Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
F. N. Scott is a pen name for James Young, former military medic, current healthcare practitioner, and aspiring full-time sci-fi/fantasy novelist. Video game enthusiast and avid reader, F. N. Scott continues to find the time to continue his dream of writing. Currently, he has written and recently published his first novel, Bane of Evil: Book I of the Scourge of Saventia Trilogy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Bane of Evil: Book I of the Scourge of Saventia Trilogy is F. N. Scott’s first and latest novel. It is an epic fantasy novel involving magic, swordplay, and chronicles the journey two brothers must take in order to stop a growing evil threatening all life in the land of Saventia. Inspiration for this novel comes from many forms: Dungeons & Dragons, Legend of Zelda, and fantasy novels such as the Dragonsbane and Elvenbane series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say that my habit is unusual, but it is a bit quirky. On my ideal days of writing, I prefer to wake up early, enjoy a cup of coffee, exercise, shower, and then write until I can’t write any longer. I always jokingly say that I know I have written enough when my mental fatigue is so high that my internal thesaurus begins to break down. Once I have trouble finding the correct words or synonyms, it is time for a break.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Elvenbane by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey, Dragonsbane by Barbara Hambley, Gaunt’s Ghosts by Dan Abnett, and Ciaphas Cain by Sandy Mitchell are series I have thoroughly enjoyed. The earlier books of the Horus Heresy (Warhammer 40k), such as Horus Rising, False Gods, and Galaxy in Flames, created a wonderful blend of character development and action sequences that I drew influence from. Also, the classics, such as the Illiad and Odyssey by Homer and the Divine Comedy by Dante Allighieri, influenced my decision to want to be a writer. To tell such fascinating and epic tales is definitely a pursuit of mine because of the classic stories.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on the sequel to Bane of Evil.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still new at this, so the best method for me is to reach out to readers on social media sites that I think may find my novel. It is time consuming this way, but I know that my work will speak for itself, and, if these individuals enjoy the novel, word-of-mouth will be soon to follow.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Pursue your dream. Make no excuses as to why you cannot write or cannot publish. Do not let your own critical self hold you back.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard is to stop taking every piece of advice from other authors. There can be so many contradicting tidbits of advice if you were to listen to every author.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading the Wool Omnibus by Hugh Howey. I always have a soft spot for post-apocalyptic literature and video games.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me as a writer is marketing for Bane of Evil, as well as continuing to find balance between writing, working, and living.
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 three books I would take with me on a desert island are Worst Case Scenario: Survival Handbook (shows my practical side, and this series is quite entertaining), The Imperial Infantryman’s Uplifting Primer (for its quotes and stories of inspiration and motivation), and my own novel, Bane of Evil (I have read, re-read, edited, and re-edited this book so many times I know its ins and outs like no other, so I would not feel too terrible if I needed to use it for firewood in the event of an emergency).
Author Websites and Profiles
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