Author Interview - Brae Wyckoff, The Orb of Truth

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(D.R.) Today I welcome Brae Wyckoff, author of The Orb of Truth, the opportunity to sit down with me and talk about himself, his novel The Orb of Truth, and his works in progress.

(D.R.) Welcome, Brae. It is good to have you here for an interview today and to be able to give readers some insight on you as a person, not just a name on the cover of a book. Will you please tell us a little about yourself, like where you are from, and how you started your writing career?

(Brae) Thank you for having me. I was born and raised in San Diego. I currently live in North County San Diego area. I have been happily married for twenty years now and my wife and I have three children and one grandson. My writing started in 10th grade when my English teacher encouraged me after I submitted a horror based short story. I was hooked ever since then. My actual career in writing started two years ago after I was laid off of work. It has been full steam ahead ever since.

(D.R.) As I was looking at your accomplishments I noticed that The Orb of Truth was voted as the #1 Best Christian SciFi/Fantasy Book. There are some well known examples of fantasy books and series that are based on Christianity, can you tell me a little about The Orb of Truth and what you did to focus the book in a Christian aspect?

(Brae) The Bible has amazing stories and I thought it would be interesting to incorporate my love for Dungeons and Dragons and my Christian faith. I have woven in spiritual elements without being preachy and in your face about turning to Jesus. My story within The Orb of Truth is an epic tale of good vs evil that has captured many reader’s hearts around the world. I don’t shy away from using magic or introducing evil characters in my storyline and I really focused on the characters themselves and the choices that come their way and how they respond to them. I also love to incorporate humor to make it a fun read and adventure. You won’t be disappointed.

(D.R.) Is there a deeper message you are trying to get out to readers when they read The Orb of Truth?

(Brae) For me personally, I struggled with my purpose in life and what I was created to be and do while here on earth. I found this to be true in many if not everyone’s lives so The Orb of Truth really goes after the purpose and destiny in everyone, but based on individual choices much like we have in real life. At the same time I wanted to write something epic with a great heroic ending. My books have a feel good ending even amongst the sacrifices they experience in the story.

(D.R.) For many authors, family is vital in their writing, while others separate their writing careers from their real lives. What does your family think about your books and how do they support you in your writing career.

(Brae) My family is my #1 fans, especially my wife. Without their support, then it would be quite difficult to get this career launched. Success doesn’t happen overnight and it takes an amazing team behind you. My wife works FT in corporate America while I write and also promote other business endeavors we have established and are launching. Once my career really takes off then I plan on going to her office and sweeping her off her feet and taking her out of there…imagine the end of the movie The Officer and the Gentlemen. It will happen.

(D.R.) Have you written any family members or friends into your books in some form or fashion?

(Brae) Oh yes, when dealing or interacting with a writer you are a target. I have used past interactions, funny comments, strange personalities, and more, from my family and friends and from strangers. But most of the characters have a piece of me woven into their DNA.

(D.R.) Can you tell us some more about this/these character/s and do your family members know you put them into your book?

(Brae) Yes, my family is extremely supportive and even helped me on several occasions to give me advice on certain characters and their habits or personalities. It can make for an interesting conversation sometimes.
I have a gruff red-bearded Dwarf named Dulgin. He is one of the heroes and has become a fan favorite. His personality has a lot of me in it, not that I’m mean and grumpy but he has aspects especially with his dialogue or mannerisms. There is a part in the book that my family truly relates to me and that is when he talks about “eggs”. I’m not an egg fan so this little scene is quite funny (at least to me and my family anyway).

(D.R.) Some authors describe having periods of writer’s block and some really struggle through these periods. Did you experience writer’s block while writing The Orb of Truth?

(Brae) The Orb of Truth started twenty years ago with me. I had the story for the most part but I couldn’t figure out the ending so I had the dreaded block for many years and struggled through several re-writes. It was two years ago that I had a divine encounter to say the least and the ending fell into place perfectly. I have not had writers block since and I will never have it again. I wrote the book in six months and I wrote the second book in the same amount of time. I have already started book three and have several other ideas formulating. God is good and he loves to help those in need. A theme in The Orb of Truth is the statement, “It is time.” This has applied to me in so many ways and it truly has been a message from heaven for me and many others.

(D.R.) Every author has their own technique for overcoming writer’s block. How did you manage to overcome this period when you were unable to continue with the story?

(Brae)

(D.R.) I started writing many years ago as a hobby and eventually turned it into a little more when I published my first book. Are you writing as a hobby or are you writing full time to provide an income for you and your family?

(Brae) I am writing FT to provide for my family. Once I take on something, I go all the way. I am extremely professional in all my endeavors while at the same time being personable and approachable by all. I have a mission— sell a million books! I believe in the impossible…

(D.R.) Can you tell us the author or set of authors that influenced you the most for your particular genre?

(Brae) JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis are staples in my genre and I fell in love with their story telling ability. I have been deeply humbled to be placed next to them on several people’s shelves and the amazing reviews comparing me to these greats on Amazon.

