Katie Writes Fantasy

K.C. Poitras was born and raised in Virginia. Now she lives in Florida, where she moved seven years ago. She feels at peace by the sea. Before K.C. started writing, she worked for over thirty years in the customer service industry. For many years she suffered from crippling anxiety, and the thought of writing among other things just overwhelmed her. After meeting Erik everything changed and her true-life love story inspired K.C. to share the knowledge that it is never too late to start over. Her debut novel, You Taught Me What it Feels like to Fall in Love is the first book in her Day One series. K.C's stories are wonderful beach read romances with all the feels of Elin Hildebrand, or Kristen Hannah.

If you want to know more about K.C. Poitras and her work:

https://www.amazon.com/K-C-Poitras/e/B092W3DMDQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B092MWCYSD?ref_=dbs_m_mng_wam_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks

The interview:

1. What inspired you to start writing?

My inspirational support is my fiancé Eric. I’ve had the dream of writing “my story” for years. With Covid, Eric gave me the support needed to go for it and write my story. I started out with that, but it was emotionally too hard. I scratched that for now and wrote Isabelle’s story instead. I will one day soon write my story though.

2. Do you have a favourite and least favourite genre?

No, I like all books and genre’s If I had to pick my least favorite it would be erotica.

3. Can you tell me about your novels?

I have one novel published. “You Taught Me What It Feels Like To Fall In Love.” I took the self-publishing route. It was published in April of 2021. The novel follows the story of Isabelle; whose life was seemingly perfect. She couldn’t want or ask for more—until her husband of twenty years is killed in a terrible accident and she loses her job. Isabelle is left unmoored as she uncovers dark secrets, attempts to rekindle her relationship with her daughter, confronts her past, and considers a second chance at love with a man who appears to be her polar opposite. It’s a story of loss, self-discovery, and love. This book was nominated for the Author Elite Award 2021.

4. Do you like using events from your life, or people you know, for your stories?

That’s usually how I come up with an idea, life events of my own as well as others.

5. One of the difficult things is to sync everyday life and writing. How do you like writing? Do you have a schedule, or time, when you can sit down to write?

I’m fortunate to have a very flexible schedule. I like writing in the early mornings, that’s when I’m most productive. Where in the evenings my significant other and I will bounce idea’s on books I’m writing and future books.

6. Do you have any ongoing project? If yes, can you tell me a secret about it?

Yes, I do.. A mirror plays a significant role in the story, It’s genre is more fantasy.

7. If you could meet with a classic author, who would you meet?

Elin Hilderbrand all day long!

8. Coffee, or tea? Why?

Both, coffee gets me going, tea relaxes me.

9. What is the easiest and most difficult part of writing for you? Why those?

Easiest is writing about something I’ve actually experienced. Because, I can describe in greater detail the “mood”.

Hardest is showing not telling, because sometimes it’s difficult to put into words.

10. If you could live anywhere, as anything, where would you live and what would you be? Why?

I’d live on Nantucket, I’d be me but younger and a writer. Because I love the sense of small coastal community with seasons and younger because I wish I had started writing many years ago. One of my biggest fears is dying before my books are discovered, If I help one person from reading my book(s) I’d be happy.

Thank you for your answers! And you, dear Readers, what would you ask from K.C. Poitras? 🙃

Birdy Rivers was writing since her teens and she started professionally writing since her mid twenties. Before she became a full time author and editor, she worked as a medical assistant. When Birdy isn't writing, she is raising her twin girls and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys reading, gaming with her husband, music and going outdoors. Music and writing were always special to Birdy, because they served also as therapeutic measures for her depression and anxiety. Birdy is a huge mental health advocate and often features struggles of mental health in her stories.

If you want to know more about Birdy Rivers:

https://www.facebook.com/bridy.rivers

https://www.amazon.com/Birdy-Rivers/e/B01LX25763/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B097SLN7M9/ref=dbs_a_w_dp_b097sln7m9

The interview:

1. What was your very first story and how old were you, when you wrote it?

My first book was written in the early years of college, so I think I was nineteen or twenty. It was called the Wolf’s Journey to the Moon. I’m not entirely sure whatever happened to it. I think it’s saved on USB somewhere. The next thing I wrote was the Shattered the Series and that was a few years later after I was done college.

2. Can you tell me about the 'Children of the Empire'?

The Children of the Empire are the first born of the kings and queens of each kingdom. They are normally named the Crown Prince or Crown Princess which means they are the next to rule.

3. Next to the classic tale of Snow White, did you have any inspiration, when you created the book?

I’ve always loved the idea of doing a fairytale retelling as I loved watching the disney princess movies growing up and then currently have been rewatching them with my daughters. I also really enjoyed the show Once Upon a Time. I wanted to do a retelling that was different and that made the characters of these beloved stories relatable, especially for adults.

4. You worked as a medical assistant earlier, do you use your knowledge, or about mental health also in your stories?

I personally have a Mental Illness. I’ve been diagnosed with Major Depression Disorder, PTSD, and generalized anxiety. I do like to feature some mental health in my stories as I know many have a mental illness and it’s not something that is always talked about. Most importantly I want others to know that they aren’t alone in their mental health journey. Since I have worked in the medical field I do like to feature a type of healing character in my stories. In Children of the Empire, Rapunzel is an elf and she has healing magic.

