Ask the Author: Robert Mullin
Answered Questions (8)
Robert Mullin
Thanks for the question! Most of the cultures have strong real-life parallels, though I prefer historical inspiration rather than modern day whenever possible in order to allow the reader to reflect on applicability rather than ignite emotions steeped in current events. The more fantastic elements tend to be inspired by myth and fairy tale; I consider the Wells of the Worlds saga to be an apocalyptic fairy tale. I have of course drawn a little bit here from life, literature, and movies I have watched.
Robert Mullin
Nick and Nora Charles. I love that a married couple can maintain a long-running series with wit and humor.
Robert Mullin
In general, inspiration comes and goes. Specifically, I had never considered writing seriously until my college days, when I very reluctantly handed in a paper to my English professor. After reading it, she said, "You may not know this now, but you will be a writer." Ironically, at the time, the first simmerings of the story that would eventually become Bid the Gods Arise were percolating in my brain. I had been tossing ideas back and forth with my cousin (mostly by writing letters when I was supposed to be doing homework), and I decided that we should try to make a book out of it. Of course, little did I realize how big the scope of the project would become, or that it would be possible to actually publish such a thing. At the time, I had assumed that only the two of us would ever enjoy reading it. One of our major goals was to take some ideas that we thought had merit, but whose onscreen or in-print execution was somewhat lacking, and give them new life in a world of our own. And no, I don't plan to reveal all the sources of our "inspiration." All good authors steal, but the smart ones file off the serial numbers.
Robert Mullin
This one is the hardest. My biggest cure for writer's block is always brainstorming. However, since the two people I tended to brainstorm with the most are now passed on, my writer's block is mostly cured by reading or watching something that makes me think, "I could do this so much better--oh, wait, that's right--I was in the middle of doing just that."
Robert Mullin
Having someone say that they loved my book, and keep pestering me to know when the next one is due.
Robert Mullin
Write more than one book before publishing. Two or three if possible.
Robert Mullin
I am currently working on Forsake Not the Gods, the sequel to Bid the Gods Arise. It is due late summer 2016.
Robert Mullin
My most recent book was an attempt to tide over my handful of fans who have been waiting since 2012 to see how the story of Bid the Gods Arise continues. I knew that it would be a little while before the sequel was ready, but it had been suggested to me that a tie-in novella or two might be welcome in the meantime. The most obvious subject of choice was the backstory of my most popular character, Dania. It can be read either before or after Bid the Gods Arise, and is not necessary to understand the series in general. However, people may find that it adds some depth to understanding her character, and might want to read it before delving into book 2 (out later 2016, barring unforeseen circumstances).
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