Davidson L. Haworth Blog

Author Spotlight with Kevin Middleton

by Davidson Haworth on 04/12/12

Author Spotlight gives the public insightful interviews on amazing new and old writers alike. Read and share our interviews and support these writers who give the people an outlet to enter a new world through books. This week we interview fantasy writer Kevin Middleton.

How long have you been a published writer and when did you first begin to write?

On January, 20th, 2012 I published, "The Battle of the Gatehouse: Book One of the Last Age," at Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats. "The Hordes of Shashka: Book Two of the Last Age," was released March, 5th, 2012. I began writing when I was in high school. In grade seven our teacher gave us an assignment to inscribe an original poem. The class was given a free period for the day and everyone walked downtown to the local library to check out the works of the well known dead poets. I remember it as if it were only yesterday. I was already quite familiar with the library, and I knew where the poetry section was so I spent the allotted time hiding in the back corner of the building reading a book on computer programming, when the moment arrived to return to the school I just grabbed a book at random off the self and took it home. It was a tome on the collected works of Robert Frost. A lot of what I read I didn't understand, but there was one poem, "Fire and Ice," which grabbed my attention. In those 9 lines a new world opened up and I dove into the task with eagerness. It launched for me a love of poetry that has endured to this day.

What is your favorite genre to write about?

I like to write fantasy books. The bodies of work which make up the tale of, "The Last Age," are stories of high adventure. The final days of the age of uncertainty are upon the world, an imbalance within the cosmos has reached a pivotal junction and the fate of everyone and everything lies in the decisions a few hardy adventurers must make. It's an epic novel, but was never meant to be so when I began. Like all narratives though it grew in the telling as the adventure unfolded and I'm pleased with where it has led us.

Where did you grow up as a child and where do you find yourself going in the future?

I grew up in a little town in Ontario, Canada called Lindsay. It's a picturesque retirement neighborhood of some 17,000 or so residents. As a child I loved it, but over the years it's lost the magic. There are many great and wonderful people there, but it's become too large to feel like home now. My hopes are to one day move up to Northern, Ontario…perhaps the Temagami region. It's an isolated locale with a small community, but everything I love and value can be found there.

What was the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

That's not an easy question to answer. I've not really had any negative feedback about my efforts; however in the spirit of the exchange I'll share this. When I released my first novel a friend of mine asked me if he could buy the hardback at his local store. Truthfully I told him, "No, it's only available on Amazon or at the publisher's website." That being said though the impression I received from the exchange was that I was something less than an author. I did feel a momentary pang after the conversation but I reminded myself everyone begins somewhere, and that his definition doesn't necessarily reflect the attitudes of my readers as a whole.

Do you think book signings are a waste of time in this day in age of technology?

Book signings are an integral part of the publishing process. Consumers want to feel an intimate connection with an author before they're willing to invest in their work. You can pen the greatest novel in the world and still have dismal sales if you can't create hype for it. At a book signing you're not only the author, but the publicist, star and advertising department all rolled into one.

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

I take each review with a grain of salt. I listen to what's being said and weigh it in my mind. If the issue involves formatting then I'll look at it and make an executive decision. Is the person right? Would changing the sentence create a better product? That notwithstanding though if the problem has more to do with the personal bias of the reviewer, if they didn't, "Like," the story, well that's as it may be. Not everyone will be fond of my novels; there will always be disagreements as to how well the storyline engages the reader. These are to be expected and it's just water off a ducks' back. No one person is ever going to put in writing a work of fiction that pleases everyone, know your target audience, know their likes and dislikes, and if they are happy, well then you’re a success.

How do you create names for your characters and do you use people you know in your life to formulate a character?

Character names are easy for me. I actually surf the internet and visit sites that list the origin and meaning of baby names. During the planning stages of a novel I've establish a rough outline for what each character looks like. Then all I do is look online for the meaning of names within that society. For example a character might be a princess within the story, and I've given her an Asian heritage, so I'll go on-line and look at all the baby girl names that mean princess from that ethnicity. I don't write about people I know, however I used to be a huge Dungeons & Dragons player and several characters in my books are spillovers from campaigns my friends and I used to play.

Do you ever use your writing as a weapon? For example you become angry for what someone has done to you and you create a scathing tale.