5. What is your favourite genre to write and read? Why?

I love to read fantasy, paranormal, and sci fi. I do enjoy a vast amount of different types of romance books as well from MC, to mafia, and contemporary. As for writing I really enjoy fantasy, paranormal, romance, and a bit of sci-fi.

6. Fairy tale retellings are very popular now. What do you think about them? Do you have any favourite classic tale? If yes, why that tale?

I think it’s awesome to see retellings of fairytales, myths, and legends. It’s always interesting to see someone's unique perspective of those stories. Growing up my favourite fairy tale was Beauty and the Beast and is still one of my favourites til this day. I also really enjoyed the Little Mermaid as well. I didn’t really start to love Snow White till I was older. I personally enjoyed retelling not just Snow White, but other fairytales as well in Children of the Empire.

7. Writing next to small children is not easy. How do you balance time between everyday life and writing? Do you have a favourite time to work on your projects?

Doing anything with small children is a challenge. I have my desk set up right outside the girls playroom so that I can watch them and write at the same time. I think with twins I’ve learned to master multitasking which definitely helps with finding a balance between mom, friend, wife, and author. I tend to write a lot at night when the girls are asleep, but I can definitely get some writing done during the day if I plan it right and if the girls are willing to let me.

8. Children of the Empire is a part of a series. Can you tell me about it, maybe share a secret?

Yes, it’s part of a series. I’m working on book two currently which will be titled Children of the Empire: Reflected Mirrors. I’m planning on about four to six books with at least three novellas. I don’t know if this counts as a secret, but readers will get to see the Evil Queens POV in book two, there might also be some other villains joining the party.

9. Do you have any other project next to Children of the Empire?

I’m working on book two in the Children of the Empire. I’m also working on a book one of a paranormal romance trilogy and a stand alone paranormal romance. I also have a contemporary romance that is in the revising and editing stage.

10. If you could live anywhere, in any real, or fictional universe, where would you live and as what? Why?

I would love to live in middle earth as a hobbit. I’m short and I love to eat, just not hairy feet. I really want to go to New Zealand one day and see hobbiton.

Thank you for your answers! And you, dear Reader, what would you ask from Birdy Rivers? 🙃

Aaron Hodges was born in New Zealand, in a small town, called Whakatane. He has a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Geography, and a Masters of Environmental Engineering. He worked as an environmental consultant for two years, but he quit his job and went to see the world. One year later, in 2015, in Guatemala, Aaron published Stormwielder, his first novel. Since then, he already travelled through parts of SE Asia, North and South America, India, Turkey and Europe. At now, he has over a dozen works to his name.

If you want to know more about Aaron Hodges and his works:

https://m.facebook.com/aaronhodgesauthor

https://instagram.com/aaronhodgesauthor

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08653PM1L/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HCVTHVW

The interview

1. You travelled a lot and saw so many countries. Do you have any favourite place? Why that place?

I think Guatemala is still probably my favourite place to have visited. They just have so many fascinating landscapes, including views of active volcanic eruptions, stunning beaches, high altitude lakes and even a little patch of caribbean coastline! The people are wonderful and the some of the cities are really cute and interesting to visit as well. I even got to play a game of rugby with the local team in Antigua my last visit which was really something special!

2. You published your first novel, Stormwielder, in Guatemala. Can you tell me about it?

Stormwielder was a project I'd worked on on and off for years before I finally had it in shape to publish. It tells the story about a young man cursed with a terrible power. Unable to understand this power, he banishes himself to the wilderness, but he cannot stay there forever and finally he returns to civilisation--with terrible consequences. Its a story I first came up with in high school and spent more than five years on and off getting it right. Its still one of my favourite stories out of all the books I've published!

3. You have seen a lot of different culture. How did they affect your writing? Did any of them inspire your stories?

I love to incorporate little things from my travels--be they places I've visited, people I've met, experiences I've had, cultures and societies I've interacted with, or even histories I've learnt about. I find they really add a depth to my work that wouldn't be present otherwise.

4. How does travelling affect your writing? How long is to create a new novel?

It usually takes me about three months ot write a book when I'm working on it full time, that's including three drafts, edits by my editor and proofreader, and preparation for promotion. I don't travel so much nowadays, but even when I did I had to treat my writing like a job, setting aside a few hours each day, just so I could stay on track!

5. For you what is the easiest and most difficult thing in writing a book?

I think the most difficult thing is getting everything together before hand--coming up with characters, plot, the setting, creating the entire world around the story. That's hard. But conversely, I find the ending of a book the easiest, as by then everything is set and you're just telling the story about the consequences the rest of the story was leading up to. And I find that part exciting.

6. If you could visit any place from any novel, where would you go? Why?

Hmmm, well I wouldn't be visiting Westoros that's for sure! I'd say I'd go with my childhood fantasies of Hogwarts. Not even because of the magic, just because it always seemed such a homely and welcoming place!

7. Did you ever use someone you know to your characters?

I've used the names of people I know (which they always get a kick out of), but I don't generally base my characters off anyone in particular.

