Interview With Author Charles K. Jordan
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This question is a bit loaded for me because I have written eight books thus far. The six books for my series are finished, along with two novellas in the same universe, but as of today, only two books have been fully edited and published. But later this year, 2022, book 3 of the Five Kingdoms of Cordizal series will be available. So be on the lookout for it.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book in my ongoing series is Dogma of the Five Kingdoms. The series deals with themes like various religions and deities in Cordizal and how they affect the world. I thought the title was very fitting and unique.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write exclusively on an iPad, which means I am super productive anywhere but in my living room. Writing started as a way to take back the time I lost during my commute to work, and I learned how to work standing up or sitting on a packed train. I view the train as my away office.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
After Deborah and James Howe introduced me to the world of literature, the biggest single influence in my writing life was Robert Jordan. The Wheel of Time helped me deal with many hard times and showed me that you could become fully invested in a fantasy world. Other writers who have influenced me include George R.R. Martin, Robin Hobb, Glen Cook, and Joe Abercrombie.
What are you working on now?
I am currently putting the finishing touches on book 3, Heretics of the Five Kingdoms, and two novellas, Fragments of the Wildlands and Bone, Sweat, and Tears. Heretics and Fragments will be released in 2022 while Bone, Sweat and Tears is looking like early 2023. I still have books 4, Folly of the Five Kingdoms, 5, False Idols of the Five Kingdoms, and 6, Rise of an Empire to gussy up for release, I have also been starting to plot out the following series to the Five Kingdoms Cordizal tentatively called the Old Moons. Also, I have a sci-fi series in the pipeline that I can hopefully start talking about soon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to use all methods available, such as KCP, online ads, and amazing sites like Awesome Gang, Twitter, and Reddit. Obviously, word of mouth is the most effective promotion tool, and as for the rest, your mileage may vary,
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep working. I know it sounds cliché, and it is, but when you start, 300 words seems like a daunting task, but after a while, it starts to become easier to accomplish your goals.
Also, keep striving to better yourself. Keep learning and expanding, don’t rely on editors to fix your writing when you can learn and better your craft.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To temper my expectations.
I know from experience that when an author, especially an independent author, releases a book, they believe it is a great product, and it might be. But there is so much entertainment these days, and just because you did sell thousands of copies your first month does not mean you have failed as an author. Keep plugging away, and results will come.
What are you reading now?
I feel guilty if I read too much fiction instead of writing, so how I get by that mental block is by reading history books. Now I am reading The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land by Thomas Asbridge.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides finishing the Five Kingdoms of Cordizal series, I plan on writing another six-book series in the same world and sci-fi that I hope to be able to give more details about soon.
I am also planning on being involved with some other projects in other facets of entertainment, but until things become more solid, I really cannot go into the details.
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?
The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan.
Emperor of Japan: Meiji and his world by Donald Keene.
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
And
A Dummies Guide to Surviving on a Desert Island
Author Websites and Profiles
Charles K. Jordan Author Profile on Smashwords
Charles K. Jordan’s Social Media Links