Never, I am pretty much an introvert and rarely interact with people outside of my immediate family. Life I feel was made for living and I have better things to do with my time then dwell on supposed wrongs another might have done.

What is the most complicated subject matter to write about?

I think the hardest thing to write about is period appropriate architecture. I have been known to spend hours researching a building or city just so I have it down in my head. That isn't easy for me. Costumes are the same. It's not enough to say the girl was wearing a dress. I have to see an image of what I've envisioned so that I get it right. I must confess my own sense of fashion involves a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, and I really have no idea what the latest trends are, nor do I care; that being said though some of my characters could actually be bothered and they make me research the facts all the time. LOL!

What is the most important attribute for a writer to remain sane?

Don't make your goals unreachable. It's just a series of baby steps, put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking out the door. Surround yourself with positive people who support your work and efforts, not these negative fools who can never seen anything good in anything. If you allow those people to have your ear you'll soon doubt your own worth. When I was in college a very wise professor once said to me, "Take the one thing you're passionate about, the one obsession you'd do even if you never made a dime at it, and make it your career." To that I'd add create a support group around yourself, these are the people who will say to you, "There isn't anything you can't do if you set your mind to it. If you want it…go for it…because the only person holding you back is you."

Give us your top writers who influence you in your work?

There are so many, but if I had to name just three I'd say David Eddings and his collected bodies of work that make up the tales of, "The Belgariad," and, "The Malloreon." I'd also have to give a shout out to Robert Jordan and his, "Wheel of Time," series. They are at the two ends of the extreme in the world of fantasy in my eyes. Eddings work is what I'd call a mid entry. Its complexity is leaps and bounds beyond C.S. Lewis' world of, "Narnia," but it doesn't have quite the intensity of say J.R.R. Tolkien's, "The Lord of the Rings." Robert Jordan however has stepped so far beyond Tolkien's vision it's in a class all by itself. I was truly upset on the days both these gentlemen died. I basically moped about for a week because I felt like I'd lost my best friends. The last person I'd give thumbs up to is Anne Rice. Although her works are more in the gothic paranormal genre she is absolutely a genius at it. Every time she releases a new book I basically drop everything for a couple of days to just read it.

What is your next project?

Currently I am editing, "Children of the Gods: Book Three of the Last Age." At the moment it stands at 454 pages and 178,000 words. My goal is to have the project completed and published by September of 2012. Additionally I'm working on the outline for a gothic paranormal I've been bantering around for the last 6 months. Right now it's in the planning and development stage, but I think by the spring of 2013 I'll have it done. It's going to be my first step outside the world of Fantasy and I don't know how well it will be received by my fans, but I hope they understand I needed tell the tale and that afterwards I'll come back to the world of Sirron.

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Author Spotlight with Tom Barczak

by Davidson Haworth on 03/07/12

uthor Spotlight gives the public insightful interviews on amazing new and old writers alike. Read and share our interviews and support these writers who give the people an outlet to enter a new world through books. This week we interview fantasy writer Tom Barczak.

How long have you been a published writer and when did you first begin to write?

I've been published since July 2011, when I put out Part I of my six part illustrated e-serial for Kindle, Awakening Evarun. I used to write a lot as a kid, and picked it back up again about 10 years ago.

What is your favorite genre to write about?

Fantasy. It's the first place my imagination goes. And for me the world of Evarun is a mash of everything I've ever done creatively, from as far back as I can remember, including my paintings, my music and poetry. I was creating, or more, just seeing it, even long before I knew what it was.

Where did you grow up as a child and where do you find yourself going in the future?

I grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Came down to Norman to attend the University of Oklahoma and never left. I'm not sure where I'll end up. I expect I'll stay here for some time though. If I had my druthers I'd like to live in the UK for a few years. Just to feel the place. I spent a semester there in Grad School and fell in love with it.

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

Ouch. But when I think of it, I haven't heard anything really demeaning. The biggest criticism I've gotten is that the reader saw Christian overtones in my work, which, being Christian doesn't really surprise me that much. I'd hate to see what they have to say about Tolkien and C.S. Lewis though.

Do you think book signings are a waste of time in this day in age of technology?

NOT AT ALL. In fact, if you want my only published since July opinion, I think in some ways we're going the wrong direction with chasing these big numbers with no relationship or profit per sale. I think I would rather sell to a thousand people I actually get to meet and who will support my efforts as a writer, than have 10,000 who will download me for free or even .99 and never even read what I wrote.