8. Do you have any favourite place, or you can write anywhere?

I usually like to go to a cafe to write, if only to get myself out of hte house each day!

9. Do you have any ongoing, or new project? If yes, can you tell me about it?

My latest project is a bit of a change for me, its a bit more scifi than most of my work, and focuses on a planet invaded by the alien species of the Alfur, who have enslaved humanity. I can't say much more than that at this point. ;-)

10. If you could live anywhere, as anything, what would you be and where? Why?

I'd probably keep my profession, I love creating stories for my readers, although a bit more pay security would be nice, maybe a big multimillion dollar contract thanks? And I'd love to get back to Buenos Aires, where I was living before the pandemic cut my time there short. Its a pretty amazing city with a great social scene and friendly people.

Thank you for your answers! And what would you ask from Aaron Hodges? 🙃

Poppy Kuroki is not just an author, but a professional ghostwriter and editor. She loves books, playing video games and Dungeons & Dragons. She currently lives in Japan with her husband.

If you want to know more about Poppy Kuroki and her works:

twitter.com/poppyinjapan

https://www.instagram.com/poppyinjapanofficial/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/greatbookswithpoppygroup

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DNGXYH9/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

The interview

1. You are a professional ghostwriter and editor next to being a writer. If you should choose, which of the three professions can be the most difficult and easiest? Why?

Editing is easiest, perhaps because I’ve been doing it for a long time. I’ve always had a good grasp of English and been interested in language rules and grammar. I always have happy clients and the perfectionist in me loves fixing typos and polishing pieces. I enjoy it a lot.

2. You love books and video games. Did you ever think to create a merchandise connected to your story, like a game?

It’s an interesting idea. Maybe if something I wrote got popular it could be a possibility.

3. Do you have any inspiration for your stories? A favourite author, or certain myths, folklore?

Games and folklore, mostly. I take ideas from my home country, Scotland, as well as tales and cultures from Japan, where I’ve lived for six years.

4. Now you live in Japan. There are surely so many things different there, but is there any difference, which affects your writing?

Living here has changed me in some ways and I sometimes feel stuck between cultures. For example something I wouldn’t have thought twice at in the UK when I was at University is rude to me now. The difference in culture and lifestyle was a big inspiration for Oath.

5. If you could choose one thing, what magical object would you bring to our world?

Probably the Healing Staff from James Reid’s What Masks Hide series. As the name suggests, it’s got the power to heal a lot of people.

6. As an editor and ghostwriter, so far what was your most challenging project? Why?

Ghostwriting is definitely tougher. I had a guy whose first language wasn’t English and he didn’t edit anything before sending it to me. Just pages of consciousness in bad English that was often difficult to understand. It was tough writing that because the story was weird too. I can’t say more than that, I’m afraid!

7. Japanese folklore is rich is strange creatures and creepy legends. Do you have any, which you prefer from it and maybe even use as an inspiration?

Not so much legends, but things like food and customs, such as washing your body before taking a bath, made it into Oath.

8. You are a professional editor too. If it is about editing your own projects, you do it for yourself, or you prefer hiring someone too?

I hire someone else. Never do the final edit on your own work.

9. Do you have now any ongoing project? Can you tell me about it?

I’m currently working on a steampunk LGBT novel. I’m hoping it’ll turn out well!

10. If you could live anywhere, as anything, what would you be and where? Why?

I’d still be me. I’m happy!

Thank you for your answers! And you, dear Reader, what would you ask from Poppy Kuroki? 🙃

Joshua Kern always wanted to be a writer. He was born in a little town, called Xenia, in Ohio and was raised in an even smaller town in Colorado. Joshua attended to university, when he realized, that his true passion lays in writing. Currently he is working on several series, which span a few different genres from gamelit to fantasy, even a little romance. When Joshua is not writing, he likes riding motorcycles, watching anime and of course reading.

If you want to know more about Joshua Kern and his works:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoshuaKern

https://www.patreon.com/exyled99

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089R58RN7

The interview

1. What was the point, when you realized, that you want to write?

I was fairly young when I realized it was something that I wanted to try doing at some point. It wasn’t until much later that I decided to really give it a try and go full-time.

2. Do you have any favourite and less favourite genre for reading and writing?

I really enjoy writing Gamelit and Fantasy, it has the right mixture of freedom and rules. The fantasy and magic elements especially make it a lot of fun to write. The unpredictable nature of magic I think allows for more possibilities in a story. I think my least favourite genres to write are those that take place inside the real world with few changes taking place. There is no magic for me to play within those stories. I have done it, and I think the story turned out fantastic, I simply did not enjoy writing it as much as I thought I would.

3. Usually how long it takes to create a full story? If you have writer's block, what works for you to stop it?

It generally takes me about three to four months for each book. I’m trying to get faster, but for now, at least my fans will have to be happy with three books a year. I don’t often have writer’s block (knock on wood), but when I do it’s a matter of pushing through it and working on my outline. Having an outline, no matter how small can really help with that issue, I think. The outline gives you an idea of where to take the story and the characters, which prevents you from writing yourself into a corner, usually.

4. You like anime. If it would be possible, would you like someone make an anime version of any of your story?

YES PLEASE! I would love to see my stories animated or turned into something else. If that ever happens though I want to be involved with the creation of the script. I have seen too many adaptations screw up the story because someone thought they knew better than the original author.

