W.D.’s Comments (group member since Nov 07, 2019)

W.D.’s comments from the Sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy group.

A lot of sci-fi writers look into the far future, where science is more like magic. Few seem to look at those interim steps, particularly of the not-so-distant future. Best example for me is Ben Bova's Mars, where he takes a look at early exploration of Mars.

There are certain books that change the course of fantasy forever. Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen R. Donaldson is one of them. This is one of the first books that I think really established a foundation for what I call "realistic fantasy." First, the main character has leprosy. Second, he is taken to a fantasy world and cannot accept that it is anything other than a dream (thus, Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever). The characters are real, complete with flaws, and they make mistakes that can have long-term consequences. It's wonderfully written with characters you love and love to hate.

Hello! I am an author who recently published my first novel, Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood, which recently got a 5-Star review! Kind of cool.

Here's what's on my author bio:
W.D. Kilpack III is an award-winning freelance writer published in two countries, with works appearing in print, online, radio and television, starting with his first publication credit at the age of nine, when he wrote an award-winning poem. As an adult, he received special recognition from L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest. He has been editor and/or publisher of nineteen news and literary publications, both online and in print, with circulations as high as 770,000. He is an accomplished cook and has two claims he thinks few can match: cooking nearly every type of food on a grill; and nearly being knocked flat when his grill exploded. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Westminster College of Salt Lake City. As an undergrad, he double-majored in communication and philosophy, while completing the Honors Program. As a graduate student, he earned a master of professional communication with a writing emphasis. He was a high-performing athlete, qualifying for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling. He is a communication professor and a nationally recognized wrestling coach. He is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and is father to five children, as well as helping to raise five step-children. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he continues to live, coach and teach.

Here's what's on the back over of my book:
Natharr is Guardian of Maarihk, one of a long line of protectors dating back to the Firstborn Age, before the Aa Conquest. Natharr's is an ancient role, rooted in his Firstblood, giving him Sight to see what is yet to be, adhering to his sacred duties even in the centuries since the Firstborn were forced to the brink of extinction by the Aa. Natharr still stands guard over all men, Aa or Firstborn, Seeing what will come to pass, determining what can be avoided and what cannot. Spending decades planning, even for saving the life of the newborn Crown Prince, so he may one day reclaim the throne in the land where Mankind was created when the Olde Gods still walked.

W.D. Kilpack III

A lot of sci-fi writers look into the far future, where science is more like magic. Few seem to look at those interim steps, particularly of the not-so-distant future. Bova does just that in Mars, where he takes a look at early exploration of Mars, counterbalanced by looking at it through the lens of a scientist born on an Indian reservation. The story takes hard science fiction and blends it with something of a detective story, taking smart characters who have to figure out the mysteries of what life deals them on Mars. Love the characters, love the story.

There are a very short list of books that had a massive impact on me. Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe (first of a 4-book series) is definitely one of them. The first-person narrative is written so well, so smoothly, so believably. Moreover, the idea of a main character who is a torturer and is dismissed for showing mercy is unlike anything else I had ever seen. The only thing I can compare it to is Terry Goodkind so believably describing a man falling in love with his torturer. Wolfe also addresses the profession unflinchingly, giving descriptions that have stuck with me as powerfully as anything I've ever read.

Hello! I am a writer who just published my first fantasy novel. I love science fiction and fantasy. Check out my bio if you like, ask me questions, etc., let's see what happens!