Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Fantasy junkie and have been so since I was around seven or eight years of age. I played every fantasy and science fiction based game i could get my hands on before I began reading Fantasy novels. Once that began, it could not be stopped.
I loved tension in a book, great battle scenes and a believable magic system that held relevance to the story. So often, much of the setting, magic and hierarchy of the land is taken for granted, leaving the reader let down at the climax of the book. I never liked that. I love reading a story that promises a big ending and delivers. So now, that’s what I write.
I’ve written and published three fantasy novels (No Gods of Conscience, Pilgrimage of the Dead and The Vision of Men) with two more due out in 2014 (Shadows of Cass Vale and Dread of Spirit). All of my books are interrelated, occurring in the same setting, some characters moving through the various books interacting. My work thus far has been hailed by fans as “the best battle in fantasy.” I aim to forward that cause and stress character depth. I think those two things, plus magic and undead, make for great tension and story.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published work is The Vision of Men and it is inspired by mankind’s response to the feeling that they are being pressured by fate, or in this case, the gods. It is the idea that if you caught fate moving you, you could make a strategy to use that against destiny and redirect your ultimate purpose. This is a sequel to No Gods of Conscience and Pilgrimage of the Dead.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I typically have to have music in the background and a silent television playing, but only if it is playing a movie I’ve seen already. I’ll tune in for the parts i enjoy and then ignore it the rest of the time. I also write almost exclusively between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S.Friedman, Steve Perry, Elizabeth Moon, L.E. Modesitt
What are you working on now?
Two things: Being a good father to my daughter and letting people know I’m here. I’ve written 19 manuscripts but the real trick is finding new readers. Marketing is an area I where I lack skill and understanding, so i labor along with those trying to guide me in order to let people know about my work.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Face to face always conveys the enthusiasm and passion and which website? Why, this one of course!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, and keep writing. One book means you can do it. Ten means your dedicated. Never stop. It’s like growing a Redwood. It goes slow and it takes time, but eventually you’ve created something that will outlast you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stop talking about your story and write it down.
What are you reading now?
I have a few books, depending on where I am. I’m reading historical work on Pearl Harbor, Shadows of Cass Vale (my own work) and The Deed of Paksenarrion
What’s next for you as a writer?
A Forest Beseiged, a novel about the Nemian people, a race created of human spirit magic, that tends to the great crystalline Gulphorns — these are trees — that recycle human souls. The forest is attacked by power hungry enemies and the Nemians must defend it to save Reman ( the continent on which they live) and balance all of Oerhe (the planet).
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 Deed of Paksenarrion, Pilgrimage of the Dead, Dark Sun Rising and Red Storm Rising
Author Websites and Profiles
Jason Bilicic Website
Jason Bilicic Amazon Profile