5. You prefer working on only one story, or can focus on more projects at the same time?

I keep trying to focus on multiple projects at once in the hope that I will get faster. So far it has not worked. That said I do have my main story that I work on throughout the day, and then I second story I work on for like twenty minutes each night to decompress.

6. What was the funniest, or strangest situation, which gave you an idea to a scene, or character?

I don’t have one like that really, I try not to draw on real-world people or situations in my writing. I did however come up with an idea for a superhero story while driving once. That story has been mostly outlined and is just waiting for me to finish writing it.

7. If you could bring anything from any fictional universe to our world, what would it be? Why?

Magic without a doubt. Now if you are talking about a more physical object then that question gets way more complicated. I think it would have to be an advanced alien spaceship because then I can explore the stars while also having access to advanced tech and medbay. No more health issues for me!

8. Is there any genre, or topic, which you have never tried out, but always wanted to write about it? If yes, why that?

Romance, I enjoy romance stories and have had an idea for one percolating inside my mind for a while now. I’m just waiting until I have more personal experience in that topic before giving it a try.

9. Who was the easiest and most difficult to create from your characters?

The main character, for me at least is almost always the easiest hands down. The rest of the story revolves around them and the choices they make, note I said story and not the world. The hardest is usually the love interest, I want them to feel like real people with real lives and emotions. This means I can’t just fall back on love at first sight, I need to make the relationship and their choices believable. All of that shapes them into a hard to create character.

10. If you could live as anything, in any real, or fictional universe, where would you live, as what? Why?

Dungeon Master on the world of Alaria, and the answer is simple I know the world (I created it for one of my stories). The freedom of what the Dungeon Master is able to do and create is almost limitless so I could explore the stars given enough time. Plus, there is also magic and monsters in that world. It just hits all the right spots for me.

Thank you for your answers! And you, dear Reader, what would you ask from Joshua Kern? 🙃

J.M. Lively (Jonathon Lively) was born and raised in California and now lives in Bemidiji, Minnesota, after moving through several states and cities. Over the years of moving, Jonathon created pages upon pages of characters, which were heavily influenced by manga, anime and comics. Many of his ideas were designed with computer graphics, even meant to be tattooed. But instead, he combined all characters and small snippets of stories into a huge document. It took three months to go through all of the drafts for Jonathon and after it he had the outline of a series. Like this, in 2018, the Oreniah Codex was born. After this, Jonathon started writing the story. The Last Soul, the first book of the series, was published in August of 2019.

If you want to know more about J.M. Lively and his works:

https://www.facebook.com/TheOreniahCodex/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Oreniah

https://www.instagram.com/OreniahCodex/

https://amzn.to/20stwRn

The interview

1. You moved a lot in your life. How did this affect your stories?

Greatly. I have lived in several different states and many cities and towns within each. Because of this, I have gained perspective about how different groups of people interact and how, as an individual, someone can take on different ways of living. How they can justify different actions and thoughts. This has given me insight on how different characters will behave and how they will think in different situations.

2. Comics, manga and anime had a heavy influence at your works. Why these genres and do you have a certain manga, or anime, which influenced your stories, or characters the most? If yes, why that?

I was heavily invested in Bleach from Shonen Jump when it was still in distribution. The manga has since finished and the anime was cancelled. However, the anime is coming back, seemingly to finish out the show and the final arc. I guess the best reason for why I was so heavily influenced by these genres, is because they were the ones that I ingested the most of. I was also into Pokémon, Yugioh, and various Marvel/DC comics and characters as well. Basically, if it had a superpower or fantastical element, I thought it was cool. I've always had a fascination with the afterlife too and because of that, my interest in things like Bleach was more invested.

3. As a fan of comics, manga and anime, would you want your book become a manga, or even an anime?

Absolutely! In fact, most of my fight scenes are inspired by anime fight scenes. I usually picture them playing out as such. I think this often gets me into trouble though. I picture these very unique character designs and powers that can sometimes be difficult to describe in writing only. A lot of my characters would love to be designed and I have started the process of doing so. That can be expensive though and I am excited for the day when fans start to design them as well!

4. Can you tell me about The Oreniah Codex?

Sure! The world that The Last Soul takes place in is called, Oreniah. The idea behind my series, The Oreniah Codex, is basically an accounting of the end of days of that world. The world, Oreniah, is basically heaven in my universe. Initially, when I outlined this story, I kept referring to the world as "The Third Pinnacle". Mainly because I hadn't named it yet and because I knew that my story would revolve around reincarnation. Oreniah was “The Third Pinnacle” because it was the height of the third dimension. The concept behind my theory of reincarnation is that a soul is either climbing or descending a ladder, moving up or down in the third dimension. The rungs of this ladder are different worlds and/or realities within the universe. A soul moves up the ladder if they live according to their soul's purpose. Down, if they don’t. I know that sounds vague but it's simple. A soul's purpose is simply what it is attuned to, what it was meant to do. Like people who think that they are living according to their purpose in life. This doesn't necessarily mean that all purposes are good. My common example is as follows; think about fire. The essence of fire is basically chaotic neutral, it will consume anything in its path, good or evil, with chaotic ferocity. So, if a soul is aligned with a chaotic purpose, using fire as its medium to express that chaos, then any form of fire usage would bring them closer to their soul's purpose. Meaning a murdering arsonist could move up a rung on the ladder of reincarnation if their soul's purpose had a chaotic aura. The same could be true of a firefighter or a fire dancer.

