Interview With Author A.K. Kubica
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is A.K. Kubica, and I’m a writer who has been enamored with fantasies like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter since I was old enough to read. These stories led to my fascination with Norse, Greek, and Roman myths and legends, so much so that I wanted to create a few of my own. I have written one book so far, and am in the process of writing my second.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel, Creed of Legends: Book 1 of the Tales of Fear & Fortitude, blends mythology, philosophy, and political intrigue with an unhealthy dose of magick. There were a lot of inspirations for this series, but the main ones were a blend of Ancient Greece (particularly the Trojan War) and medieval England. The story’s structure of alternating viewpoint characters is largely a result of my love for books like the Farsala Trilogy by Hilari Bell and Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels Trilogy. And, as with everything I create, there is a great deal of inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien (huge Tolkienite here, and very proud of it).
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My biggest writing quirk is that I need to be confined in order to write, whether that is locked in a library study room or on a long car trip. I do my best writing when I’m physically unable to go elsewhere, and I inevitably hunker down and write my most and best when my brain can be solely focused on the page. Also, the presence of a Starbucks Refresher goes a long way in stirring the creative juices.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Since I was 11 years old, I have been a huge Tolkienite, re-reading The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings almost religiously every year and collecting every volume I can find. The stories propelled me into another world, and I knew that I wanted to engross my readers in my world-building as much as Tolkien had. However, I think that reading Dave Duncan and his Tale of the King’s Blades Trilogy made me realize how exciting and interesting it could be to play with the politics of that world, making the stakes for my characters a little more… obscured, more gray, than the black and white of good versus evil. Duncan also made me consider the concept of duty versus morality, which plays a large part in my books.
What are you working on now?
Book 2 of the Tales of Fear & Fortitude is well in the works. I’ve finished the (very rough) first draft and plan to confine myself for the second shortly. At the moment, I am working to fulfill my Kickstarter backer rewards after launching a deluxe special edition of Creed of Legends, which is available on my website. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the artists and graphic designers to create this beautiful 1st edition. The not-so-pleasant task of marketing it has been… less thrilling, though I think the majority of writers can agree that we did not become writers to sell our books. So is the curse of being an indie author.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, it has been Kickstarter. Create a beautiful version of your book and let it sell itself. But I have also found that Instagram is a great way to get readers involved in your stories. Using updates to thrill, polls and Q&A’s to engage, and reviews to intrigue all go a long way in building a strong readership. I am thankful to every follower who answers a poll or asks a question. I may not have many followers, but their interest is obvious, and I’m grateful for it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Doubt is the killer of creativity. Once you shed yourself of the doubts that your writing is not good enough and allow yourself to write for the sake of the joy that it brings you, you will not only be happier, but you will become a better writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I know many authors who have said this, and I used to roll my eyes at the simplicity of the words: “Just write.” But ultimately, that is the most important advice that I have ever received; it just took me a long time to understand that it was not a command or sarcastic or flippant in its essence. What it means, rather, is that you are the creator of your own story. Allow yourself to create, and that is all you will ever need.
What are you reading now?
I’m actually reading a few books. I like to have my options open with both a fiction and non-fiction book, for when I’m not in the mood for one, I’m inevitably in the mood for the other. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is my fiction book. The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer is my non-fiction.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My series, the Tales of Fear & Fortitude, will be three or four books (dependent entirely on if I can make the last one work). It’s taken me a long time to reach this point, so my main focus is completing the series with enough room for additional stories within this world that I’ve created.
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?
That’s easy. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, the Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop, and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. I know I cheated slightly by using the omnibus versions, but can you really blame me? Who knows how long I’ll be stranded for? And I will never get tired of these books and these characters.
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