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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Reaper's Gamble (Of Black Sand and Ash)?

I've always been interested in fantasy, but more gritty. This particular book was inspired by a nightmare I had in college, but with everything I like to write, I have to incorporate humor.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Reaper's Gamble (Of Black Sand and Ash), what would they be?

Nothing specific for characters, but I did happen to listen to a lot of Deftones while writing this book!

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I would say in general, yes I like to read and write fantasy, horror and sci-fi. I occasionally pick up any sort of non fiction as well as thrillers.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

There are so many to list here! However, just to name a handful, there are several titles by Junji Ito as well as Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk. I like to support fellow indie authors, so I also have both Bad Parts and Entry Wounds by Brandon McNulty.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Honestly? You might think I'm a weirdo for this, but the chapter titled "Flock of Waterbirds" was my favorite, not because of the subject matter, but because it's a turning point for two of the main characters.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Nothing too quirky, but I do like to write sitting in bed. It's where I'm most comfortable!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Nothing too grand other than the Golden Rule.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Hmmmm probably something along the lines of, "I really liked that, and can't wait for book 2" 🙂

 

R.E. Holding is the author of the new book Reaper's Gamble (Of Black Sand and Ash)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Titan's Tears?

While I don’t consider myself a writer of a particular genre but despite my best efforts, I couldn’t help but be pulled into the subject of rapid technological advancement and its effect on us as a species—and particularly the lives of families and individuals. I was hesitant at first. The problem with writing science fiction is that the author will almost certainly be wrong in some way, shape, or form—and no one wants to be wrong. Or perhaps the work will be seen as quaint in a few decades time. That dissuaded me from wanting to write such a book as I felt it would age terribly. Of course, the alternative is that sometimes science fiction authors are right—though not always in a good way. Ultimately, I decided to hell with it and wrote the book anyway. The concept that pulled me in most is what Ray Kurzweil calls “the law of accelerating returns.” That is technological progress is exponential in growth rather than linear. Granted, my view is that such growth only happens under certain economic and societal conditions. Ultimately, this means we will see technological advancement in increasingly short amounts of time. For example, there is a famous photo of a Civil War veteran, Bill Lundy, standing next to a fighter jet. It’s quite remarkable as the man lived in an era of horse-drawn transportation, smallpox, and musket balls made it to the age of jets, smallpox eradication, and nuclear power. Now there is an argument that the fellow may be a liar. Regardless, at his age in the photo, the technological changes he had seen are still remarkable and what will come in the future will be equally remarkable—should conditions allow for it. The questions I asked myself were: how will this increasingly rapid change affect the social contract of the species and ultimately how will it affect peoples lives? What ‘Titan’s Tears’ does is give a slice-of-life view of what could happen to regular people trying to go about their lives—albeit in a dramatic and fantastical way.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I'll read just about anything. Everything is interesting to me, it's just a matter of mood.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene about the Cascade Special Rehabilitation and Happiness Center. I added it at the last minute, I couldn't help myself.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Catholicism and Stoicism. Granted, that path is far easier said than done.

 

Chad Lester is the author of the new book Titan's Tears

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Rogue (Fannec Records Book 2)?

I started out with the idea of writing a story that I would like to read that was loosely based upon Robin Hood, but in space. That story quickly morphed into my first book that has almost no resemblance to the original concept. I left that book off with an open ending in case I thought of another story I could tell. I almost immediately thought of this story.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Rogue (Fannec Records Book 2), what would they be?

"Tom Sawyer" by Rush.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I've always been a big fan of Fantasy and Science Fiction, the ability to create entire worlds with different rules appeals to creative side and Science Fiction allows my engineering side room for fun speculation.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

That pile isn’t getting smaller! So I’m currently on my second read through of the Murderbot series, and I need to read the rest of the Infinite series. Right now, those should last me a couple of months at which time I’m considering re-reading (for maybe the 6th time) Omega Force series.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There is a scene early in the book where our protagonist (Robert) gains access to some really interesting technology. I liked writing that mainly because it was something I would have a tremendous amount of fun with if it were a real thing. But I also like the later scene where a new character is introduced and he is essentially speaking gibberish. I liked the back and forth of that scene.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I work a full time demanding job, so I write at night while everyone else is asleep. I don't have a lot of rituals or habits, other than that I do like to jot down ideas on my phone and sometimes end up writing entire scenes on a phone app.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Do what you can with what you have. It helps me focus on things I can control.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Honestly? There's more to come. I write because I find it fun, and I hope it bleeds into the work I produce. If you liked it, thanks! If you didn't, well tell me what I did wrong.

 

Bradley Trapp is the author of the new book Rogue (Fannec Records Book 2)

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