5. Do you have any favorite genre to write? If yes, why that one?

I’ve only written one novel and it is in the Fantasy genre. Fantasy is my favorite to read and write however, I’ve been delving into horror too. I also have plans to write Sci-Fi as well and intend to connect all the books I eventually write to this single universe.

6. How long was it to create The Oreniah Codex? Which was the most difficult and easiest part in it?

In general, a year. I began working on this project in August of 2018 and published my first book in August of 2019. The outline for my universe and the creation of Oreniah, took about three months of that year. Although the ideas, inspirations, and materials that went into this project spanned more than a decade. When I was younger, I wanted to be an artist. I was inspired by all those same comics and characters mentioned above. I developed a good habit of saving every little doodle, idea, and inspiration on paper or in Word documents. Years went by and the artist career never happened, after I became an adult, I didn’t keep up with my skills and became depressed about my abilities. Flash forward a decade and I owned a small business writing professional resumes. I tried to write a book about the work I was doing but it felt like plagiarism. No insight that I had was original and needless to say, the content didn’t make it very far. Then, a month or two later, I was sitting at the bar I worked at, enjoying a shift drink, and reading a book. I kept thinking about writing and decided that instead of reading, I should go home and write. I’d recently been invited to a Pathfinder campaign and used the “homework” for a character backstory as my writing prompt. On my other book attempt, I had less than ten pages. Within a few days of starting this character background, I had 67 pages written with absolutely zero preparation. That lead me to believe I was writing about the wrong subject and that I should give fantasy a shot. After finishing my initial character background, I began to think about what I should write about in this new endeavor. Here is where all those scraps of paper and Word documents come into play. I decided to comb through all the content I’d collected over the years and piece it together into something workable. That is what took me the three months mentioned above.

7. Your first book, The Last Soul, was published in August 2019. Do you have any plan, when your next book will come out?

I really want to rapid release the sequel and the third (and final) installment by the end of 2021 and beginning of 2022 respectively. I know that it is a way out but I have found out just how little I knew about this industry in the last year. Because of my new found ignorance, I have been focusing on correcting the mistakes I’ve made and learning how to properly market a book, since I am self-published.

8. The Oreniah Codex is a series. How many books you planned for it? Can you tell me a secret about it?

Three books are planned for The Oreniah Codex. Hmm, a secret… *strokes beard in thought* Follow Ches closely, he is far more important than some might believe. When the series is complete, readers are going to look back and see several hints as to what was/is really going on with his story. I love fan theories and I’d love to see what people think is going to happen with him by the end of the series. For instance, I enjoyed Game of Thrones the TV Show (not so much the books, sorry George). One of my favorite aspects of being a part of the fandom was theorizing about what would happen in the end. I want that for Ches.

9. Next to The Oreniah Codex, do you have any other project idea, or ongoing project? If yes, can you tell me about it?

Definitely. I am already working on the story that will come after The Oreniah Codex. Right now, I think the series will be titled, Shards of Oreniah. I am more focused on the sequels to The Last Soul but I have written several chapters for Shards of Oreniah. I am playing with the idea of turning Shards of Oreniah into a podcast as well, I’ve even learned some basics about audio mixing and developed a rough introduction. I just need to find someone better to do the reading because I HATE how I sound. This is also my attempt to learn and potentially find someone to help me create an audiobook for The Oreniah Codex. With that, I’m also dumping random story ideas into a word document for later. Its mostly Fantasy ideas with a few Sci-Fi and Horror ideas mixed in.

10. If you could live anywhere, as anything, what would you be and where? Why?

Wow, that’s hard. I’m going with a world that I’ve fallen in love with, Roshar. I believe that Brandon Sanderson’s masterpiece will be stuck with me for a long, long time. There are ten orders of Knight Radiant. After my initial thought and some quick research just now, I’d choose to be a Dustbringer or Releaser. If you are unfamiliar with their ideals and characteristics, they are basically destroyers. Their two Surges are Division and Abrasion (Ideal/Essence). The Surge Division causes objects - or people - to degrade, burn, or turn to dust. They focus on responsibility and control, they are not granted their full power at the onset like other Knights Radiant. In fact, their motto is, “I will seek self-mastery”. They must speak their Ideals and slowly come into their power. They are taught that their powers need to be properly channeled and they tend to look down on those that focus on their destructive side. The personality type that tends to become this type of Knight Radiant, is a tinkerer, one who likes to dig down and break something, to see how it works. Despite being used as a powerhouse, a Radiant that could clear a battlefield, they are also sappers, engineers, and strategists. My “why” is simple, almost every part of this description fits me well. Plus, their abilities are awesome!

