Ask the Author: Christian Warren Freed
Answered Questions (26)
Christian Warren Freed
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Christian Warren Freed
Hi Beth- yes indeed. I have gone through several evolutions as I figure out my publishing career. It was originally Sleeping Gods when I was with a small publisher but they did nothing for it and another series of the same name was written and became far more successful. I changed covers, changed the series to Forgotten Gods and am now working on book 5. I hope you enjoy it and would love to hear some feedback!
Christian Warren Freed
Far too many to answer, especially considering summer is over, but up next is the Outpost by Jake Tapper- a true story of the war in Afghanistan. I was there in 02-03 so my experiences were slightly different. After that is the Fall of Gondolin because who doesn't like Tolkien?
Christian Warren Freed
I've always been drawn to worlds like the Malazan Empire- but that's a hard life. I suppose if I was there I would have to do my fall back job- turn professional soldier. Hey, 20 yrs experience has to count for something right?
Christian Warren Freed
Obvious comments about my ex-wife aside: The battle had raged for a thousand centuries. Only now at the end, did either side realize the dead were rising from the grave to claim them all.
Christian Warren Freed
Oh nooooooo. I had enough teaching when I was an instructor at West Point! Just don't have the temperament for it. I am using my degree to strengthen my personal business (books) and become more profitable. Hopefully while entertaining the masses!
Christian Warren Freed
I just started my sequel to the forthcoming Coward's Truth- Down Dark Roads Best Forgotten. It is the story of a squad of space marines marooned in a gun powder society inspired by the Syrian Civil War and the tribalism of Afghanistan. Set in the middle of a nasty civil war is the city of Ghendis Ghadanaban. A lone beacon ruled by the god-king.
Christian Warren Freed
Great question. I would have a new reader begin with Armies of the Silver Mage. A stand alone novel set in a fantasy world I've written 9 novels in so far. No obligation to read more. When the story stops- it stops. Great for all ages- especially if you enjoy fantasy with a military aspect.
Christian Warren Freed
I LOVE my pen and paper. If I could drop a picture here you'd see the sprawling sheets and charts for my latest novel.
Christian Warren Freed
I retired from the Army- everything is done when the kids are in school!!
Christian Warren Freed
Rising through the crowds. A million books published each year is a big mountain to climb.
Christian Warren Freed
Definitely found a lot of inspiration in Steven Erickson. Sure, there were plenty of others while I was growing up, but the Malazan Book of the Fallen showed me what fantasy could be- especially without the standard tropes and races.
Christian Warren Freed
I have found that if the setup is done properly the words will flow. I think the most I enjoy is in creating what happens. Producing something substantial out of thin air is always great fun.
Christian Warren Freed
Tough question, but I would have to say the Dragon Hunters. It has been called my finest book. I wrote it during my downtime while deployed to Baghdad in 2005. It helped maintain my sanity throughout the war.
Christian Warren Freed
I have said this from the very beginning: I write because that's my gift, but it is seeing others enjoy my work that drives me on. Emails, pictures, and reviews make me want to write more. After all, we are nothing without fans.
Christian Warren Freed
Originality. It's hard to create an entire world that doesn't exist without falling into the genre traps so many others have already beaten to death.
Christian Warren Freed
I don't have many favorites of anything. But- one of my absolute favorite series is by Steven Erickson. The Malazan Book of the Fallen is 10 books and accompanied by several smaller companion novels set within the overall timeline. I also got hooked on L E Modesitt Jr's Recluse novels. As for influence- I would say Dennis McKiernan inspired me when I was still a child.
Christian Warren Freed
Ever been to Buffalo?
Christian Warren Freed
Speaking only for me- believability. Example: I love the LOTR movies, BUT Peter Jackson wouldn't know a proper battle if he fell into one. The battle of Helm's Deep was visually pleasing, but it was a complete waste of life. I try to use real tactics and go from there.
Christian Warren Freed
I usually get an idea- maybe just a name. The story builds from around it. One of my books was born from doing exercise around a lake in Baghdad. Each night I would run around this lake- with a bombed out palace in the middle- hoping to catch a glimpse of Saddam Hussein while he waited his trial. Never did, but an entire book was born. I usually go to a coffee shop and map out (roughly) my book in thirds.
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