Thursday 5 July 2012

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - JACK WHITSEL



When did you first consider yourself as a "writer"?
I considered myself a writer as soon as I was halfway through my first novel. At that point…there was no turning back.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?
Shadows of Kings is my debut novel.  I’m not here to impress you…but to entertain you. You’re going to get knights, magic and mayhem until you can’t take it anymore.




Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
Shadows of Kings is the first book in the in the Dragon Rising Series. The next book in the series is Shades of Virtue.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?
Though I adore Science Fiction, there is nothing I love more than Fantasy and Medieval history. When combining the two, writing because my special place.  

Where do you get your book plot ideas from?What/Who is your inspiration?
I consider myself a storyteller more than a writer. And to tell a good story, you need drama that embodies relationships, intrigue, mythos and a little violence. Ok…a little more violence in my case.

What do you think makes a book a really good/bestseller ?
Timing and content. No promotion can replace it, no writing expertise can conjure it. When an idea or story arrives when people desire it – you have magic. No marketing campaign in the world could have made thousands of kids dress in their favorite Harry Potter character, and stand in line in the middle of the night to purchase the next book. Good writing? Of course. But it was a story whose time had come.

What do you do to unwind and relax?Do you have a hobby?
I really love the movies. You give me a popcorn loaded with butter and a big screen… and I’m yours.

Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?
The King of Contemporary Fantasy…J.R.R. Tolkien. I pay homage to him whenever I can, and I’m unashamed to do so.


What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
Keep writing. Don’t worry about critics and publishers. Just focus on the writing. And when you’re ready, don’t be afraid to share it with the world. 


(Thankyou to Jack Whitsel for taking the time to take part in this interview and also to Mayra Calvani for setting up this Interview)


2 comments:

  1. Great interview! I really like his writing style too (I read the excerpt). And this is subject matter that's close to my heart. I'll check it out! :D Thanx!

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  2. Thank you, Jean, for being a part of the SHADOWS OF KINGS blog tour.

    @ liesel - Thank you, Liesel! I promise you will be well entertained.

    Oceans of Love,

    Jack

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