Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love speculative fiction but lean towards fantasy as my primary genre. I’m a history buff and prefer the time periods from ancient Mesopotamia all the way to the fall of the Roman Empire. At least, that’s what I’m into for now. This seems to change based off my writing but in general I do not like going much past the 1400s.
I have two published novels. “Winemaker of the North” and “Arcane Awakening”.
I have five additional novel length manuscripts.
I have numerous short stories some published and others unpublished.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Arcane Awakening” This is book two in my Saints of Wura trilogy.
This book had many inspirations but a large part of it was the Roman Empire and their dealings with the tribes of Germania. The subterfuge, “bought by gold” alliances, horrible bloodshed and enslavement… wonderful accents to a fantasy novel if you ask me. This coupled with the theme of magic being “reawakened” and the return of spiritual entities both holy and malevolent, sets the stage for the awesome climax to come. I can’t wait to release book three!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I binge write. When I’m writing a novel, it is difficult for me to write every day. I typically write in spurts of 5000-10000 words and then take a day (or two or three) off. My latest draft was 65k words and I wrote it in around 13 days.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tolkien and Brooks. That is, if I only pick two. 🙂
The lyrical poetry and scope of history/ language of Tolkien’s many works and the general storytelling of Brooks’ books are the chief influences in my own writing. Though there are so many influences, it really is hard to narrow it down.
What are you working on now?
Book three in my Saints of Wura trilogy. I’m looking to publish in late fall.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Be real. No one likes a salesperson. Blog about stuff related to your books. For me this means history, myths, etc.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read and the write your heart out. Get the story on the page no matter the cost. It’s much easier to edit a book when you have the story down. Worry about details and specifics after you have a first draft otherwise you’re doomed to never finish, at least in my experience!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just sit down and write. If I did this more, I would have more books.
What are you reading now?
About ancient history actually… I’m working on an idea involving the fall of Carthage and the slave revolts of the First Servile war. (The slave rebellion of Spartacus was the Third Servile war) I am essentially planning a Fantasy/ alternative history book. I will have more to come on this in the future.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the Saints of Wura trilogy and two additional novels in the same world but much earlier in the history involving one of the side characters.
Aside from that, I have my alternative history idea I may run with or I may jump back to one of two other fantasy projects I left incomplete.
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 Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire (I would finally have time to read it)
…and a book about how to get off of deserted islands… 🙂
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