Thank you for your answers! And you, dear Reader, what would you ask from J.M. Lively? 🙃

Michael Ross is a real multi-genre author. From children's books to comedies, he wrote in a wide range of topics, but his favourite is epic fantasy. Michael's true life story, Just Five More Minutes, was not just wrote, but narrated by him and it went on to win the 2019 Independent Audio Book award. Wand Chronicles is a four book long series of him, which has a special book merchandise. Michael created and developed a game board to accompany the books. The game was so successful, that it was voted in the top 10 of best new board games for 2019 in the UK. Michael is recognized as a challenger to George R.R. Martin and Tolkien, however his stories are less dark and dramatic, with more humor. Currently, Michael is working on a series called 'The Big Fairy Adventures.'

If you want to know more about Michael Ross and his works:

https://www.facebook.com/Thetalentedauthor

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thewandchronicles/

Twitter: @wandchronicles

https://www.instagram.com/thewandchronicles/?hl=en

https://amzn.to/33IWuAO

The Wand Chronicles:

https://www.thewand.me/books

All other books/genres:

https://www.thewand.me/all-other-books

The interview

1. You are a real multi-genre author, who wrote stories from children's books to comedies. Do you have any favourite genre? If yes, why that genre?

Yes! My favorite genre is fantasy and epic fantasy, as it is with The Wand chronicles (https://amzn.to/37e3ibF) having said that,

I have a true-life story called 'Just Five More Minutes' (https://amzn.to/3jb7jBq) and one of my children's books, 'What Is A School? (https://amzn.to/366gDTU) that are best sellers.

2. Creating stories, mostly in such a wide range of genres, needs a lots of ideas. Wherefrom do you have the most inspiration?

Well, between me and you, I still have the imaginative mind of a 6-year-old boy! Ideas are floating around in my head all the time. I am a 'pantser' , someone who likes writing by the seat of his pants.

I find I am much more creative when I sit down and write without building any normal author plan. ie I have an idea of the story, and the characters develop as i actually write. I have learned to free up my mind and let it do what's best without a lot of interference from me. I never put any barriers in its way.

3. Which is the very first story you wrote?

I believe, in humor. it is everywhere, even at the darker times in all our lives. I went to see a clairvoyant, she demanded I start writing, so my first book was a comedy. It was a tongue-in-cheek affectionate look at shoppers close to where I live. They are one on their own, believe me. It is called 'Memoirs from the S.B.C.' (The S.B.C is a coffee shop within a shopping mall)

4. You like both scifi and fantasy. If you should choose between magic and science, which one would you choose and why?

Great question. I was a consultant microbiologist for the first 9 years of my life (So there is the scientist bit) so although I have a healthy respect for Sci-Fi and cut my teeth on Sci-Fi as a youngster,

I am now very much more into all things magical. I would go for a drink with a fairy any day of the week! I just love fantasy. Hang on? Fairies are real, aren't they?

5. Do you like creating a new universe for every book, or you rather use one for more stories?

Oh Yes, every single book I write, I will be creating a new universe, it may not be completely different, but the places, the characters will be different.

6. Do you prefer writing a single book, or a series? Why?

I have done both, but for the books, I feel more passionately about, I like a series. When I used to find a very good author, I remember being disappointed when he or she only wrote one book at a time.

If the story and adventures are good, then I love to write a series. The Wand Chronicles is nearly 400,000 words and 4 books. My new project, The Big Fairy Adventures, will have many books. I have written 3, but many more are to come AND I will bring one or two of my favorite characters from the Wand Chronicles into these new stories as well. (https://amzn.to/2TJvtsJ)

7. Some people can write and get inspiration anywhere. You are also like this, or there is any time, or environment, where you can focus the best?

Doesn't matter where I am in the world, even if I am ironing or shopping or lying on a sun-drenched beach, ideas are floating around in my head all the time. Having said that, when there are no virus pandemics, I usually spend a month on the South coast of Spain on my 'writers retreat' and this makes me very productive. I do two things, I write a lot and test the local red wine to make sure it is up to scratch!

8. You created a game board for your Wand Chronicles series. Can you tell me about it? Do you like always making some merchandise connected to your books?

The board game was fun to do, and I designed the game while on one of my writer's retreats. Like everything in life, things are not that easy once you delve into creating something.

But I wanted a hook for my book. The game has all the main characters from the Wand Chronicles, and it is all about trying to steal or protect a powerful wand called Elvina. It actually went on to be voted in the top 10 of best new board games for 2019 in the UK, which is where I live.

9. Your current project is a series called 'The Big Fairy Adventures'. Can you tell me about it?

Ahh The Big Fairy Adventures, it is what I call a realistic fantasy. As the title suggests, we find ourselves in the fairy queendom of Layleamonee. The heroine is a rather overweight fairy called Tinker Tanker. (She likes her nectar too much) Of course, the extra weight throws her flying patterns off so she is always bumping into walls. She is slimming though. She was once called Tinker Supertanker.

I also have a favorite character from the Wand chronicles, a Chinese man called Ding Ling who is always quoting Confucious to lighten the mood. They are on some dangerous adventures though, eg Fighting off a very powerful fairy witch called Maldranan, and having to cope with an effeminate male Orc called Chard Bhum (His Mom dropped him in a lava stream when he was a baby so his, you know? is a little scarred, hence the name.) All the adventures in this series revolve around a very magical and powerful wand called The Golden Quandrill. This is no ( Apologies to Harry Potter fans) piece of stick, this wand integrates with the host, so the whole person becomes the wand.

