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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Malfus: Necromancer Unchained?

My name is Casey Sutton, I’m an army veteran, D&D nerd, amateur mycologist; and the self-published author of Malfus: Necromancer Unchained! I had a near-death experience in South Africa in 2018. No, not quite as cool as you are imagining it, I’m sure. I had some internal bleeding on Christmas Eve and had to be rushed to the hospital from blood loss. By the time I had gotten to see a doctor, I was already going into shock from blood loss and was taken into emergency surgery right away! As I recovered in bed in the ICU, I looked at the pile of books I had brought with me which were all books about writing and how to start your first book – I’d still never actually taken pen to paper because I didn’t feel good enough. I realized then that life is short, tomorrow isn’t promised and if I kept waiting, I may never write a book. So I started outlining my first book that night in the hospital bed! The irony of writing a story about necromancy after a near-death experience isn’t lost on me!

I’m a huge Dungeons and Dragons nerd though and that also influenced a lot of my ideas with this story, as well as exploring flawed characters. I published parts of it on RoyalRoad at first and was blown away when I found out it made it into the top 50 on the whole site! I even got an audiobook deal from Tantor Audio because of that! The book has been edited by an editor that’s worked with Brandon Sanderson before and has a 2-page world map and 10 color illustrations by fantasy artist Dejan Delic!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Malfus: Necromancer Unchained, what would they be?

It would probably be the type of music I listen to while I write, Game of Thrones soundtracks or video game song covers (lyrics bug me while I write). However, if Malfus was a teen in our world, he probably would have listened to Korn and Marilyn Manson during a "phase" in his life.

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

I love grimdark fantasy. I like the morally gray characters and more realistic side of human behavior those stories tell, all while in a fantasy setting! I love Joe Abercrombie and the First Law series. I read a lot of D&D novels as a kid, and I wanted to combine the two! So this novel is a bit Dungeons and Dragons meets Quentin Tarantino.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Currently reading The Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Next is The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Definitely the combat scenes! There is one in the middle of the book with a ballista, and that's all I'll say so I don't spoil anything.

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

I am cursed to wake up super early, so that's usually when I write. My cat August usually joins me and has been there for 90% of Malfus's creation. I listed her as a co-author in the back of the book and have a picture of her. Aside from that, I can't listen to music with lyrics and write at the same time.

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

"I'll try anything twice!" and specifically for writing "It's easier to edit bad writing than a blank page."

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

The nameless soldier in the middle of the battle, no matter whether it is in a fantasy book, a movie, or real life.

Casey Sutton is the author of the new book Malfus: Necromancer Unchained

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Starlight's End?

Starlight's End is a story that has been in my head and heart for the last 20 years. Like many people who grew up in the 90s, some of my earliest formative memories were built around a galaxy far, far away and filled with heroes in masks and costumes. Those stories were first and foremost entertaining, but they also taught me about heroism and sacrifice. That’s the spirit that Starlight’s End was born out of. Flawed heroes that face unbeatable odds. Over the last decade I have searched for the right medium and the right words to tell my version of that story. After thousands of hours brainstorming, writing, and re-writing, Starlight’s End was how that story finally came together.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Starlight's End, what would they be?

Somewhat an answer to the question, there was one song that I found inspiration for the story in- The Power of One by Secession Studios & Greg Dombrowski. The song starts off very slow and dark, but as it goes on it builds to an epic finale filled with sounds of hope and power. It’s a very moving song.

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

Actually my favorite genre to read is mystery.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz will be my next read.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Chapter 39: The Only Hope. By far my favorite thing I've ever written.

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

I tend to write very late at night or very early in the morning. I do have a cat who lays beside me which is actually kind of comforting.

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

Well, first and foremost, I am a Christian. In all of my writing and my interaction with others, I aim to echo the words of Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."

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

If I could hope anything, it would be for my readers to walk away entertained and satisfied with the way the story played out and with their choice to spend time reading it.

Luke Aidan is the author of the new book Starlight's End

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Red Dust (Gods & Assassins Book 1)?

I have basically watched the first-person protagonist of this series grow up! He began as a teenage runaway turned terrorist in a series of short stories which helped form the basis of my nine-book series “Beyond the Impossible.” In that series, we see Ryllen Jee (aka Royal) morph into a vengeful assassin, a soldier, a psychopath, a lover, an immortal, and ultimately, a god. As in the omnipotent variety (though only for a short while). He’s charming and menacing in equal doses. He was also the only character to appear in every book of the series. His fate, along with that of his partner Moon, was established in the series climax. That story is now being told in “Gods & Assassins.” Fortunately, the reader doesn’t have to know his backstory before starting “Red Dust.” But be warned: You’re going to be living inside the mind of a narcissistic manipulator with a healthy dose of snark, a demonstrably bad attitude about humans, yet equipped with masterful diction.

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

Science fiction is the genre most beneficial because it keeps me grounded as a writer. But I find fiction doesn't intrigue as much since I spent so much of my day writing it. Thus, I prefer to read non-fiction (including great long-form journalism.)

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

It's all stuck on my iPad. In no particular order: Space opera titles chosen from Kindle Unlimited and a presidential biography.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Royal uses five shot glasses to manipulate a cantina owner in his efforts to take over the town of Desperido. You had to be there.

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

I fill my Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) thermal mug full of ice-cold water before starting up at 8 a.m. each day.

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

Live to learn, and you'll learn to live.

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

Other than that there are five books in the series and that they arrive every three weeks? I'd say, "You have no idea what's going to happen next."

Frank Kennedy is the author of the new book Red Dust (Gods & Assassins Book 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Convergence?

Convergence was a story two years in the making all in my head. It comes from many years of dealing with interpersonal grief and how I learned to overcome that. It is based off the relationship between my wife and I, and how we’ve both dealt with her diagnosis of a progressive heart disease. Those who know me personally will immediately recognize that the main character, Jay, is based on my personality, life, and experiences.

It is both a cautionary and informative tale about how the loss (or prospective of loss) of a loved one can truly twist one’s reality. I was inspired to write this novel in the hope that those who have felt this grief will find solace in knowing they are not alone.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Convergence, what would they be?

As I was writing, I kept daydreaming of an emotional trailer for my book featuring Jay, the main character, set to “Future Days” by Pearl Jam. Benu, his traveling partner, would definitely have her theme be “It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by R.E.M.

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

Horror and Sci-Fi are the two I read the most. If both are mixed in a compelling way, then you’ve got the perfect book for me. I’m mainly planning to specialize in writing horror.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I still have the final Dune book in the original 6 to finish. Right now I’m reading Neil Gaiman’s “Neverwhere” which has been excellent. American Psycho by Bret Ellis has been sitting on my desk for a while… hopefully I can get to it before the library bars me from another extension.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

About two-thirds into the book, there’s a very quiet scene where Jay nurses Benu back to health with the aid of an insightful motherly figure. I really enjoyed the ideas and scenes I formed between the three of them, and I think the messages I was trying to get across came through in an interesting way. Also, the finale of this arc contains a twist that none of my readers saw coming!

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

I love cats and own three. So, you will always find at least one cat in my stories. It isn’t entirely unique, but I tend to make them godlike figures.

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

Oh, “Live, Laugh, Love” for sure... But in all seriousness, I suppose I live by the philosophy of “being on time means being 15 minutes early.” This basically translates to having the principle of always being prepared and forward-thinking in all aspects of life, that way you’re ready for anything in life. Well… mostly anything!

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

There is a quote from my book that I feel everyone needs to remind themselves of, especially in times of hardship: “You’ve already done everything you need to by simply existing.”

Jesse Clary is the author of the new book Convergence

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