Interview With Author Reece Caven
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Creative Writing Major right now at the University of Iowa, with hopes to one day get into the graduate program at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. I have only written one book so far but already have plans for sequels and I’m simultaneously working on my passion project “The Knights of Horntree” which I plan to get traditionally published one day.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is called “The Liar & the Knight”. It was mostly inspired by my time away from home for basic training. In the book, Sir Willam Hornsby has to sail away from home, and he spends the whole book missing home while he is on his obligatory quest.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always imagine the last scene of any story first. I see my characters in some sort of scenario and I can’t help but writing everything up to that point to find out what got them there.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many. George R.R. Martin and J.R.R. Tolkien, obviously, because I write medieval fantasy. Some unexpected ones though are Claire Keegan and Cormac McCarthy- my two absolute favorite authors of all time.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the first book of my fantasy series “The Knights of Horntree” which is the ultimate goal and takes place hundred of years after “The Liar & the Knight”.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I think Facebook advertising has been my most successful method of promoting my book, but my TikTok videos have also had a large reach and I can’t yet see how many pre-orders came from my TikTok videos.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Dear other authors,
The only advice I believe I’m qualified to give to you is to enjoy what you are doing. You will get caught up in the business of it if you are self publishing. I know I have. All the numbers, views, clicks, and sales. We all want and need money. I’m not going to say it doesn’t matter. But hey, we are chasing our dreams and writing about our lives, experiences, and the ways we see the world. Most people aren’t brave enough to commit to that. Even if my book sucked I would be so proud of myself for believing in it enough to put it out in the world. Luckily it’s fantastic and I can be proud of more than just my bravery. Haha. Good luck to you.
-Reece
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish your book. (The actual words were “find the ending”)
What are you reading now?
I am rereading the Two Towers and a Penguin Classics book called Early Irish Myths and Sagas
What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably a sequel to “The Liar & the Knight” and then hopefully the Iowa Writer’s Workshop and many traditionally published books after that.
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?
Easy. I’d bring Surviving on a Desert Island For Dummies, and Lord of the Rings 1-3.
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