Hugo Negron's Blog - Posts Tagged "fiction"
Those That Stand in Shadow - and other updates
Whew! Well, finally got a chance to continue my blog insights into some of the main characters of Forging of a Knight. It has been pretty hectic of late - in the real world, I was invited to present at a local church gathering on resume development/interviewing techniques, been super busy at work trying to fill a ton of roles, and then I wrenched my shoulder while working out (which made me wish for Qualtan's recuperative powers!). But a break in the action has come at last...the Wizard Con is coming to IL next week, and I’m all set for it – costume and all!
Forging of a Knight has also been busy. Some local libraries are now carrying (and signing out) copies, one entry was sent to a Writer's Digest book contest, and another to the Frankfurt, Germany book fair, in the hopes of getting more exposure. Fingers crossed...!
So anyway, onto the Bad Guys!! Those That Stand in Shadow, also known as the Evil Ones, the Dark Ones, and probably a few more titles – offspring from demonic beings called down to sow their seed upon their human worshippers. Instigators of the Great War, which lasted over five decades, purveyors of evil, and near victors against the combined forces of good during the Final Battle. Only the surprise appearance of the Master of the Great Beasts, the one-eyed Dragon King, and his kin, an army of dragons, was able to break the Dark Ones’ power and begin their eventual defeat. One by one, they were tracked down and captured: Thorngagg, his twin brother Narthagg, Mulnornn the Red, and Yog the Hated. Only antler-headed Darksiege, and the leader of the Dark Ones, the spider-like Shaz, escaped to continue their plotting and planning. They wield deadly magic, Giant-strength, and their most infamous power - the vampire-like ability to drain the life force from living beings to feed upon. Although Darksiege disappeared, Shaz remained stationed in his citadel, like a true spider in its web, waiting with infinite patience to strike again. Although the Alliance claimed victory, Aurelus, one of the great Arch-Mages, and architect of the alliance that rose up against the Evil Ones, could not convince them to complete the act and attack Shaz' keep. Weary of war, they were content to focus on the reconstruction of their lands and countries, satisfied in keeping a wary eye on the lands of Shaz, but unwilling to commit more lives in yet another war.
So Aurelus, undefeated in war, was defeated in the council chambers by the very Alliance Kings he had brought together. All he could do was ensure the memory of the Dark Ones would never be forgotten, and to be prepared for their eventual return…
Forging of a Knight’s second book is already in the draft stage. In it, we have a far more complex storyline, and a far more complex group of characters to learn about. Jesepha, the strong willed female knight; her mentor, the elder knight Bartholomew, who carries a strange mystery of his own; the young and hot-headed knight Euric; the glum and impatient knight Richard; the dashing merchant lord Visandus; Qualtan, Glaive, and a host of others. All of them, working together against a new threat that unravels from a seemingly routine mission into one of greater horror that will involve other-dimensional creatures, rival sea-faring pirate nations, and a face-to-face confrontation between Qualtan and Darksiege at last! And THAT is still just a precursor to an even GREATER threat!
Up next – the Arch-Mages! Who are the wizards besides Aurelus that make up this special group?
Forging of a Knight has also been busy. Some local libraries are now carrying (and signing out) copies, one entry was sent to a Writer's Digest book contest, and another to the Frankfurt, Germany book fair, in the hopes of getting more exposure. Fingers crossed...!
So anyway, onto the Bad Guys!! Those That Stand in Shadow, also known as the Evil Ones, the Dark Ones, and probably a few more titles – offspring from demonic beings called down to sow their seed upon their human worshippers. Instigators of the Great War, which lasted over five decades, purveyors of evil, and near victors against the combined forces of good during the Final Battle. Only the surprise appearance of the Master of the Great Beasts, the one-eyed Dragon King, and his kin, an army of dragons, was able to break the Dark Ones’ power and begin their eventual defeat. One by one, they were tracked down and captured: Thorngagg, his twin brother Narthagg, Mulnornn the Red, and Yog the Hated. Only antler-headed Darksiege, and the leader of the Dark Ones, the spider-like Shaz, escaped to continue their plotting and planning. They wield deadly magic, Giant-strength, and their most infamous power - the vampire-like ability to drain the life force from living beings to feed upon. Although Darksiege disappeared, Shaz remained stationed in his citadel, like a true spider in its web, waiting with infinite patience to strike again. Although the Alliance claimed victory, Aurelus, one of the great Arch-Mages, and architect of the alliance that rose up against the Evil Ones, could not convince them to complete the act and attack Shaz' keep. Weary of war, they were content to focus on the reconstruction of their lands and countries, satisfied in keeping a wary eye on the lands of Shaz, but unwilling to commit more lives in yet another war.