(D.R.) If you were to get a movie deal for The Orb of Truth, who would you cast to play the lead roles in the book?

(Brae) This is always an interesting question. I do know that the human fighter called Abawken should be played by Thor, Chris Hemsworth. Jeremy Renner might be a good choice for Bridazak, the main character. I like Anne Hathoway, she could portray the elven mystic, Raina Sheldeen, although I have a close friend who says she is Raina after reading my book (girl power). I’m still working on who should take the gruff red-head dwarf, Dulgin. I’m open to suggestions…


(D.R.) You are currently in the final stages of The Dragon God. Is this book a stand alone or is it a sequel to The Orb of Truth?

(Brae) The Dragon God is the sequel and is part of the Horn King Series. Right now the book is with my editor and we are both going through it line by line to make it the best we can. My family, my critique group of several authors, and my editor have all expressed to me that this next book, The Dragon God, is better than the first. I’m happy to hear that. The Orb of Truth sets the stage and introduces you to the amazing world of Ruauck-El and the characters and is what makes the sequel all that much better. I’m excited and my fans are waiting patiently for the release.

(D.R.) Can you tell us a little more about The Dragon God and what to expect when it is released later this year?

(Brae) The Dragon God has all the characters from the first book plus I introduce some new characters that I think will become fan favorites. There is a particular gnome named Trillius that is the neutral character in the story and he gets himself into some interesting situations throughout the book. Trillius was briefly mentioned in the first book, but now we see him in his glory for the sequel. I gave a short intro to Trillius on my Official Fan Club page on Facebook. Trillius has been well received thus far and I only gave a snippet away.

In this book we will see Dwarves, Elves, and Halflings, along with Dragons, evil Mystics, Kings, Pirates, and a Vampire.

Join the Official Brae Wyckoff Fan Club on Facebook to make sure you hear about the exclusive posts that I only release there.

(D.R.) Do you have any other works in progress and if so, when do you plan to release them to your fans?

(Brae) I am currently writing the third of the series called The Vampire King. It is completely outlined and I’m chipping away at it while balancing marketing efforts for the first book, editing the second, and dealing with speaking engagements and book signings. I’m busy, but it is all good!

I am also working on a short story that revolves around two magical thieves tools named Lester and Ross that are also touching the hearts and the funny bones of my readers. They are the comedy relief. I have a backstory for them and I plan on writing it and getting it on Amazon as a FREE download once it is finished and edited. My hope is to have this done this year also. Wow, I have a lot to do.

(D.R.) I know your books are available in ebook format. Have you taken the steps to have your books published in hardback or paperback yet?

(Brae) The Orb of Truth is available on Amazon in both ebook and paperback. You can also get the paperback at Barnes and Noble. I love to have both versions to meet the needs of everyone. I love a good paperback book and I love to have the ease of an ebook on my phone or kindle.

(D.R.) Which major retailers are your books currently available in?

(Brae) My book will be available soon in some airports and smaller bookstores, but the main force is Amazon as everyone shops there. People can also contact me directly to get an autographed copy mailed to them.

(D.R.) Before we part ways, is there anything else you would like to say for your fans and readers around the world?

(Brae) I am deeply thankful to all my fans and to all the new readers who are jumping into the amazing adventure I have written for them. I have people as young as 12 and old as 90 who have loved the book and can’t wait for the sequel.

I’m accessible on Facebook and love interacting with the fans there. I’m also active on Goodreads and love to connect with everyone.

My favorite thing to ask my fans is which character they like and why, so read the book and let me know who it is you love.

Also, I have a special Vampire contest going on in Facebook land on our event page. My Event Manager, Aileen Aroma, is running this event. You can submit your version of a Vamp for the chance to have the character be written in the 3rd book, The Vampire King, and get an autographed copy when it is released.

We have other contests going on in Facebook and the BIG PRIZE that ends at the end of March, so join today and win prizes…Aileen is incredible and works tirelessly each day to help promote and connect people.

(D.R.) Brae, I would like to thank you for sitting down with me today for this exciting and revealing interview. I wish you the best of luck in your writing career and hope readers around the world will enjoy your books for years to come.

Books by Brae Wyckoff





http://www.amazon.com/The-Orb-Truth-V...
E-Book Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Truth-Horn-King...


Website: http://www.braewyckoff.com/
Blog: http://orboftruth.blogspot.com/
Facebook Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/theorboftruth
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16...
Book Trailer Video: http://youtu.be/0JmqCwNS410
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/105699663...
Paperback Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Orb-Truth-V...
E-Book Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Truth-Horn-King...
Brae Wyckoff Official Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/21043...
LR Publishing Facebook Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/LRPublishing
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jedibrae
Blog Talk Radio Show- Broadcast Muse: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/braewyckoff
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BraeWyckoff
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/brae-wyck...
Goodreads Brae Wyckoff: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Goodreads Orb of Truth: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16...
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/braewyckoff/
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/jedibrae
United Authors Promo FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/unitedauthors
The Greater News Worldwide Ministry FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/thegreaternews
The Greater News Worldwide Ministry Website: http://www.thegreaternews.com/



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