10. If you could live anywhere, as anything, what would you be and where? Why?

Oh that's not fair, I have so many answers. But I am going to give you an answer to do with this world we live on and in now.

I would love to be a professional storyteller. I wouldn't need a book, I would ask someone to shout out a subject and would make up a story as I am telling it. For most of my life I have been a professional actor and would want to tell a story that would delight adults and children alike. oh yes, I would have to be amazingly multilingual so I could tell stories in any language.

Thank you for your answers! And what would you ask from Michael Ross? 🙃

Jan Kotouc is a Czech author, who lives in Prague with his wife and two bunnies. He writes space operas, military SF and alternative history. His first novel was published in 2009. Since that, he has written more novels in Czech language. His latest series is the Central Imperium, with the Frontiers Of The Imperium, as the first book of the series. Next to writing, Jan Kotouc is teaching at a university, also he is a popular speaker at a number of conventions.

If you want to know more about Jan Kotouc and his works:

https://www.facebook.com/jankotouc87

https://www.amazon.com/Frontiers-Imperium-Central-Book-ebook/dp/B07MNTS39L/

The interview

1. You write space operas, alternative history and military SF. Why these genres?

I think it’s for the same reason as any author writes any genre. It’s a genre I love to read and I write stories I would myself love to read if they’d be written by someone else.

2. Do you write in your native language and in English too? If you should choose, which one you prefer?

Normally I write in Czech, which is my native language. I was first published in this language and I have an established fan base here, so I keep writing in Czech and have my books translated into English. I can write in English, I have written several short stories and a novella in English. If I should choose, I would write in Czech, though. It’s still my native tongue and the writing flows more naturally.

3. Next to teaching, usually how much time do you have for your projects? Is it difficult to synchronize work and writing?

I had many different jobs, teaching English in companies is actually a pretty good thing to combine with writing, because I make my own schedule and I choose the amount of workload I can do. Right now, I’m in the process of cutting down some classes as my writing pays more bills.

4. As a fan of science fiction, which author, or novel would you recommend, maybe even call one of your inspirations? Why?

David Weber and his Honor Harrington series are my biggest inspiration, definitely. I like how he tell stories, how he works with characters, how detailed everything is, and we tell stories in similar way. So definitely David!

A few year ago I’ve also discovered the works of Lois McMaster Bujold and I greatly enjoy her SF about Miles Vorkosigan, he is one of the best characters I’ve ever seen a writer create.

5. Usually do you prefer working only on one project, or more in the same time?

I usually write just one novel at a time. But at the same time I often write outlines of upcoming projects or do editing on a previously finished novel. That puts to work different parts of the brain, so it’s actually a form of rest to stop doing one thing and do another. The only time I write two first drafts at once is when I have to put a novel aside and write a short story I promised for some magazine or an anthology. Usually I have o do that because the deadline is looming.

6. What do you find the most challenging part of being an author and why?

The proof-reading and editing galleys. I don’t know many authors who enjoy that part but it’s necessary!

7. Creating a whole universe is fun, but a lots of work too. For you, usually how long it takes and which is the easiest and most difficult part in it?

How long it takes is hard to say because I’m never quite sure when did I start to create it. As I’m working on one project, I’m often brainstorming new world for new books at the same time, because that is again a work for a different part of the brain.

8. Frontiers of the Imperium is the first book of the Central Imperium. Can you tell me about this series?

It’s a space opera and a bit of military SF. The main character is a member of the royal family named Daniel Hankerson, he is a naval intelligence officer, analyst and a passionate poker player. The Central Imperium is facing crises on all fronts and Daniel will soon find himself isolated with a crew of a prototype communication ship while the Imperium is tearing itself apart. The series has empires rising and falling, old enemy returning, intriques, space battles and also a high stakes poker game when the fleet finds itself short of cash to keep going.

9. Is any of the characters, or scenes inspired by real people, or any events, what happened to you?

I wouldn’t call it inspiration, but many secondary characters are named after people I know or people who supported my translation crowdfunding and got a character named after them as a reward. But we often won’t learn much about these secondary characters except their name.

10. If you could live in any real, or fictional universe, where would you live and what would you be? Why?

Well, I’d love to live in the Central Imperium of course. Preferably during peacetime and just travel between planets. But I’d like to live in many worlds of my favorite genre books or movies. I believe that you can tell a good fictional world if you can imagine yourself living there even if there are no characters and plots from the story.

Thank you for your answers! And you, dear Reader, what would you ask from Jan Kotouc? 🙃

Daniel Potter is a biologist, who writes about creatures, which are considered improbable. From talking cats to flying reptiles created from living metal, or people who sprout foot long talons when annoyed. He is the author of two series, Freelance Familiars, which is a unique take on urban fantasy from the perspective of the familiars and Rise Of The Horned Serpent.

