Ask the Author: Joshua Rutherford
Answered Questions (6)
Joshua Rutherford
History has always fascinated me. I find myself drawn to the past. This is especially true of the 19th century, at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. I love analyzing how many civilizations at that time found themselves torn between the long-standing traditions and new possibilities.
I wanted to write an epic that took place during this period, to tell a story never told before. I found myself drawn to the Napoleonic Wars, the American Civil War and the Crimean War. But the narrative I would often want to construct didn't quite fit into any of these conflicts.
So I made my own world. I created a pseudo-Russian land, with elements of steampunk. Once my universe was established, my narrative took off, leading to my first novel, "Sons of Chenia."
I wanted to write an epic that took place during this period, to tell a story never told before. I found myself drawn to the Napoleonic Wars, the American Civil War and the Crimean War. But the narrative I would often want to construct didn't quite fit into any of these conflicts.
So I made my own world. I created a pseudo-Russian land, with elements of steampunk. Once my universe was established, my narrative took off, leading to my first novel, "Sons of Chenia."
Joshua Rutherford
My mind wanders quite a bit, especially at work (I have a medial corporate desk job). In times of boredom during the day, which are often, my creativity kicks in to take me to alternate realities and made-up universes. So inspiration has not been much of a problem for me (knock on wood).
Joshua Rutherford
Be careful who you listen to, especially in regards to the subject of your craft. I have had many well-meaning people try to give me advice on how to write, how best to market my books, how to brand myself, etc. A very small portion of that advice has been useful and applicable. But much of it has been either mediocre (in that I had heard it a thousand times before) or misleading (because the advice was from people who thought that because they read, they know how to write). Don't get me wrong, all the advice I've received was from well-meaning people, from family and friends who care about me. But the bulk do not know the business of publishing and writing, so whenever I consider their words of advice, I must take it all with a grain of salt.
Joshua Rutherford
Putting my raw originality on the page and letting my mind flow. Answering to no one by my own inner-critic (who can be harsh at times). And most of all, being in a position where I am always learning.
Joshua Rutherford
A number of ways. My two favorite are running and reading. Running gives me that fabled "runner's high" that clears my head and focuses my thoughts. Reading goes a step further at times by overwhelming my mind with creativity and vision.
Joshua Rutherford
I'm currently working on a feminist fantasy novel. The protagonist and many of the supporting characters are women. Correction, strong women. As a male author, it feels rewarding to challenge myself by writing from a female perspective.
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