the teaching or learning of the language; no new books were to be printed in Kerberosi.
“You know the laws,” Magnus reminded his son, in Ansgari, as the younger Jarmann draped himself on his chair. One leg was hung over one of the chair’s arm and one of his arms draped over its back.
The others in the room spoke Kerberosi; they had all learned from the same secret order of priests that Magnus had. But to speak the tongue in open council was dangerous. No one knew whose guards were spies for the Ansgari throne.
“The laws that tell us not to learn the language of our ancestors, or that we must follow the laws of a King that is not our own,” Roland continued in Kerberosi. “Those laws are—”
“Those laws are what has kept our people safe and under the control of their own nobles.” Magnus was on his feet with a speed that no one would have thought him capable of. He slammed his fists against the table. Everyone stared. He continued in Ansgari, “We will continue this meeting without any further disruption. If anyone has a problem with that, you are free to leave now and explain to your nobles why they are not a part of my plans for this nation.”
No one stood. No one moved. Magnus wondered if anyone even breathed in the silence that followed his proclamation. Roland straightened in his chair under the withering glare of his father.
Magnus let his subordinates cringe for another long moment before he inhaled deeply and sat back in his chair.
“I have plans for our nation,” he announced as if everyone didn’t know. “Those plans are not yet ready to be revealed. Nor are they ready to be set into motion.”
How long have you been writing with the hopes of publication?
I first tried to get published about 5 years ago.
How did you get started?
I got started at about the age 13. My family moved out into the country and I needed something to keep me occupied.
What genres do you write in, and what appeals to you about those genres?
I write Fantasy and Sci-Fi. The ability to create my own world and make the rules is one of the things that appeals to me about these genres. Another is the ability to write sweeping epics that span the face of worlds or galaxies.
What other titles do you have published?
The Sithean Betrayal: A short story set in the Griffins & Gunpowder world. It tells the story of two commanders on opposite sides of a battle for the nation of Jarin.
The Red Dragon’s Gold: A short story set in the Griffins & Gunpowder world. Kasimir Parten commands a small fortress that stands in the way of the juggernaut that is the Chesian Empire. The Army of Malkala must fight a juggernaut many times its size and face the temptation of gold and lands; a temptation not everyone can resist.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on The Hydra Rebellion, the sequel to The Cerberus Rebellion and the 2nd of 6 planned novels in this series of the Griffins & Gunpowder universe.
Can you describe your daily writing routine?
I basically try to squeeze writing in whenever I can. I have an 18 month old son and he can be a handful.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m 85% Plotter and 15% Pantser.
What genres do you enjoy reading?
Fantasy, Sci-Fi and a sprinkle of others.
What author(s) have influenced your writing style?
Like most writers in the Fantasy genre, George RR Martin has had a profound effect on my writing. For Sci-Fi, David Weber’s writing pushed me into the Space Opera sub-set.
Where do your best ideas come from?
They just like to wander through my head.
What is your favorite book that you’ve read?
A Game of Thrones was definitely major; Ashes of Victory by David Weber was the first book in his Honor Harrington series that I read and it caused me to go back through and buy the rest of the series and every book after.
Who is your favorite character from any of the books you’ve read?
I really like Tyrion Lannister from A Song of Ice and Fire; Honor Harrington herself is the other.
Do you belong to a critique group or have critique partners? If so, what have you learned from them? How has it affected your writing?
I work with a couple of other authors, but not really an organized group.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Keep writing; it makes you better.
Is there anything else my readers should know about you?
The Griffins & Gunpowder universe is going to be huge; I have 4 series planned and at least 3 more smaller sets that I’ll be bringing into the world. I just need the time to write them.
Where can my readers find you?
My website/blog is www.gunpowderfantasy.com
Where can my readers find your books?
My books are on Amazon. My amazon author page is http://www.amazon.com/Joshua-Johnson/e/B008C25030/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Author Giveaway!!
Joshua will be awarding .mobi copies of his short stories (details available at www.gunpowderfantasy.com/products) to one commenter at every stop during the tour. Grand Prize for one random commentor: The Chesian Wars collection (all published 3 short stories and an additional prelude short story exclusive to the collection).
Be sure to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/07/virtual-book-tour-cerberus-rebellion-by.html
The Cerberus Rebellion:One hundred years of peace and prosperity. War changes everything.
On the world of Zaria, Elves, magic and mythical beasts coexist beside rifles and railroads. The futures of two nations hang in the balance as rebels and revolutionaries trade gunfire with loyalists and tyrants.
Eadric Garrard was raised to believe that as the rightful King of Ansgar, his loyal nobles and fearful subjects answered to his every whim, no matter the cost or consequence. His decision to send his troops thousands of miles away will test that fear, and loyalty.
Raedan Clyve was ordinary until an Elven ritual involving a griffin’s heart turned him into something more. Twenty years later, he still struggles with the magics that rage through his body. His mentor holds him back from his full potential and he faces pressure to find a suitable wife and father an heir.
Hadrian Clyve has picked up where his father left off and works to expand his family’s influence amongst the Ansgari nobility. His aggressive negotiation of alliances and shrewd choice of marriage agreements has earned him respect, and resentment. When his King calls his troops to arms, Hadrian has other things in mind.
After a century of scheming and decades of preparation, Magnus Jarmann is ready to bring his family’s plans to fruition by launching a war of independence that will free his people and return his country to its rightful place among the nations of Zaria. The King’s call to arms creates an opportunity that Magnus cannot afford to miss.
In a war, little is held back; in a revolution, nothing is safe.
Excerpt:
The crackle of musket fire drifted up from the trenches; only a few quick shots at first, but quickly followed by full volleys. Flashes of light marked the battle in the trenches and Raedan listened carefully for the command to push his troops forward. He glanced behind him quickly.
The color guard stood resolute, the banners of Arndell and the North Griffin Cliffs at the front of the formation. A half-company of infantry had been assigned to protect the flags should they come under attack.
Wounded began to drift back out of the trenches. Some retreated under their own power; others were carried between two of their fellows. Raedan tried to count the men fleeing the battle, but quickly lost count.
Finally, the trumpets sounded again, ordering him forward.
“How’s it look in there?” he asked a retreating officer. The man wore the gaudy orange of Sea Watch and the stripes of a captain. He had taken a round through his shoulder and was supporting a corporal that had taken a shot to the leg.
“The artillery did a job on them,” the captain said. “But they’ve still got some fight left.”
“All right, men! Let’s take it to them!” Raedan started toward the trenches at the double time and his men started to trot after him.
The earthworks twisted and zagged one way and another, slowly leading the infantry closer to the fortress that loomed large above. The sun had finally set and flares were exploding high overhead.
Author Bio and Links:
Joshua Johnson is the author of “Gunpowder Fantasy” The Cerberus Rebellion (due to release in early July) and the creator of the Griffins & Gunpowder universe. When he isn’t working or spending time with his family, he writes novels, short stories and novellas.
He currently lives in Northern Illinois with his wife and young son.
Website: www.gunpowderfantasy.com
