Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a historical fiction writer from Middlesbrough; in my day job I work at the local port, in the transport and logistics sector. I have worked in the retail sector and volunteered in museums, before working in York Minster, which I considered the perfect office. My love of writing blossomed within the historic walls, and just knew there were stories within me which had to be told.
I have written and self published the first two books in the Legend of the Cid series, titled Rise of a Champion and Blood Feud; I have also written a Viking inspired fantasy series, which helped me hone my skills as a writer, but it will likely never see the light of day (unless it went through a complete rewrite!)
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Blood Feud is the second book in the Legend of the Cid series. Both it, and Rise of a Champion, look in to the seldom explored early life of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, the Castilian knight who would come to be known as El Cid later in his life. The stories are told through the eyes of Antonio Perez, a reluctant warrior who finds himself in the employ of Rodrigo. Together, they vow to enact vengeance on the men who conspired to have their father’s killed.
The character of El Cid has always fascinated me, and seeing there was no historical novels in English written about him, I decided to embark on an epic journey to bring the character to life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have absolutely no routine at all, mainly because I work shifts and have quite a hectic home life with the family, so I tend to just write when I can! I have been known to get up at 4am to write a few hundred words before starting work at 6am, or scribble well in to the depths of the night when everyone is in bed, providing the muse is with me.
And I simply cannot begin writing until there is a fresh cup of tea steaming away next to the keyboard!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Bernard Cornwell is my main influence – I first picked up his Warlord Chronicles when I was at university, then moved on to The Last Kingdom series. I always look forward to a new Uthred book, and am sad the last one is the final book in the series.
Other favourite authors include Giles Kristian, Conn Iggulden and Joe Abercrombie.
What are you working on now?
I am simultaneously editing book three of Legend of the Cid, titled The Fall of Kings, and also writing the first draft of book four, which has not got a definite title yet. I plan on doing eight books for the Cid series, so I am constantly researching and creating plots for the other books.
I have an idea of what I want to write next – most likely a series set in the late Roman Republic, when there was so much discord and strife – but I am committed to finishing the story of the Cid first.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I tend to find running Facebook Ads is an effective method of reaching out to new readers. Targeting an author or subject similar to my own usually brings in plenty of interest, and thankfully I have made a few sales to cover the cost of the ad, as well as making a little bit of profit on it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in yourself, and write the book you want to, not for what you believe will fit the market. Whilst writing my first book I had so many days where I didn’t want to contemplate what people would think of my writing, for fear of it being panned. But I am ecstatic with the reaction I have received so far, and have really been buoyed to crack on with the rest of the Cid series. What started as an attempt to turn a hobby in to a craft has transformed in to a second job for me, and hopefully the start of a long career as a writer.
As writing can be a lonely venture, connecting with others online and in person is essential. About 5 years ago, I joined a writing group where we swapped ideas and commented on each other’s work as we developed a story from the initial idea to the first draft. I fortunate enough to sometimes still chat with a few of them.
Following other writers on Twitter and Facebook is a must, and liking and commenting on their posts will get people noticing your name. Find the ones who reciprocate your actions, and engage with those people. They will be the ones to help spread your posts. And it is nice to have a bit of banter with likeminded people!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t believe in Writer’s Block – if you are stuck, skip the bit you are writing and write something a bit later on. Exploring another scene can sometimes help unravel the knot you find yourself in.
What are you reading now?
I am close to finishing Matthew Harffy’s ‘The Wolf of Wessex’, and Steven A McKay’s ‘The Druid’.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I previously said I intend to finished all eight books of the El Cid series, then start researching for a new series. I also want to try my hand at a few short stories, as well as explore some ideas for sci-fi thrillers set in my local area of Teesside.
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?
Most likely the first four volumes of George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire; not only are they long enough to keep me entertained for a very long time, there are loads of extra pages to be used as burning material if need be!
Author Websites and Profiles
Stuart Rudge Website
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