Chompa’s Comments (group member since Feb 16, 2015)

Chompa’s comments from the Grimdark Fantasy group.

Hi Jeff.

I'm always curious about the writing habits of authors. When do you write? Where do you write? Do you outline your story or do you just kind of have an end in mind?

Having knocked out your trilogy already - do you have anything new in the works?

I've heard of the Flashman books, but it has been a bit since someone mentioned them. I may have to add these to the infinite pile.

Thanks for letting us know about it AJ.

Jeff wrote: "I really wanted the scope to be intimate at first, and slowly widen as the series went along."

Having read all three, this certainly was the case. I also greatly enjoyed that Arki didn't follow the usual mold and end up a deadly bad-ass by the end. That he continued to love translating scrolls and recording events, but still became an accepted member of the company was much more realistic.

I'm old and crotchety, but I'm loving getting your feedback as we comment. It is very insightful.

One of the things I greatly enjoyed was Captain Killcoin's flail, Bloodsounder. The weapon was obviously quite deadly, but also stole the memories of the people it has killed. This isn't some "enchanted sword" that's all good though. Killcoin learns things from those he kills, but then is also overwhelmed by those memories.

The only other "magic" in the first book is that of the Lloi and the memory mages. Well, and the Veil.

I really enjoyed how the magic was so distant and mysterious. And that it was basically more to be feared than wanted.

The Rook was one of my favorite reads a couple years ago. This summer a sequel is coming.

I picked Chains because someone else had already picked The Bloody Nine.

I'd be happy do that. It isn't my Facebook page. I mainly lurk there and at times weigh in on matters of great importance. Like "Who has the coolest name in Grimdark fiction?"

Sigh... K-Pop? J-Pop? Is this like one of those FaceSpaceTime things?

Why the hell are you all still standing in my yard?

Here you go. https://www.facebook.com/groups/grimd...

Welcome Maark! I'm not sure why I never mentioned our group in the Facebook posts before this. Looking forward to your participation.

Michael, I agree. There are many deaths of important characters throughout the book. That was an excellent one.

I knew I could count on Chris.

Thanks, Michael. That's awesome. I was wondering the same thing. I know he's really friendly from some of his Facebook posts. I'm looking forward to the Q&A. This was a great series.

Brittany - thanks for setting up the discussion threads and taking on the Q&A.

I'm going to kick off my shoes and wait around. I read the trilogy earlier this year and am looking forward to the discussion.

Maybe it was growing up with my sister's pet goat as a nemesis, but I'm having a hard time picking a GOAT myself.

That was one of my favorites. Let us know what you think! I felt like it was darker than Gates of Fire but Gates of Fire was deeper for me. If that makes sense "

I recall you being a fan of Pressfield. I'll be sure to let you know what I think.

Great discussion going on here. Variety truly is the spice of life. Never feel ashamed of liking or disliking against the general population.

Right now I'm reading The Afghan Campaign and am enjoying it so far. I've only read a little historical fiction (mainly Cornwell's Sharpes and a little bit of OBrien's naval books.

I enjoyed Name of the Wind, but am not as enthused by it as many are. It seems to be a bit over-hyped.