If you want to know more about Daniel Potter and his works:

https://twitter.com/FallenKittenPro

https://www.facebook.com/FallenKittenProductions

https://danielpotterauthor.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Off-Leash-Freelance-Familiars-Book-ebook/dp/B011J9L5JA

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B63DYGF/

The interview

1. You book is released on November 17, today. Can you tell me about it?

Magic, wizards and talking animals. Those would all be totally cool with Thomas except he woke up as a talking cougar! Now he's viewing the magical world from the bottom up, and everyone's telling him he better roll over if he knows what's good for him. Or else!

Thomas runs for "else" as fast as he can on four legs, surprising the entire magical community as they scrambled to keep up. In this three book series, can Thomas keep a collar off his neck and claw out a place for himself in a high stakes game of magic where every bet could mean his life? He'll find steadfast friends in a squirrel with an explosive habit and a fire magus who simply cannot catch a break. Together they'll face off against wizards, werewolves and Thomas's own lack of thumbs in these non-stop adventures.

Pride Fall is the fifth in the Freelance Familiar Series. After finally fending off and disrupting the Talking Animal Union Thomas and the crew look forward to sitting back and relaxing... at some future date because there is no time to rest. They have to find a certain dead bird before he comes alive again and ithere delicate politicking to be done if Thomas wants the both of the government and the roof over his head to stay stable. But when a ill timed romantic interlude lands both THomas and O'Meara smack in the middle of a civil war, hard decisions must be made.

2. Do you have a favourite genre to read and write? Why that?

I love urban fantasy or any fantasy that has connections to our own world. I love that you can directly use the language of modern life and twist it to your end. That shared world gives you the ability to launch the story immediately, the foundations are already understood. As the author you merely have to show the readers the exceptions to the expectations. Character concerns and conflicts are immediately graspable too, no matter how complex because thats our lives, our world and our concerns.

3. You create interesting and unique creatures. Do you, or your family members also have pets, which you use as an inspiration?

I have two cats. They're pretty far from mythical beasts. Aggie is a pretty mythical lump, she's very good at it. Einstein is a bit of a goof ball. At fourteen he's mostly a fuzzy lump that snores very loudly.

4. As someone, who loves fantasy and animals, I love the idea of Freelance Familiars. How the idea of this book came to your mind?

Off Leash was total lark. I was stuck on the science fiction manuscript I had been noodling with when nanowrimo came up. I figured I’d give myself a break and write something silly about a guy who became a cougar, because I love them and they don't get nearly enough press. And before I knew it, I won nanowrimo (writing 50k during the month of November) and I had completed novel by the end of december. My first finished novel. So I’m like what the heck. I’ll publish it. And it did pretty dang well. So I decided to write another…

5. Creating a book with many unique creatures takes time. Usually how long, until you write a story?

While I was working full time it took me about a year to write a book. This is my first year doing it full time and it still taken me four to five months. Hoping to write faster than that next year but it is what it is. I don't find any part of writing particularly easy or fast. If the book needs revisions, I do the revisions. Pride Fall got rewritten twice.

6. If you could be one of your creations, what creature would you be and why?

You actually want me to choose? Thomas has a lot of me in him but I wouldn't want to be him, despite the feline excellence, he lives a very stressful life, getting zapped at by wizards, nearly eaten by demonic entities and mediating between an ever growing assortment of chosen family. I'd be the first cougar with a stress ulcer. If I had to choose, I go do my Rise of the Horned Serpent series. Yaz'noth, the antagonist is an iron dragon who's about ten stories tall. If I got stuck in our world I could probably make a fortune in Hollywood. Think of all the money they'd save in special effects with a real dragon on the lot. I'd buy a few scrap yards to take care of my food supply. Maybe run for political office. Probably wouldn't be so afraid of public speaking if everyone were the size of my toe nails.

7. There are lots of cliches also in popular characters. Which creature do you find the most cliche? What do you think about the overused creatures, and abilities?

I can't say any creature are cliche by default. It's all about how you use them and the lore surrounding them. Take vampires. Vampires are one of the most common supernatural elements in an urban fantasy setting but beyond drinking blood you really don't know how they work when you pick up a new vampire book. Every author can give them their own unique set of rules and abilities. Hopefully they can give them a unique twist or flavor that is interesting for those of us who have already seen a bunch of variations already, but it's not a requirement. In terms of cliches I don't like, I always roll my eyes a bit when every supernatural is ridiculously, pants wettingly hot. I have this headcannon that all vampires send the folks they are considering turning to some sort of fat camp where they have a vampire drill sergeant yelling, "IS THIS THE BODY YOU WANT FOR ALL ETERNITY?! NO?! DROP AND GIVE ME PUSH UPS UNTIL YOU GROW A SIX PACK OF ABS SON!" Ah-hem. No? Probably just me then.

8. You are the author of two series. Next to these do you have any other project?

I am currently planning out my third series, Emergency Magic. About the perils of being a paramedic as magic floods back into the world.

9. If you should choose, which is your personal favourite legendary creature?

If its feline its probably been my favorite for half a second or more. Partial to Sphinxes at the moment, probably one will show up in Emergency Magic. We'll see.

10. If you could live anywhere and be anything, what would you be? Why?

I think I'd take the big iron dragon from above, salt with a bit of shapeshifting so I could sneak away from the hoards of dragon fans (without stepping on anyone) and we'd be good.

Thank you for your answers! And you, dear Reader, what would you ask from Daniel Potter? 🙃

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