So, yes, I think book sales are wonderful, and will be scheduling many of my own with the release of my first novel, Veil of the Dragon, this summer.

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

So far I've only had a few and they weren't really bad. The only thing I didn't care for was what a 3 star can do to my 5 star rating and resulting ranking on Amazon.

How do you create names for your characters and do you use people you know in your life to formulate a character?

I listen for the names, mostly. I try not to fabricate too much. I like the idea that the story is already written. My job is just to remove all the stuff in front of it.

Do you ever use your writing as a weapon? For example you become angry for what someone has done to you and you create a scathing tale.

Haven't yet..but hmmmmm...

What is the most complicated subject matter to write about?

Eroticism, and not have it sound like porn.

What is the most important attribute for a writer to remain sane?

Balance. Always balance.

Give us your top writers who influence you in your work?

Janet Morris, Jim Butcher, William Bernhardt, Stephen King, David Eddings, J.R.R. Tolkien, and I have to say a bit of Dr. Suess.

What is your next project?

My first full length Novel, Veil of the Dragon, Book One of the Prophecy of the Evarun, will be out in May for Kindle and as a trade paperback. I have a short story called "Blood and Ochre" being published in an anthology called "What Scares the Boogeyman", due out in October, 2012. I am also wrapping up edits on a short story for "Visionaries in Hell" to be published probably in June 2013 by Janet and Chris Morris.

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Author Spotlight with Rosalie Skinner

by Davidson Haworth on 02/28/12

Author Spotlight gives the public insightful interviews on amazing new and old writers a like. Read and share our interviews and support these writers who give the people an outlet to enter a new world through books. This week we interview fantasy writer, author of the fascinating series "Chronicles of Caleath."

How long have you been a published writer and when did you first begin to write?

Writing became an obsession around twenty years ago when my regional library ran out of books in my reading genres. In 2004 my first attempt at publishing began and ended. The POD publisher went out of business soon after they released my book. I wasn't my novel that sent him into liquidation. Since then my books have been published again, by popular demand, through POD and now as ebooks through Museitup Publishing.

What is your favorite genre to write about?

My favorite genre to write about is Science fiction/Fantasy. The scope is endless and the creation of new worlds, crafting new rules, and developing characters are my idea of fun.

Where did you grow up as a child and where do you find yourself going in the future?

Born and raised in Australia, with no intentions of ever leaving… although travel is in the cards. Can't beat living near the coast, temperate climate, whale watching, swimming, and the ocean in all her moods for company. Love it.

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

Interesting question. Not sure I have kept track of the less constructive comments. If we did that as writers we might put down our pens. Where would that leave our readers? As long as criticism is constructive it shouldn't be demeaning. Learning is part of the process.

Do you think book signings are a waste of time in this day in age of technology?

Book signings a waste of time? Not sure, I know readers still enjoy having signed copies of print books in their collection. The point of signing ebooks evades me, but readers enjoy taking signed book cards. With eight in the collection, created for the Chronicles of Caleath, they seem popular. So, signing books and merchandise is still popular and not a waste of time, in my opinion.

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

After uncurling from the fetal ball weeping in the corner do you mean? LOL. They come with the territory, but they always hurt. My advice is to re-read the good ones and keep faith in those who enjoy reading your stories. When your readers have paid for you to publish and publishers have requested your books, you can’t allow the comment of one reviewer to stifle your creative spirit. Sometimes envy, ignorance, or reading the wrong genre can influence a review. Doesn't make for a good day, but tomorrow will be better. If you work hard to keep improving your writing, listen to your critique group, editors, and take advice from writing workshops, the hope is bad reviews will be few and far between.

How do you create names for your characters and do you use people you know in your life to formulate a character?

Great question. There are a few great resources on line for finding names for characters. One of my favorite tricks is using the credits on world movies. Taking a few names from an exotic source, you know, hopefully, they are names, not offensive terms, you can apply them to a certain race and keep a feeling of nationality. A couple of different movies from different language/culture/backgrounds can supply a vast resource for names of characters, creatures, or countries. Easily pronounced and spelt names also rate highly in my resource lists. When working on a new manuscript I keep these lists handy.

Do you ever use your writing as a weapon? For example you become angry for what someone has done to you and you create a scathing tale.

Never crossed my mind, though now you mention it... hehe what a great way to release frustration and stress.

What is the most complicated subject matter to write about?

Any subject takes its share of research. Fantasy and science fiction has opened my eyes to many unusual topics. Writing with a sense of authenticity, even in a created world takes a great deal of care. Keeping characters personalities complete, believable, and recognizable is probably the most difficult or complicated subject matter.

What is the most important attribute for a writer to remain sane?

Sane? Who said anything about remaining sane? Hmm. Being able to step away from the story is important, though often difficult. Not giving in to the obsessive compulsion to remain in the fantasy you have created is probably the most important attribute for a writer’s sanity, in my experience.

Give us your top writers who influence you in your work?

Over many years of reading, most authors add a little experience or style to my creativity. Those who have been strongest influences though would be…Douglas Adams, Stephen Donaldson, Barbara Hambly, Janny Wurtz, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Andre Norton, J.R.R. Tolkien, Anne McCaffrey. I enjoy reading in different genres too…and recommend Bernard Cornwall, Michael Connelly, Harlan Coban and Matthew Reilly.

What is your next project?

Recently editing has become a new step in my writing career. My latest work in progress has slowed while I am learning to balance this new endeavor with my own writing. My latest WIP is the second book in a new science fiction/ fantasy series following on from the Chronicles of Caleath.

You can learn more about Rosalie on her website www.rosalieskinner.com

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Author Spotlight with Matthew Ashworth

by Davidson Haworth on 02/10/12

Author Spotlight gives readers a glimpse into the life of authors from around the world and delves into their lives as professional writers. This week we interview Matthew Ashworth author of "Decadence (Melancholy Wings)," a tale from the underworld.

How long have you been a published writer and when did you first begin to write?

I began writing about 8 years ago, when I was still a teen. I've been writing all sorts of short stories, poems, and novels. As for being a published writer, I am still in fairly early stages. I published the first book about 2 years ago, but in my opinion that was a mistake. I still didn’t know much about the publishing back then, and also my writing style was significantly worse than it is today. That was an experience, however, and I've learnt from it. Now hopefully via self-publishing I can properly start getting my dreams to come true.

What is your favorite genre to write about?

Fantasy and sci-fi are my favourite genres, in particular epic fantasy, where I get to create worlds from scratch, because that helps me to explore and stretch the boundaries of my imagination. Although I am hoping in the future I will try myself in other genres too.

Where did you grow up as a child and where do you find yourself going in the future?

I grew up far far away from here, and in my teen years was moving around a lot. To be honest, I still do not know where my future lies, but I am hoping it will be a bright one. What I do know is that my dreams will not be served to me as a gift. I know that I am the only person who can make them come true.

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

Wow, this is a great question. There have been too many and unfortunately I cannot recall any right now. I am sure there are going to be many more to come. I remember for sure being told to give up writing and to do something I am actually good at. Haven't we all heard a comment like that though?

Do you think book signings are a waste of time in this day in age of technology?

Probably not. Anything that can spread awareness about your work is good enough. Besides, sometimes the fans want to meet the author, and book signings are perfect for that.

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

Well as someone who likes to be creative, one of the things I've always kept in mind is that my creative work will not appeal to everyone. Therefore if someone does not like my work, that is fine. So long as the negative review is constructive, it can help me to see the weak spots in my writing, which I can then try and improve. However, there will also always be destructive criticism where very harsh words could be used. Those reviews are best to be ignored, I think.

How do you create names for your characters and do you use people you know in your life to formulate a character?

Coming up with names for characters is incredibly fun. I start it off by having to decide first what the character’s ethnic origin is, and secondly what letter I want their name to start with. Once I’ve decided on those two, I simply go to the baby name websites and scroll through the name lists to see which one sounds like it could fit the character. At times I also end up altering the existing name slightly, usually if it is a name for an otherworldly deity or an alien being.

I do not usually put existing people into my stories. I prefer to create characters from scratch, oftentimes by using a certain personality trait as a base and then working from there. Sometimes it might be one of my own personality traits in an exaggerated form that I use for said character.

Do you ever use your writing as a weapon? For example you become angry for what someone has done to you and you create a scathing tale.

I think I might've done that once or twice in the past, but that work wasn't serious. It was just for fun. However, the hardships of real life and the emotions that those stir up in me very often end up inspiring certain ideas for stories. I personally think that best ideas come to people during very emotional times. Emotion is a catalyst that is required for the creativity.

What is the most complicated subject matter to write about?

Anything that involves a lot of research can be complex to write about, especially if it's historical. That is why I tend to prefer to create my own worlds, because in my own worlds everything works according to my rules. Other than that, I often find romantic conversations hard to write, because it is very easy to make them sound cheesy and unreal.

What is the most important attribute for a writer to remain sane?

Not too sure what this question means, but I think patience is important to remain sane, as well as perseverance and positive attitude.

Give us your top writers who influence you in your work?

Usually I draw inspirations from music, movies, and video games. However, there have been some books that have shaped my writing style and choice of topics. I generally prefer to read books which are action heavy and utilize a fairly simple vocabulary. For example I really enjoyed reading the entire "Saga of Darren Shan", as well as "Harry Potter" books, and also "A Series of Unfortunate Events" when I was a teen. Some of the more serious works inspired me too. For example "Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho is a fantastic story which raises a lot of philosophical points, and it was after reading that book that I began putting various meaningful philosophical messages into my writing.

What is your next project?

At the moment I've got a lot of ideas and projects which I've started already, and so it's just a matter of deciding which ones to get done first. I have been working on a political sci-fi story for a very long time now, so I am thinking of perhaps getting that accomplished and published next. There simply are too many ideas and too little time.

You can find Matthew Ashworth's works here.

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Author Spotlight with Ralph E. Laitres

by Davidson Haworth on 02/02/12

Author Spotlight gives readers a glimpse into the life of authors from around the world and delves into their lives as professional writers. This week we interview Ralph E. Laitres, author of the Viking fantasy novel "Thorgil Bloodaxe Enter the White Queen."

How long have you been a published writer and when did you first begin to write?

My book, "Thorgil Bloodaxe, Enter the White Queen" was published in Sept. 2011. I first began seriously writing back in 1995.

What is your favorite genre to write about?

I would have to say it is Fantasy Adventure, and the sub-genre is Sword&Sorcery

Where did you grow up as a child and where do you find yourself going in the future?

I grew up in the small town of Plainfield Connecticut. Always had a love for drawing and reading stories like Robin Hood, Hercules and Conan. I dreamed of being able to create stories that would live on through the reader.

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

At this time and writing I have not had anything demeaning said about me as a writer.

Do you think book signings are a waste of time in this day in age of technology?

No, it is not a waste of time. I believe it is a way for the fans to meet their favorite author, and for the author to get out in the public's eye to meet his fans and readers.

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

Take it all in stride and learn from what is being said. You have to take the good with the bad. It is all a learning experience.

How do you create names for your characters and do you use people you know in your life to formulate a character?

Since my stories are set in the Viking Age, I use Old Norse names and Gaelic names. I have a list of names on my work table that I refer to. I have not used people I know to formulate characters, but I have used groups of people from my Marine-days and Prison-days to how someone would act in certain situations.

Do you ever use your writing as a weapon? For example you become angry for what someone has done to you and you create a scathing tale.

That was the Roleplaying days on MySpace. Our writings were our weapons. Thorgil had a good following of loyal supporters. He had those who stayed in the shadows waiting to see who may drop the Viking leader to his knees and they would ally themselves with the winning side, and of course, the Bloodaxe had his hardcore enemies who would love to see the Viking's head upon a pole and the Bloodaxe's Brotherhood dissolved. I have written a storyline describing Thorgil's victory over another character after he left play because he refused to deal with my emissary that was a female. The war between us lasted nearly two years.

What is the most complicated subject matter to write about?

A good fight scene in the Viking fashion, which remains believable to the readers and draws them in

What is the most important attribute for a writer to remain sane?

The encouraging words from your love one, the enthusiasm from your fans, good black coffee and a box of cigars from Central America, not in this general order, but this keeps me sane.

Give us your top writers who influence you in your work?

Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan, King Kull, Red Sonja, Cormac mac Art, Bran ma Morn. J.R.R. Tolkien, creator of Middle Earth Edgar Rice Burroughs; the true master of adventure, creator of Tarzan, John Carter of Mars, and the Venus series

What is your next project?

At this time, I am hard at work on Thorgil Bloodaxe's second book. I have lined up several artists to create drawings of Thorgil and his world. The second book will be a treasure.

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