So Aurelus, undefeated in war, was defeated in the council chambers by the very Alliance Kings he had brought together. All he could do was ensure the memory of the Dark Ones would never be forgotten, and to be prepared for their eventual return…
Forging of a Knight’s second book is already in the draft stage. In it, we have a far more complex storyline, and a far more complex group of characters to learn about. Jesepha, the strong willed female knight; her mentor, the elder knight Bartholomew, who carries a strange mystery of his own; the young and hot-headed knight Euric; the glum and impatient knight Richard; the dashing merchant lord Visandus; Qualtan, Glaive, and a host of others. All of them, working together against a new threat that unravels from a seemingly routine mission into one of greater horror that will involve other-dimensional creatures, rival sea-faring pirate nations, and a face-to-face confrontation between Qualtan and Darksiege at last! And THAT is still just a precursor to an even GREATER threat!
Up next – the Arch-Mages! Who are the wizards besides Aurelus that make up this special group?
The Arch-Mages
Well, the Wizard Con has come and gone, and in my costume as Dr. Doom, it was a blast taking photos with kids, adults, and fellow cosplayers! I will have to significantly upgrade the costume with metal armor vs. the plastic pieces I used, so looking forward to next year...
In the meantime, pulling out my quill pen and wax paper, we focus this blog entry on the Arch-Mages, members of the Council of Mages, also known as the Council of the School!
The School, as it is known, was created by a group of scholarly wizards for their own means, many ages past. Content with their own private study and research, they did little outside of their hidden sanctuary; a place magically protected from the outside world, and reachable only by them and a chosen few. Their power is innate, and at a level far beyond any other purveyor of magic.
They were the wizards that taught Aurelus, Qualtan's uncle, and others, selected in the Test we discussed under Aurelus' character profile. Over time, the original wizards disappeared, either on personal quests, retiring to lands hidden, or disappearing by unknown means. This eventually left the current roster of Arch-Mages, former apprentices now turned Master Mages, to fend for themselves, and to develop a new philosophy towards the outside world. Aurelus became their unofficial leader, and made their first order of business to search out the great Amali, a wizard of untold power. The Arch-Mages nominated him as the School's steward, and he accepted, helping them to build their case against Those That Stand in Shadow, and guiding them towards service to their fellow Kind. Thus, the School became the Council of Mages (or the Council of the Arch-Mages as it was sometimes called), forging the Alliance, and becoming a permanent fixture in guiding the continent and its nations towards peace and prosperity. Mostly embraced, some nations have begun to feel the 'Mages influence has grown beyond their own, and feel threatened by the power they hold.
When the wormy hands of Those That Stand in Shadow began to extend outward, reaching over the continent, Aurelus led the way in forming a coalition against them. The Alliance was made, bonding the three nations of Turinthia, Bagda, and Medlissia as one. The Arch-Mages created the Tourney (also known as the Trial), a contest in which great warriors whom the wizards had magically enhanced battled over the right to wield the Goldenflame, a special blade they had created.
So who were they?
Aurelus, uncle to Qualtan, and brother to Eucradus. It was his brother who won the Trial.
Amali the Ancient, the School's steward, and part-time member, who eventually retreated back to his own continent to deal with the trials and tribulations found therein. His chosen hero failed against Eucradus in the Trial, and also returned home to champion his own people.
Al-Hlassim, known for his bright attire and glowering eyes, still active within the School, his own hero also having failed against Eucradus in the Trial.
The elf wizard known as the Wizard of Greyfog Gorge, where his secondary home sits. He was the mentor to the current ruler of Hermstingle, last citadel of the High Elves, and sponsor in the Trial of Termenon, Prince of Hermstingle, also known as the Sword of Eagles. He also failed against Eucradus, and held a mighty grudge against the fact that a Human-Kind could beat an Elf-Kind. This resentment would soon show itself when Prince Termenon eventually encountered Qualtan, son of the hero that bested him, and gifted with powers equal to his own.
Fargus, sponsor of a hero that lost against Eucradus and died in the battles against the Evil Ones. Fargus himself perished in an early campaign against Those That Stand in Shadow.
Mordecai, sponsor to yet another hero who lost in the Trial, and also dead. Mordecai joined his compatriot Fargus in the same battle, also losing his life.
Though this leaves only four remaining Arch-Mages (three, if you take into account that Amali has left the School for now), some of the new apprentices who passed the current roster's Test still reside at the School, developing to one day take their masters' place. They are:
Mulvanen, brother to fellow Arch-Mage apprentice Throudamere, and ever contesting against him to prove his superiority. In fact, he looks to prove himself above all the wizards, whether they be apprentice or Arch-Mage. His festering for ever greater power has become a slight worry in the eyes of Aurelus, and he has begun to wonder about him...
Throudamere, brother to Mulvanen.
Broetal, a female mage of great power.
Cassandra, mentored by Aurelus, and the mightiest of the apprentices. Aurelus and the other Arch-Mages agree that she will be the first of the new apprentices to eventually take their place.
Little is known about the apprentices, for beyond their supporting roles in the wars against the Dark Ones, their works were unknown and unseen. There had been three additional apprentices, who sadly lost their lives in the many battles against Shaz and his forces. They were named Torsen, Mantrel, and Ochtomean.
Thus reads the legend of the Arch-Mages. What their final fate will be, and whether they outlast the Dark Ones, Those That Stand in Shadow, or the growing enmity of the very nations they saved, is a tale yet to be told...
In the meantime, pulling out my quill pen and wax paper, we focus this blog entry on the Arch-Mages, members of the Council of Mages, also known as the Council of the School!
The School, as it is known, was created by a group of scholarly wizards for their own means, many ages past. Content with their own private study and research, they did little outside of their hidden sanctuary; a place magically protected from the outside world, and reachable only by them and a chosen few. Their power is innate, and at a level far beyond any other purveyor of magic.
They were the wizards that taught Aurelus, Qualtan's uncle, and others, selected in the Test we discussed under Aurelus' character profile. Over time, the original wizards disappeared, either on personal quests, retiring to lands hidden, or disappearing by unknown means. This eventually left the current roster of Arch-Mages, former apprentices now turned Master Mages, to fend for themselves, and to develop a new philosophy towards the outside world. Aurelus became their unofficial leader, and made their first order of business to search out the great Amali, a wizard of untold power. The Arch-Mages nominated him as the School's steward, and he accepted, helping them to build their case against Those That Stand in Shadow, and guiding them towards service to their fellow Kind. Thus, the School became the Council of Mages (or the Council of the Arch-Mages as it was sometimes called), forging the Alliance, and becoming a permanent fixture in guiding the continent and its nations towards peace and prosperity. Mostly embraced, some nations have begun to feel the 'Mages influence has grown beyond their own, and feel threatened by the power they hold.
When the wormy hands of Those That Stand in Shadow began to extend outward, reaching over the continent, Aurelus led the way in forming a coalition against them. The Alliance was made, bonding the three nations of Turinthia, Bagda, and Medlissia as one. The Arch-Mages created the Tourney (also known as the Trial), a contest in which great warriors whom the wizards had magically enhanced battled over the right to wield the Goldenflame, a special blade they had created.
So who were they?
Aurelus, uncle to Qualtan, and brother to Eucradus. It was his brother who won the Trial.
Amali the Ancient, the School's steward, and part-time member, who eventually retreated back to his own continent to deal with the trials and tribulations found therein. His chosen hero failed against Eucradus in the Trial, and also returned home to champion his own people.
Al-Hlassim, known for his bright attire and glowering eyes, still active within the School, his own hero also having failed against Eucradus in the Trial.
The elf wizard known as the Wizard of Greyfog Gorge, where his secondary home sits. He was the mentor to the current ruler of Hermstingle, last citadel of the High Elves, and sponsor in the Trial of Termenon, Prince of Hermstingle, also known as the Sword of Eagles. He also failed against Eucradus, and held a mighty grudge against the fact that a Human-Kind could beat an Elf-Kind. This resentment would soon show itself when Prince Termenon eventually encountered Qualtan, son of the hero that bested him, and gifted with powers equal to his own.
Fargus, sponsor of a hero that lost against Eucradus and died in the battles against the Evil Ones. Fargus himself perished in an early campaign against Those That Stand in Shadow.
Mordecai, sponsor to yet another hero who lost in the Trial, and also dead. Mordecai joined his compatriot Fargus in the same battle, also losing his life.
Though this leaves only four remaining Arch-Mages (three, if you take into account that Amali has left the School for now), some of the new apprentices who passed the current roster's Test still reside at the School, developing to one day take their masters' place. They are:
Mulvanen, brother to fellow Arch-Mage apprentice Throudamere, and ever contesting against him to prove his superiority. In fact, he looks to prove himself above all the wizards, whether they be apprentice or Arch-Mage. His festering for ever greater power has become a slight worry in the eyes of Aurelus, and he has begun to wonder about him...
Throudamere, brother to Mulvanen.
Broetal, a female mage of great power.
Cassandra, mentored by Aurelus, and the mightiest of the apprentices. Aurelus and the other Arch-Mages agree that she will be the first of the new apprentices to eventually take their place.
Little is known about the apprentices, for beyond their supporting roles in the wars against the Dark Ones, their works were unknown and unseen. There had been three additional apprentices, who sadly lost their lives in the many battles against Shaz and his forces. They were named Torsen, Mantrel, and Ochtomean.
Thus reads the legend of the Arch-Mages. What their final fate will be, and whether they outlast the Dark Ones, Those That Stand in Shadow, or the growing enmity of the very nations they saved, is a tale yet to be told...
Thanks to all!
I just wanted to give a quick "shout out" and say thanks to the 466 people who entered my giveaway for free copies of Forging of a Knight!
To those five entrants that won, books will be shipped out shortly! I hope you enjoy the story, the characters, and the first of the Forging of a Knight series! Feel free to let me know what you thought!
Also wanted to say thanks to local libraries in Bartlett, Schaumburg, and Elgin, IL for carrying a copy!
To those five entrants that won, books will be shipped out shortly! I hope you enjoy the story, the characters, and the first of the Forging of a Knight series! Feel free to let me know what you thought!
Also wanted to say thanks to local libraries in Bartlett, Schaumburg, and Elgin, IL for carrying a copy!
Book Three of the Forging of a Knight Series
It’s coming...
They have been hinted at – heroes of glorious legend, villains of infamous fable – some have made their presence known, while others only by name: Aurelus, Amali, Termenon, Qualtan, Jesepha, Darksiege, and Shaz.
Now, heroes of the past and present will unite against Those That Stand in Shadow. From the steaming jungles of the Third Continent to a Prison Planet forged by angels, the Arch-Mages and their champions will find themselves in a race against time to prevent Shaz and his agents from finding the Dark Ones’ demonic fathers and releasing them from bondage. Enemies will become allies, and allies will become foes in the ultimate confrontation with evil that will span two continents, new lands, and new terrors!
Forging of a Knight, Book Three: Prison Planet of the Mah-Lahkt…coming in 2014…
They have been hinted at – heroes of glorious legend, villains of infamous fable – some have made their presence known, while others only by name: Aurelus, Amali, Termenon, Qualtan, Jesepha, Darksiege, and Shaz.
Now, heroes of the past and present will unite against Those That Stand in Shadow. From the steaming jungles of the Third Continent to a Prison Planet forged by angels, the Arch-Mages and their champions will find themselves in a race against time to prevent Shaz and his agents from finding the Dark Ones’ demonic fathers and releasing them from bondage. Enemies will become allies, and allies will become foes in the ultimate confrontation with evil that will span two continents, new lands, and new terrors!
Forging of a Knight, Book Three: Prison Planet of the Mah-Lahkt…coming in 2014…
Forging of a Knight at By The Sword!
Forging of a Knight is now available for purchase at By The Sword at bytheswordinc.com! Check out their great fantasy/medieval reproductions and products:
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Interview with Douglas Rudder from RudderHaven!
I met Doug at last year’s Gen Con where I had the pleasure of boothing next door to his table. I was impressed by his engaging personality, RudderHaven’s (a budding publishing company focusing on fiction and non-fiction) stable of work, AND the creative costumes Doug and his wife wore each day at the convention!
With a break in the Forging of a Knight action while ‘Prison Planet gets its final polish, I was able to reach out to Doug. He graciously accepted my offer to interview. So, without further ado…
HN: Hi, Douglas – thanks again for taking the time to be interviewed! Let’s begin with telling us a little bit more about who Douglas Rudder is, as well as the inside scoop on RudderHaven Publications.
When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
DR: I’ve enjoyed writing since childhood. I grew up on books like The Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, Jr., Robert Heinlein, and J. R. R. Tolkien. Our parents encouraged reading and nurturing our imaginations. I still have handwritten copies of stories I wrote as a child and teenager. Science fiction and fantasy have long been my favorite genres.
HN: How did you develop the idea for RudderHaven?
DR: My brother actually started it in 2000 as Athor Productions. He published his first fantasy novel, Sharamitaro, and it kind of took off from there. I joined him as publisher and general partner a few years ago and we morphed into RudderHaven. I’ve always been involved from an editorial standpoint, with a focus on monitoring story flow, continuity, and character consistency.
HN: In developing RudderHaven Publications, what was the most fun to develop? What was the most challenging?
DR: The characters, stories, worlds, and concepts top the list of fun stuff. Learning how to develop and compose books in InDesign and do graphic design in Photoshop has been both challenging and rewarding. The biggest challenge, of course, is figuring out how to make yourself known to potential readers.
HN: What is your plan long-term for RudderHaven?
DR: To be a source of fiction and non-fiction for the whole family. We want anyone to be able to read and enjoy the books we publish and want to offer publishing services to other authors who feel the same way. When Jonathan’s fifth novel is released, we will have thirteen titles available in print, with four of those also on Kindle.
HN: Your brother, Jonathan Rudder, has recently completed his Milhavior Chronicles series, and you have some other great works in your stable, including Tolkien: Roncevaux, Ethandune, and Middle-Earth that you authored. Can you talk a little bit about these projects?
DR: Jonathan’s final novel in the Milhavior Chronicles series, The Flame and the Shadow, is slated to be released in time for Gen Con in Indianapolis – just two weeks away. We recently released a new anthology spearheaded by C. K. Deatherage called Tales with a Twist, which is a collection of short stories and poems of various genres, all of which have a plot twist. We also just published the RudderHaven Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology II, which was particularly fun to work on this year since my daughter (age 14) has published her first story in it. Watching her grow as a writer is an amazing experience – and may result in a blog post soon.
HN: As a self-published author, I share the challenge of getting the word out on my works. What have you had to do to win broader exposure and branding for RudderHaven?
DR: Conventions like Gen Con, websites (including the new RudderHaven page on Facebook), and a lot of word-of-mouth – beginning with family and friends – have been the staple thus far. I also have a little side outlet, because my office (at my day job) lets me put up a display in the lunch room on occasion. A couple of the authors in our anthologies have also been published in other works and now their readers are being introduced to RudderHaven, providing another avenue for reaching new readers.
HN: This question will start off sounding like an old joke – a person walks into a bar (or convention or bookstore) and bumps into Douglas Rudder – what would be your elevator pitch to showcase your work or that of RudderHaven?
DR: I don’t really have a pitch. I’ve never liked in-your-face salesmanship; it’s a quick turn-off for me as a customer, so I don’t use it as an author. Mostly I rely on enthusiasm for the work. It’s more personal. My friends and coworkers know when something new is in the pipes because I’ll bring around concept cover art or proof copies, and they are often amused at my excitement. That’s okay; I AM excited.
HN: As an author, it’s sometimes difficult to finally say a product is finished, no matter how many times you review or edit. In your works, is there anything you would go back and change? Were there ideas you had in mind and then decided NOT to include?
DR: It is incredibly hard to hit that upload button to send a book to the printer. No matter how many editorial passes it’s been through, there is always the worry that something got missed, that something could have been done better. There are often times in revision when ideas are modified or even discarded. For example, in my short story, “The Observer,” there was some discussion dialogue that I removed when I realized it didn’t fit pacing of the story. There was another piece of dialogue that was pushed to a later scene because of the press of events. It no longer worked where it was in the original concept.
HN: Do you have a certain method you use when you write – i.e., a certain room, music, mood, etc., to help get you in the right writing frame of mind?
DR: Usually, the only light I have on is the desk lamp near the computer. It’s almost like creating a tunnel from me to the screen and helps keep me immersed in what I’m doing. I don’t have music going, because, well, I find myself listening to the music. I can write anywhere, but I prefer my “bat cave” approach because it’s easier to stay focused.
HN: What are you reading right now?
DR: Jonathan Rudder’s The Milhavior Chronicles and Timothy Zahn’s Night Train to Rigel.
HN: What are RudderHaven’s next upcoming projects?
DR: After the push to get our science fiction and fantasy books out in time for Gen Con, we have a manuscript for a Bible study book from my Dad, who is a semi-retired minister (he’ll never really be retired; I expect he’ll drop in the saddle someday). I’m also working on a science fiction novel, with bits and pieces of two more sci-fi and two fantasy novels floating around in my head.
HN: Where can readers go to find out more about Douglas Rudder and RudderHaven?
DR: Well, there’s my author bio in the back of my books (wait, was that a sales pitch?). My wife and I, along with C. K. Deatherage, will be manning the RudderHaven booth at Gen Con in Indianapolis, August 14-17. You can also go to the RudderHaven facebook page or company site (www.RudderHaven.com) for further information.
HN: Thanks, Doug, for sharing some of your time!
DR: Thanks for asking me. It’s been a pleasure.
With a break in the Forging of a Knight action while ‘Prison Planet gets its final polish, I was able to reach out to Doug. He graciously accepted my offer to interview. So, without further ado…
HN: Hi, Douglas – thanks again for taking the time to be interviewed! Let’s begin with telling us a little bit more about who Douglas Rudder is, as well as the inside scoop on RudderHaven Publications.
When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
DR: I’ve enjoyed writing since childhood. I grew up on books like The Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, Jr., Robert Heinlein, and J. R. R. Tolkien. Our parents encouraged reading and nurturing our imaginations. I still have handwritten copies of stories I wrote as a child and teenager. Science fiction and fantasy have long been my favorite genres.
HN: How did you develop the idea for RudderHaven?
DR: My brother actually started it in 2000 as Athor Productions. He published his first fantasy novel, Sharamitaro, and it kind of took off from there. I joined him as publisher and general partner a few years ago and we morphed into RudderHaven. I’ve always been involved from an editorial standpoint, with a focus on monitoring story flow, continuity, and character consistency.
HN: In developing RudderHaven Publications, what was the most fun to develop? What was the most challenging?
DR: The characters, stories, worlds, and concepts top the list of fun stuff. Learning how to develop and compose books in InDesign and do graphic design in Photoshop has been both challenging and rewarding. The biggest challenge, of course, is figuring out how to make yourself known to potential readers.
HN: What is your plan long-term for RudderHaven?
DR: To be a source of fiction and non-fiction for the whole family. We want anyone to be able to read and enjoy the books we publish and want to offer publishing services to other authors who feel the same way. When Jonathan’s fifth novel is released, we will have thirteen titles available in print, with four of those also on Kindle.
HN: Your brother, Jonathan Rudder, has recently completed his Milhavior Chronicles series, and you have some other great works in your stable, including Tolkien: Roncevaux, Ethandune, and Middle-Earth that you authored. Can you talk a little bit about these projects?
DR: Jonathan’s final novel in the Milhavior Chronicles series, The Flame and the Shadow, is slated to be released in time for Gen Con in Indianapolis – just two weeks away. We recently released a new anthology spearheaded by C. K. Deatherage called Tales with a Twist, which is a collection of short stories and poems of various genres, all of which have a plot twist. We also just published the RudderHaven Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology II, which was particularly fun to work on this year since my daughter (age 14) has published her first story in it. Watching her grow as a writer is an amazing experience – and may result in a blog post soon.
HN: As a self-published author, I share the challenge of getting the word out on my works. What have you had to do to win broader exposure and branding for RudderHaven?
DR: Conventions like Gen Con, websites (including the new RudderHaven page on Facebook), and a lot of word-of-mouth – beginning with family and friends – have been the staple thus far. I also have a little side outlet, because my office (at my day job) lets me put up a display in the lunch room on occasion. A couple of the authors in our anthologies have also been published in other works and now their readers are being introduced to RudderHaven, providing another avenue for reaching new readers.
HN: This question will start off sounding like an old joke – a person walks into a bar (or convention or bookstore) and bumps into Douglas Rudder – what would be your elevator pitch to showcase your work or that of RudderHaven?
DR: I don’t really have a pitch. I’ve never liked in-your-face salesmanship; it’s a quick turn-off for me as a customer, so I don’t use it as an author. Mostly I rely on enthusiasm for the work. It’s more personal. My friends and coworkers know when something new is in the pipes because I’ll bring around concept cover art or proof copies, and they are often amused at my excitement. That’s okay; I AM excited.
HN: As an author, it’s sometimes difficult to finally say a product is finished, no matter how many times you review or edit. In your works, is there anything you would go back and change? Were there ideas you had in mind and then decided NOT to include?
DR: It is incredibly hard to hit that upload button to send a book to the printer. No matter how many editorial passes it’s been through, there is always the worry that something got missed, that something could have been done better. There are often times in revision when ideas are modified or even discarded. For example, in my short story, “The Observer,” there was some discussion dialogue that I removed when I realized it didn’t fit pacing of the story. There was another piece of dialogue that was pushed to a later scene because of the press of events. It no longer worked where it was in the original concept.
HN: Do you have a certain method you use when you write – i.e., a certain room, music, mood, etc., to help get you in the right writing frame of mind?
DR: Usually, the only light I have on is the desk lamp near the computer. It’s almost like creating a tunnel from me to the screen and helps keep me immersed in what I’m doing. I don’t have music going, because, well, I find myself listening to the music. I can write anywhere, but I prefer my “bat cave” approach because it’s easier to stay focused.
HN: What are you reading right now?
DR: Jonathan Rudder’s The Milhavior Chronicles and Timothy Zahn’s Night Train to Rigel.
HN: What are RudderHaven’s next upcoming projects?
DR: After the push to get our science fiction and fantasy books out in time for Gen Con, we have a manuscript for a Bible study book from my Dad, who is a semi-retired minister (he’ll never really be retired; I expect he’ll drop in the saddle someday). I’m also working on a science fiction novel, with bits and pieces of two more sci-fi and two fantasy novels floating around in my head.
HN: Where can readers go to find out more about Douglas Rudder and RudderHaven?
DR: Well, there’s my author bio in the back of my books (wait, was that a sales pitch?). My wife and I, along with C. K. Deatherage, will be manning the RudderHaven booth at Gen Con in Indianapolis, August 14-17. You can also go to the RudderHaven facebook page or company site (www.RudderHaven.com) for further information.
HN: Thanks, Doug, for sharing some of your time!
DR: Thanks for asking me. It’s been a pleasure.
