Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A.J. Strickler released his debut novel “Swords Of The Phoenix Queen”, at the end of March 2015 the first in the “Gods Of Blood And Fire” series and it had become a top-seller by May. Since then he has signed on with a publisher, Panda Books Press LLC. The original version of book one has been replaced by a second edition.
Panda Books has recently released his sequel, “Song Of Fury”, on March 18th 2016, and is currently working with A.J. on his third installment in the series, “The Star Of Saree”.
A.J. became a diehard fan of both fantasy and ancient history at a very young age, and began reading anything he could get his hands on. As a young adult he became fascinated with ancient weapons and started building a collection that he still enjoys today. A.J. is an autodidact whose learning ancient history and mythology.
Reaching midlife, the thought of writing an epic became an exhilarating obsession. He found the dark fantasy books from newer authors to be lacking what he was truly hungry for in this genre. After openly sharing his desire to become an author, his friends and family urged him to follow his dreams, and so came the birth of Gods Of Blood And Fire Series.
I’ve currently written and published two novels, and have started working on the rough draft of my third novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest is Song of Fury, a continuation of the Characters in book one Swords of the Phoenix Queen. Each installment of this series will move the characters from where they started to where they will end, hopefully that will be a glaring contrast. I wanted to show not only the major events of the story’s plot but also the drive and motivation of the characters and major events in their personal lives.
Not all villains are all bad and not all heroes are all good, just like people in the real world I wanted to try and show how each character perceives the world in their own way. Reading fantasy books when I was younger I often wondered what the heroes and villains were doing or thinking when they weren’t out trying to save or destroy the world. So, I wanted to try and touch on some of their personal lives as well as the main events in the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know how unusual it is but I often sit and picture a scene or the character’s conversation in my mind before writing it. Almost like watching a movie in my head.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many but I think Roger Zelazny , David Gemmell , Robert e Howard just to name a few. Also when I was in grade school I loved to watch old movies like from Cecil B. Demille Samson and Delilah and Cleopatra, but it was when I read Homer’s Iliad that I was really hooked on mythology and that was the book that sparked my interest in Fantasy and History.
What are you working on now?
I am working on book three of the Gods of Blood and Fire series (The Star of Saree.) This installment will transition many of the characters on new paths that I hope will surprise the reader. It will also continue to lay out the story of the Gods of Saree.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t really focus much of the marketing and promotion of my books. My publisher Panda Books Press handles that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am fairly new myself but, I can say write your story. If it feels right put it down and don’t let other influence your vision. That’s not to say don’t accept help or constructive criticism, just stick to your ideas and what you believe in. It’s your story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid to delete something if it doesn’t work, and get a good editor.
What are you reading now?
“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” and Steven Pressfield’s “Gates of Fire”
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to finish writing book three, “The Star of Saree” then move on to book four in the Gods of Blood and fire Series. I really enjoy knowing there are fan’s out there who enjoy the books I write. Making the readers happy is very important to me and I want to do them justice by writing books that are entertaining and fun to read.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
David Gemmell’s King Beyond the gate
Roger Zelazny’s Chronicles of Amber
Homer’s Iliad
Also, I’d defiantly need an Island survival guide. Otherwise, I would starve to death…and the first three books would offer my remains little entertainment value.
Author Websites and Profiles
A.J. Strickler Website
A.J. Strickler Amazon Profile
A.J. Strickler’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile