Author Interview: Tim Marquitz

Alright folks, I'm happy to announce that I've got another awesome author interview lined up for you.  This time Tim Marquitz has kindly offered up his time and wisdom to be part of Battle Hymns.  Not only does he write the awesome Demon Squad series, but Tim's also a big metal music fan, so he has cool points to spare.  Okay, that's enough from me.  On to the interview!

Battle Hymns:  Let’s start with a softball: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Tim Marquitz: Certainly. I’m a dark fantasy and horror author who hopes to one day write for a living. I live in Texas with my wife and daughter and way more cats than any sane person should be forced to cohabitate with. I’m also a big fan of heavy metal and mixed martial arts, both obvious influences upon my writing and my bad attitude.

BH: You have a number of published works, of which I’m only familiar with the Demon Squad books, would you mind talking a bit about the stuff you’ve written?

TM: I’m a bit compulsive when it comes to ideas, writing whatever hops into my head rather than worrying about brand and sticking to a single genre. Where the Demon Squad books are urban fantasy, I often write novella length horror stories in between to cleanse the palette, so to speak. My horror books tend to be darker and more graphic than the DS stuff, and certainly more serious.

I’ve also written some dark epic fantasy, though it’s more dark than epic, as well as some sword and sorcery. I like exploring new worlds and chasing different ideas, which drives me to jump around the genres a bit.

BH: You’ve created one of the most memorable characters of all-time in Frank Trigg.  What was the genesis for that character?

TM: Thank you. Frank is a mutt of ideas. He started out as Bob the minion of Death and evolved from there. I wanted a character that wasn’t just flawed, but was real. A lot of the concept came from the Die Hard movies, the Bruce Willis character getting his ass kicked but soldiering through to handle business.

Frank also evolved through my influences, heavy metal and fighting. While it’s nice to have good guys in the world, it’s less realistic than what’s really out there. People are selfish; it’s ingrained in our DNA. Our drive is to survive and breed and take pleasure where we find it. Frank takes that concept a couple steps further, and I think the foundation of human desire is what makes him interesting to people. He’s fun in small doses and you don’t have to take him seriously.

BH:  How much of Tim Marquitz is there in Frank Trigg?

TM: Way too much. Frank is me without the censors of polite society and the manners my mother beat into me growing up.

BH: The Demon Squad series is shaping up nicely, with a major plot thread that’s been simmering in the background about to come to the forefront and it appears things may be building towards a finale.  Do you see the series as a finite thing, with an ultimate ending in mind? If so, do you have the entirety of the series mapped out?

TM: I’m really not sure how far I’ll go with the series. I’ll write it until it’s no longer fun for me or the readers. The world is so wide open I can see myself writing ten or fifteen books without any issues, though, but I haven’t plotted beyond the books already written.

I’m very bad about contemplating the big picture. The pieces fit together as I go and give me ideas for future plots, but I don’t tie my hands by having a predetermined direction in mind. I like the idea of the end of the series being a surprise to both me and the readers.

BH: Can you tell us about your process that goes into writing a novel?

TM: For me, it’s pretty simple. An idea comes to mind and I think about what I’d like to get out of it. From there, I write a list of vague plot points, characters, concepts, cool scenes, or whatever else comes to mind. As I’m going through all that, the idea tends to sharpen and I begin to see it more clearly. If I feel It’s exciting and fleshed out enough to commit to, I sit down to outline the book, with nothing more than simple plot direction in mind.

Once I get into the writing, I know where I’m going and have spent enough time with the concept that I have a good idea of the voice I want to use for the characters. The story feeds off the writing from there.

BH: Are you able to write full time or do you have a day job?

TM: No, I definitely have a job. While things have picked up for my writing in recent months, I’m still dependent upon my job for money and health care. As much as I would love to write full time, I’d need to feel extremely comfortable before I left my job. I have a family to take care of, and I would hate to see them be hurt because something happened to screw the writing gig up after I quit working for a steady paycheck.

BH: Who are the biggest influences on your craft?

TM: Clive Barker is easily the first on the list, though I’d have to say that Jim Butcher is more of a direct influence when it comes to the Demon Squad books. Brian Keene is another, as is Stephen King of course. There are also a whole crop of newer writers that are inspiring me to step up my game. With the desire to get better, every book I read has an impact upon how I approach the next piece I work on.

BH: What inspired you to become a writer?

TM: Fame, fortune, and all the hot women waiting around to have sex with famous authors. Oh, and the lack of dress code. That’s a biggie.

BH: What goals do you have for yourself as a writer?

TM: My short terms goal is to better my writing/publishing situation at least once a year. I shoot to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way on my ultimate goal of writing for a living. I work to get better every time I sit down at the keyboard, and I push myself to keep moving forward in terms of new works and new ways to expose myself (sans a trench coat).

BH: You’ve been a grave digger, a bouncer, and have worked in public schools.  Which job was the toughest?

TM: Of all my jobs, I’d say working the graveyard shift at a convenience store was the toughest. While the work isn’t back breaking or mentally challenging, dealing with the late night customers was a chore I’m not emotionally equipped to handle. Between the drunks, the regular beer runs, and watching hookers exchange microwaved burritos for the promise of sex acts with other customers, a person just has to have more patience than I do to survive. 

It also takes so much more willpower than you’d imagine. I mean, come on, can you picture how difficult it is to turn down a blow job just to sell a woman a six pack after hours?

BH: Name three things you couldn’t live without.

TM: This is a tough question. I’m not very materialistic or sentimental. While it might not make anyone in my life happy, I can probably live without everything. I might not be the happiest man on earth afterwards, but I’d survive.

BH: Own up to a guilty pleasure

TM: Hmmm. I’m a big fan of the Duran Duran ballads the Chauffer and Save a Prayer, and I love listening to Faith No More’s covers of Lionel Ritchie’s Easy and the Bee Gee’s I Started a Joke. [Editor's note: Both are great songs!]

BH: You are a self-proclaimed metal head, and it shows in your writing.  Do you listen to music while you write?

TM: I don’t actually. I find myself writing to the rhythm of the music if something is on rather than to the rhythm of the story. My mood is affected by what I’m listening to so it’s almost impossible to separate the two processes. If I’m listening to something sad, that’s what I’ll write, and so on, so I prefer silence when I write.

BH: What bands are you listening to these days? Do you have an all-time favorite album/record/CD?

TM: I listen to a ton of different bands, but I always find my way back to the bands I grew up on: Metallica, King Diamond, My Dying Bride, Anathema, Candlemass, Venom, Slayer, Bolt Thrower, Cradle of Filth, etc.

As for all-time favorite, that’s tough. While I can listen to Metallica’s Master of Puppets over and over, I think Acid Bath’s When the Kite String Pops is the album I think of anytime someone mentions a favorite album. There’s just so much of what I love squeezed into the songs on this album.

BH:  Is there a band or a song you wish could be erased from the canon of rock/metal?

TM: I’m not much of a rock fan, and never have been. There are tons of songs I would happily sacrifice, and I’m sure it’d piss a bunch of folks off. Anything AC-DC, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and the vast majority of those bands could disappear and I’ve never even notice. [Editor's note: But then what would I sing at Karaoke?]

BH: What was the last concert you went to?

TM: It was Judas Priest, Testament, and Motorhead. The sound was shit, and it was a sour realization of just how old I’ve become, but it brought back good memories regardless.

BH: Have you read any books lately that you thought were especially good?

TM: Way too many. Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire books, Michael J Sullivan’s Ryria Revelations, Jeff Salyards Scourge of the Betrayer, Chuck Wendig’s Blackbirds, Theresa Frohock’s Miserere and a butt-load more I know I’m forgetting.

BH: What would you like to see change or see more of in the Fantasy genre?

TM: I wouldn’t change anything. There’s such a wealth of great new talent out there and amazing stories that I’m damn happy with how things are. With all the new opportunities presented by smaller publishers and self-publishing, the market is righting itself on the measure of quality. It’s a wonderful time to be a reader.

BH: What does the future hold for you?  Any new projects you can spill some beans on?

TM: I’m going to release my sword and sorcery novel, Witch Bane, in late December. I’ve been sitting on this book for nearly two years because of various opportunities, but I’m tired of waiting. The cover is being worked on as I type this, and I can’t wait to get it out there.

I’m also plotting a new urban fantasy title I’d like to experiment with, and I’m starting the process for the fifth Demon Squad book. I’ve also got a story in the Angelic Knight Press anthology, No Place Like Home, out in January, and I’ve a story in the Triumph Over Tragedy anthology arranged by author R.T. Kaelin with Sarah Chorn (of Bookworm Blues). All of the money for this project goes to the Red Cross to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy, so I’m honored to be a part of it.

BH: Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?

TM: Just that I appreciate each and every one of them. It’s so humbling to see the reviews and comments across the net, people digging what I’m doing. Not ten years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to picture doing what I do now, and it’s all thanks to the readers supporting me and telling their friends that allows me to do it. I’m beyond grateful.

And thanks to you for having me, Ryan. \m/

And Thank You Tim!  Thanks for taking the time to be part of Battle Hymns.  I greatly appreciate it.  I hope everyone enjoyed that one as much as I did.  If you haven't given Tim's Demon Squad books a chance yet, (or any of his other published works) I strongly urge you to check 'em out. They are a ton of fun.  

Author Interview: Michael J. Sullivan

It's a happy day here at Battle Hymns, because Michael J. Sullivan, author of the Riyria Revelations series, is on hand to answer some interview questions. I'm only a third of the way into his debut series, but as you can tell from my review of Theft of Swords it is off to a stellar start.  I could tell you how talented and how much of a nice guy he is, but I think it shows pretty clearly in his answers, so you might as hear it from the man himself.  

Battle Hymns: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Michael J. Sullivan: Sure, I’m a fiercely independent person, who REALLY hates being told what to do. If left to my own devices, I can be very creative and productive. However, if I have someone telling me what to do, or how to do it, I can barely perform.  As such, I don’t do well in a traditional work environment, and it’s best for all involved to keep me isolated and writing stories.

BH: Your path from writing the books contained in Theft of Swords to publication was quite an experience.  Can you tell us about that epic journey?

MJS: Years ago, decades in fact, I used to write with the intention of publication. I created twelve novels in ten years all of which went nowhere. Frustrated, I finally quit (and dramatically vowing never to write creatively again).  After a decade on hiatus, the itch to write couldn't be contained.  My daughter was struggling with reading (she’s dyslexic), and I decided to write a story just for her, myself, my wife, and a few friends.  I wanted it to be fun and fast-paced, similar to the books I had grown up with.  I had no intention on publishing, as I had already been convinced that was a colossal waste of time.

Eventually my wife read the books and made it her mission to “get them out there.” She wrote queries, got hundreds of rejections, found an agent (but nothing became of it), submitted to a small press (got accepted), and eventually created her own company to release the books.  Eventually once she had taken them “as far as she thought they could go,” she, and my foreign rights agent, took the series to New York where it garnered a much different reception.  There were seventeen proposals sent and seven or eight fantasy imprints expressed an immediate interest.  Orbit made a pre-emptive bid, and since they were already high on my list, I signed.  In addition to the English versions there are translations completed, or in process, for twelve other languages.  So I guess my wife accomplished what she had set out for.

BH: What aspects of the book, if any, changed from the independent publication to the publication by Orbit?

MJS: From a story standpoint actually very little changed between the two versions.  By the time Orbit got the books, there were already 70,000 copies sold, and feedback had indicated that the story was solid.  It was also intricately conceived, so pulling on one thread could unravel everything. As such, there wasn’t a lot of room for changes.  Still there were a few things adjusted. Most notability I added a new beginning, which started with our main characters (previously the books had started with the section directly after that).  My editor at Orbit, and feedback from readers, indicated a desire to meet Royce and Hadrian right away. Beyond that, there really were just places where I added a bit more description, or provided clarification, but none of those changes affected the story as a whole.  Of course, there was a full top to bottom re-editing.  Although I had hired many freelancers over the years a book can always be “further polished” and the team at Orbit did a great job with that.

BH: Was it a deliberate decision on your part to make each installment in the series feel self-contained, yet have over-arching plot lines that tie into a greater narrative?

MJS:  Most definitely, and a technique I stole from some favorite television shows like Babylon 5 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I liked how the creators had ongoing aspects that would unfold across the season, but each story had its own conflict and resolution.  Truth be told, I thought of the series much like a television show, but since I didn’t have access to a production company, or an inside track with television executives, I did what I could, which was write a series of books.  To me Revelations has always been a single tale, but much too large to tell all in a single volume.

Because I wasn’t writing for publication, I actually finished all of them before my wife finally found a publisher. This turned out to be very fortunate, because I would sometimes go back and tweak an earlier book as some new insight arose when writing a later one.  This provided for some great weaving which makes the series particularly rewarding for me personally.

BH: What are the plusses and minuses of working with a big publisher in comparison to a small, independent publisher?

MJS: Actually all three paths (self, small, big) have their own plusses and minuses.  Small presses take a lot of the work off your shoulders (copy editing, layout, etc) and are more willing to listen to and incorporate your ideas on things like titles and covers (for instance AMI used a cover that I created).  The downside though, is they are very limited with regards to distribution, and many small publishers struggle financially.  My first publisher didn’t have money to print the second book, and there were times when The Crown Conspiracy showed up as out of stock because the warehouse wouldn’t ship until their back fees were paid.

Self-publishing is great because everything is in your control. You never have to worry about not getting things done “exactly” the way you want them.  But it is also a lot of work.  Whether you do editing and cover design yourself, or have to hire others there is a lot of time spent on those activities. The plus side there, besides the total control, is a better chance at substantial income.  It’s so much easier to earn a living when you make 70% of the sale.

Big publishing has tremendous distribution capabilities, and a team of professionals that really give you enough peace of mind to know that things will be done “right.” This allows me to concentrate on other books. The down side comes in the form of revenue sharing and dealing with infrastructure issues. Publishing has changed a lot but some of the contracts are still antiquated, so Robin’s time is spent getting clauses adjusted to a point where I feel comfortable signing. One thing that I think will need to change in the future is the author’s share on ebooks.  Currently industry standard is for the publisher to get 52.5% and the author to receive 17.5%. This is one of the reasons that so few traditionally published authors can earn a living. 

BH:  Who is your favorite character to write and why?

MJS:  My favorite is probably Myron, a monk of Maribor.  He shows up in books one, five, and six.  In the first book he’s a really bookish, gentle soul.  He’s been isolated from the world for so long that he can see beauty and fascination in something as simple as a cattail. I love his scenes. In one, he is performing a blessing before our main characters ride out to save the day, and then we discover that he was actually blessing the horses. That’s so typically Myron, and my favorite scene in the first book involves him and a “squirrel tree.” Later in the series he comes back as a much different person, yet still one of my favorites. He has a great outlook on life, and completely untouchable by any dangers, because he has found happiness and contentment. 

BH: Who is the biggest influence on your work?

MJS:  Back in the day, when I was teaching myself how to write, I would actually dissect how authors wrote their book, trying to figure out what they did and why.  For instance, I loved how Stephen King developed characters, how Ayn Rand described scenes, how Steinbeck evoked emotion, and the simplicity of prose in Hemingway’s works.  A lot of my early novels were written using some of those techniques, and in some ways it was like learning illustration by copying a picture.  I personally didn’t like it very much, because I hadn’t yet discovered my own voice.  Being so clinical about writing had taken a lot of the joy out of it for me. 

A decade later, it was when I picked up the first Harry Potter book that I had an epiphany. THIS was how fun writing/reading could be. I was transported and found it whimsical, exciting, touching, and most of all fun.  Realizing that I could write something with no other goal then making a book that I wanted to read really helped me to discover my own style, and in so doing the joy of writing returned.

BH:  What inspired you to become a writer?

MJS:  I don’t know if it’s the same for others, but I didn’t “decide” to become a writer. It’s just what I do.  I’ve always told stories, and for the most part I’m inspired by a lack of something to read. Don’t get me wrong…there’s a lot of great books out there…more than can be consumed in ten lifetimes, but it’s hard for me to read others without thinking about how I would do it differently.  That’s not to say that my execution would be better, just that it would suit my preferences more closely. Writing for me is a way to get “exactly” what I want.

BH:  What’s the best part of your job? What’s the worst part of your job?

MJS:  The best part is hearing reactions from people who love what I’ve created, especially from my wife. There’s nothing better than hearing her talk about things that she liked in the books.  I get the same satisfaction from readers, through email or in online forums. They usually say something like, “I don’t mean to bother you…” or “I’m sorry to take up your time,” and I’m always amazed by this.  It’s those letters that fuel me to write.  Coming up with a story is great, but it’s empty and hollow without sharing it with others. 

To be honest, there really isn’t a “worst part.” I feel like a child who wakes each morning with no other responsibility than playing their favorite game. I have complete freedom, very little in the way of pressure, and can set my schedule anyway I wish.  There really isn’t a downside in such an environment, especially since writing is currently paying my bills.  While I would do this if I never made a cent (and in fact did exactly that for several decades), I’m glad my wife no longer has to support the household. For years she was our sole income and I really love giving her what she had given to me.  The freedom from getting up each day and “working for the man.” 

BH:  For you as a writer and/or reader, what qualities make for a good read?

MJS:  Not too long ago I did an almost clinical analysis of my favorite books, and came to a realization that they all shared some common elements.  First off, I want characters that I really care about and would like to have as friends in real life.  Second, is a setting filled with adventure and danger that I would like to experience myself…I like escapism, to be transported. Most importantly, though is whether or not I’m entertained. We get so little free time that I want to make the most of mine. To me that means feeling better after I close the book then before I opened it.  

BH:  What is a day in the life of Michael J. Sullivan like?

MJS:  I get up and head out to a local coffee shop.  I’ll drink a cup while reading the paper on my ipad.  Then I stop in at the grocery store to get whatever will be for dinner that evening. I return home and start my workday by reading a few pages of a really good book. I find it kinds of primes the pump and gets me into the right frame of mind for writing. I generally write until lunch, which will usually produce  around 2,000 words. Now that Robin is home, we’ll make the lunches leisurely, sometimes talking about books past or future. In the afternoons I generally do something physical, bike riding, jogging, taking a walk, or doing a short workout.  I may return to writing, or go online and answer messages and talk to readers or other writers.  The evening meal is spent watching The Daily Show and The Colbert Report  on the DVR (my only real TV time). It takes much longer than an hour as we are constantly pausing as we discuss something related or get pulled off on a tangent. In the evenings, I may write some more, or read, or play a video game. I usually end each night with a bit of reading before turning in.

BH:  Name three things you couldn’t live without.

MJS:  Can’t do it…because there’s only one, my wife, Robin. I’m not sure if it is a blessing or a curse.  I guess no matter how you look at it, we’ve had a good life. We met young (I was 18 she was 17) and have been joined at the hip through most of our lives (on three occasions actually sharing the same employer).  But we are many would describe as co-dependent, and I would literally cease to function if she were to pass.  We’re actually hoping to die in some accident that takes us both out at the same time.  If she were to go first, I’m sure I wouldn’t survive a year, and you wouldn’t want to be around me during those last months. 

BH:  Own up to a guilty pleasure.

MJS:  You’re actually the second person to ask this, and I’m just as stumped this time around.  I can’t figure out why if something brings you pleasure there should be any sense of remorse associated with it. In general people consider guilty pleasures things that they would be embarrassed by, but I say if it brings joy, that’s a good thing.  When my wife bikes, she cranks on music and sings (very off key) at the top of her lungs.  Joggers she passes shake their heads and smile.  Most probably think she’s a loon. I feel that sometimes we constrain that which brings us pleasure because we are afraid how others will perceive us.  This is not a problem that children, and some with developmental disabilities, suffer from. They just do what feels good, and could care less what people think. I wish more people of all ages and capabilities did similarly.

BH:  What music are you listening to these days?

MJS:  I’m always on the prowl for new music, and my search is aided often by my daughter who seems to find some really cool stuff. Some recent additions are: Fun, The Piano Guys, and The Flight of the Conchords.

BH:  What’s your all-time favorite album/record/CD?

MJS:  Hard to choose but probably Paul Simon’s Graceland.  At the time I hadn’t heard any music that infused other cultural influences so strongly and it opened up a whole new area of things to explore.  Plus it has some of the most entertaining lyrics I’ve ever heard. It’s brilliant.  

BH:  What was the last concert you went to?

MJS:  In the summers the National Gallery of Art puts on concerts on the National Mall in the Sculpture Garden. We go most Fridays if we are in town. It’s a great time. We bring a blanket, some snacks (cheese, fruit, crackers) and usually get a pitcher or two of Sangria that they sell there, which is pretty good.  I have a lot of friends that know I’ll be there so people just show up. You never know who will come until it happens, but it’s always a good time.

BH:  Are you a comics reader? If so, what’s something you read recently that you enjoyed? Who’s an artist you love?

MJS:  No I’m not a big comics reader, but I do have an artist that I absolutely love…my daughter.  She has a comic, Ugly Vampire that she does free online. It’s about Jerry, a not-too-bright guy who is a bit of a loser and decides to become by a vampire so he can be beautiful, immortal, and cool.  Problem is after he’s bitten, he’s still the same old ugly, fat guy…and will be forever.  She’s also helped me with a project called, Plotholes, where we poke fun at fantasy writing and publishing.  She’s even had done a comic with Royce and Hadrian (my two main leads) which is pretty funny.  I’m thinking about having her and a friend do a comic version of The Viscount and the Witch, a short story I wrote a while back. I hope she takes me up on it.

BH:  What book or books have you read lately that you thought were especially good?

MJS:  I’ve been very impressed with Anthony Ryan’s Bloodsong. There are a lot of similarities between us. He’s a self-published author, who has now signed on with ACE.  It’s not without its flaws, but what he does right far outweighs any nits of criticism. Few new writers have the patience to let the story unfold slowly and naturally.  He has mastered that art of restraint, and knows how to pull the reader along a bit at a time.  I except to be seeing a lot more from him in the future. I recommend picking his book up now while it’s just $2.99.  You’ll be able to say you “knew him when.”

BH:  If you found yourself in a typical fantasy setting, what would be your weapon of choice?

MJS:  Hmmm….in role-playing games I usually choose wizards. I think standing in the background while someone else takes the damage is more to my liking. In general I’m pretty agile, and avoiding attacks would be my modus operandi. So I guess something small, like a dagger.

BH:  What would you like to see change or see more of in the Fantasy genre?

MJS:  I actually think right now there is a lot of diversity in the genre, and that’s a good thing.   I’m not really big on the idea of limiting choices. Just because I may not be drawn to paranormal romance, or some of the recent dark-and-gritty releases doesn’t mean that I want to see them gone.  The more variety, the more readers, the more readers, the more authors that can earn a living, so it’s all good.  For me personally, yes I would like to see more books that would excite me…which means a bit more fun and less dour. But that’s not really such a big issue as I’m in a position to write that type of stuff to entertain myself.

BH:  What does the future hold for you?  Any new projects you can spill some beans on?

MJS:  Just recently Orbit announced that I’ll have a new series coming out in August 2013, The Riyria Chronicles.  This is a prequel that tells “the other side” of The Riyria Revelations. In Revelations we see how the team known as Riyria ends, and inChronicles we see how it all begins.  I’ve finished two books in that series, The Crown Tower and The Rose and the Thorn.Whether there will be any more after that will depend on the readers.  I don’t want Royce and Hadrian to overstay their welcome, and while I do have ideas for more Chronicle tales, I’m not going to write them if there is no interest.

I’ve also written an urban fantasy called Antithesis, which is currently being reviewed by Orbit.  If they decide to pass, I’ll likely self-publish it. This is a story of two opposing individuals who each wield magical power limited only by their imagination. They keep the world in balance.  Usually the power is passed down to someone who has been trained to receive it.  But in this story, an untimely death has it passing to an innocent bystander. Not only does this person not understand the responsibilities of this power, but they also aren’t aware that they are being hunted by the other party.

I’m about fifty percent done with Hollow World. A science fiction novel that wasn’t even on my radar to write, but I got inspiration from a little short story I created called Greener Grass. Originally it was for an anthology, but it didn’t fit the theme as well as I had wanted, so I released that as a little self-published short.  The concept is based loosely on John Lennon’s song “Imagine.”  It’s set in a world with no religion, countries, or war…and explores whether this would be a utopia, or a bland homogenized existence.  I’m not sure how my existing readers will feel about it, but I LOVE it and my experience has been that if you write something you want to read, there will be an audience for it somewhere.

Last but not least…I’m going to be about half a year behind on my next big series.  I’ve ben plotting it for several years now and had intended to start writing it this fall.  Hollow World kind of jumped in front of it, so I won’t start it until early next year.  Like The Riyria Revelations I plan to write all the books in this series before publishing any of them, so it’s going to take awhile to produce.  That’s why I have these other four stories: The Crown Tower, The Rose and the Thorn, Antithesis, and Hollow World queued up.  They should give people some stuff to chew on while I’m off writing this next series.

BH:  Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?

MJS:  As always I want to take this opportunity to say thanks so much for all your support.  It’s the readers that allow me to live a dream that I didn’t think was possible.  In many respects I think any success my books have is only partially my own. The rest comes from the readers who recommend them, buy extra copies as gifts, leave reviews, and help to get the books noticed.  I feel like we have a great symbiotic relationship, and I’m just glad that I don’t have to earn a living at a day job. They give me plenty of time to work on the books, and I hope to continue to produce works they enjoy reading.

Oh, and one last thing. Feel free to drop me a line anytime at Michael.sullivan.dc@gmail.com. As I’ve said, hearing from people is my real fuel, and getting letters actually increases my productivity by many factors. So if you want to see me write faster, then stop by and say hello.

******

Michael, As always, a big thank you to you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to be part of Battle Hymns.  I had a lot of fun, and I hope you did too!  Much Appreciated!

Author Interview: Jeff Salyards PART 2

Back for round two, today is the second half of the Battle Hymns/Jeff Salyards interview.  On the docket today are some rapid fire questions and answers.  Enjoy!

Battle Hymns: Name three things you couldn’t live without.

Jeff Salyards: My wife, my kids, my friends. If we’re excluding the living, since they aren’t “things,” then beer, beer, and then maybe a beer chaser. 

BH: Own up to a guilty pleasure.

JS: One of the below is absolutely true: 

1.      I actually love the Wiggles. Their zany shenanigans are hilarious, contagious, and just fantastic, and their songs do not burrow into my brain and lay eggs. At all.

2.      My wife has to hide any sweet thing in the house, because if it’s out and plainly visible, I’m eating it. I have the willpower not to actively look for it, sometimes, but if it’s in front of me, forget about it. Even the crumbs.

3.   I have a collection of koala paraphernalia: mugs, t-shirts, Pez dispensers, underwear (with and without fur). They’re just so dang cute.   


(Editor's Note: My money is on #2.) 

BH: What music are you listening to these days?

JS: Carly Rae Jepsen. Wait, I’m not a 15-year old girl. I got into Arcade Fire not too long ago, when I was up with a crying kid in the middle of the night (maybe it was me who was crying) and happened to catch one of their concerts. I couldn’t get them out of my head, but in a good way. Gotye is pretty cool—I mean, he’s Belgian-Australian, so he gets bonus points for originality. I keep hoping Audioslave will give it another go, but in the meantime, listening to their last album.   

Best Album Ever? 

BH: What’s your all-time favorite album/record/CD?

JS: You mean, after the Bears’ Superbowl Shuffle? Wow, that’s a tough one. It just depends on my mood too much to narrow it to all-time favorite: Springsteen’s Born to Run, Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, Radiohead’s Amnesiac, Guns ‘N Roses’ Appetite for Destruction, Nirvana’s Nevermind.   

As you can see, I suck at coming up with an all-time favorite anything. 

BH: What was the last concert you went to?

JS: Gaelic Storm a few years ago. But a more interesting story is the first concert I went to. Aerosmith, in high school. And while I look much different now, Steven Tyler must have access to some top-secret anti-aging serum or his drug cocktails over the years synthesized into a formaldehyde proxy, because he hasn’t changed a bit.

My brother, Chris, was supposed to go the concert. Because Chris had a severe case of diabetes, had to undergo dialysis, had numerous operations, he had the handicap sticker and got special seating at events like that. But Chris couldn’t go this time, and his buddy who always went with him was going to have to sit in the cheap seats with the rest of the plebes unless there was a stand-in. Or sit-in, as it were. So he asked me. After thinking about it for all of five seconds, I borrowed the wheel chair and my brother’s buddy and I headed to the concert. We got the primo seating, close enough to make ear drums bleed.

Anyway, I had to pretend to be paraplegic the whole time, and lie through my teeth to the genuinely handicapped folks around me. I blamed my devastating “injuries” on a motorcycle accident. Yes, I am going to hell, thanks for asking.

Hmmm, maybe that wasn’t the best story to tell. . .   

BH: Are you a comics reader? If so, what’s something you read recently that you enjoyed? Who’s an artist you love?

JS: I haven’t read nearly as many comics as I used to. As a kid and teen, I collected a bunch of them: X-Men, Batman, Punisher, Avengers, Spider-Man, Daredevil, Jonah Hex. As you can see, I was mostly a Marvel guy. But having said that, I was always partial to Frank Miller—he’s amazing at creating atmosphere and a film-noir kind of sensibility/tone. I loved his Dark Knight and Sin City stuff. Brilliant. And he’s one of those guys who goes where the project is: Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, whatever. 

BH: What book or books have you read lately that you thought were especially good?

JS: Perfect segue, as I just finished Prepare to Die! by Paul Tobin, a book about supercharged villains/heroes. Paul’s day job is writing comics, and his love of the topic comes through on every page of his debut novel. I heartily recommend this to anyone who likes their heroes deeply flawed and very human. While there are plenty of frenetic fights with superpowers aplenty—cars being chucked around, lasers blasting, giant rats—a large portion of the book is quieter, introspective, character-driven, which always appeals to me. 

BH: If you found yourself in a typical fantasy setting, what would be your weapon of choice?

JS: Definitely not a cursed flail that bombards me with the stolen memories of foes I strike down. Braylar has one of those, and that doesn’t look like any kind of fun at all.

I suppose the answer would depend on what I’d likely be doing in that world. A farm boy whisked off by a mysterious mentor and likely possessing innate powers or the heritage that will save the world? No weapon, please—I deserve to die a gruesome death. A soldier? If so, part of a shield wall, a hobelar, heavy cavalry, an arbalest? A grave robber, a caravan guard, a thug? I’ve always believe that weapons are just tools, and you need to pick the right one for the job.

If you’re looking for the generalist answer, a choice that could serve me in the widest range of circumstances, in a city or on campaign, exploring ruins, or running from the law, there’s are a lot of reasons swords are so ubiquitous in fantasy, but one is that they had a lot of utility. As impressive and wicked cool as the later big two-handers are, I would probably go with a longsword from the 14^th century (and I mean that in the Oakeshott sense of the word, not D&D—probably type XVI or XVII, for those keeping track at home). A blade I could use with a shield or with two hands if necessary, still exceptionally balanced, light, and fluid.   

But if I’m not overly worried about scampering up a siege ladder, spelunking, or fighting my way through dense underbrush, a big Danish axe is all kinds of scary. It says, “The guy holding me is more concerned with splitting you in two than in any damage you might do to him. In fact, I’m betting I’ll cleave you apart and be on to the guy behind you before your weapon even comes close to the crazy bastard swinging me around.”  

BH: What would you like to see change or see more of in the Fantasy genre?

JS: Good question. I like books that take risks, that try new paths or search for a new perspective. (Editor's Note: Me too!) While there are some smaller indie publishers who actively support fantasy that’s more challenging or outside most readers’ comfort zones (Night Shade Books, Pyr, Angry Robot), you don’t see these kinds of offering as much from The Big Six. I’m not suggesting the bigs only publish derivative crap, only that their titles tend to be a little safer on the whole. Regardless of the publisher, though, I’d like to see more willingness to push things a bit. 

BH: What does the future hold for you? Any new projects you can spill some beans on?

JS: I’m getting rolling on Book 2 in the Bloodsounder’s Arc series. I don’t even have a good non-working title at the moment, so Book 2 it is. The series will be three books for sure, possibly more, depending on how things shape up. So this will keep me busy for the immediate future. Regarding Book 2, I can say that for those readers who were clamoring for more world building, they’ll get it—more about the Syldoon themselves,  Bloodsounder, the mysterious Memoridons, the Godveil, the Deserter Gods, political factions, etc. While the narrator, Arki, was generally clueless though Scourge, he’ll be a bit more in the know for Book 2, and the plot revelations will come a lot faster. I like the dynamic of Arki being an outsider, and what it brings to the narrative, so that won’t disappear altogether—he isn’t welcomed with open arms into the Syldoon order going forward, but he will learn a great deal more and at a much faster clip.

Also, for those looking for another strong female character, while I only alluded to Braylar’s sister in the first book, she definitely shows up in Book 2. And she gives her brother a run for it in the badass department (though in a much different way).   

BH: Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?

JS: Thank you so much for taking a risk by picking up a book by a debut author. Maybe you read a pretty good review somewhere. Maybe you were browsing in Barnes & Noble and the cover grabbed your attention. Maybe Amazon sent you a notice recommending a new juice maker, a book on kites, and Scourge of the Betrayer. Maybe your last name is Salyards. Whatever the reason, I’m equal parts thrilled and grateful that you did, and I really hope you enjoyed Scourge. I appreciate your support more than I can express. Which is why I sent a singing clown-o-gram. He should be there shortly. I apologize in advance for the pie, but it was part of the package deal.  

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Big THANKS to Jeff Salyards for taking the time to be part of this interview. If it was just me asking the questions with no one answering it would be REALLY boring.  Jeff really spiced things up!  Seriously, it was an awesome experience.  If you still aren't convinced, you really should check out Scourge of the Betrayer it is most definitely worth the read.