Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Dishin' It Up with Fantasy Author, Andre Alan


I’d like to welcome author, Andre Alan, to DJ’s Book Corner. Thank you for taking the time to come dish it up with me.

My pleasure.

First question, when did you first know you wanted to be an author?
One of my coworkers in the year of 2006 told me to pick up a book titled ‘The Eye of the World’ by Robert Jordan and after reading that book I was inspired. I sort of stumbled into writing and being an author. I figured it would be a job that was a lot more fun than IT Help Desk support. Before that experience I had always been preparing to create a comic book and maybe even a cartoon since I love to draw. Yet after discovering the world of fantasy books I began to love to read and consequently, to write.

When did you write your first book?
I first starting writing in 2007. My first full length book was a story titled ‘Paladin Conscript’ that I originally set out to write as a novella. Then I challenged myself to see if I could turn it into a novel. Maybe one day I will release that novel to the public.

Tell us a little about your fantasy novel, Heaven’s Fate. Who or what inspired the title?
Heaven’s Fate is about a young man named Thame Elliot who lost his parents. He grew up with a lot of anger and insisted it was a government conspiracy. His father’s martial arts classmate, Autumn Augustus took in the young orphan boy and raised him. She is now the empress of the human continent Eioda.

The inspiration for the title came from the fact that Thame Elliot will eventually carry the fate of the entire world and all of the races that live there. Thame must learn to become the messiah in order to stop his nemesis, Miles Xavier from casting a spell that will bring the underworld up to dominate the world of Threa, where the living reside. With the help of his legendary mystical weapon that his father once wielded, the Tundra Sword, Thame will control the fate of everyone that has ever lived and even that of the dead.

Sum the main character Thame up in three words.
Driven. Dedicated. Determined.

What do you like best about writing fantasy novels?
Seeing my ideas take shape and transforming a blank piece of paper into a mystery world that no one has ever seen before. Plus when you go through the different editing phases you get to know the story inside out and start to have a deeper connection with the characters and the world that they inhabit.

What is your writing schedule like?
As random as the weather, sometimes I start writing at 1AM only to finish at 5AM but then again sometimes I will start at Noon and keep going until 8 PM. It really varies based on how I am feeling that day. I try to stick to a weekly writing quota as opposed to a daily one.

Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?
No, I don’t necessarily NEED quiet to write but sometimes I do prefer it. I also like to write with music playing softly in the background as well since it helps to make the time fly by. I feel as though music helps to put me in the mood of writing and helps me to convey certain feelings.

Who are three of your favorite authors? Books?
Three of my favorite authors: R.A. Salvatore, James Patterson, Robert Jordan. While three of my favorite books are: ‘The Eye of the World’ by Robert Jordan, ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ by Arthur C. Clarke, and ‘The Holy Bible’ by Various Authors.

As an author, what is the best compliment you could receive from a reader?
To be perfectly honest, I am not really sure. But I guess what I would love to hear is that my novel somehow, in some way, shape or form connected with the reader on a deeper lever and took them on an unforgettable journey. I just hope that my book does not waste anyone’s time and that it is entertaining.

My Super Silly Question: Since you like video games, Snowman (cookie) versus Gingerbread Man (cookie) in Call of Duty...who would be the victor?
LOL…, okay, this is a hard one, but I think I would have to go with the Gingerbread Man. He seems like he is a bit tougher, plus he has more of a soldier type of build.

Diantha: Plus Gingerdude has the spice factor going on, right?

Now for the Quickie...

eBooks or Paperbacks? Paperbacks
Vampires or Werewolves? Vampires
Playstation or Xbox? Playstation
ESPN or CNBC? ESPN
Ruffles or Lays? Lays
Kindle or Nook? Kindle
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Music or Movies? Movies
Thanks Andre! It's been fun!
Connect with Andre on Twitter – Facebook – Website

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Author Interview


Andre Alan
December 21, 2012

Courtesy of Brook Syers Blog
http://brooksyers.blogspot.com/p/author-interviews.html






Hello and welcome to The Brook Syers Blog!  Are you ready for some really tough questions?  Just kidding, I’ll go easy on you. 

Thanks, I’m still new to all this.

Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

Something that not too many people know…,

What made you want to become a writer?

I have always felt a need to create something. I was never really good at math so engineer was out of the question. Since I used to draw cartoon characters when I was young I eventually started creating my own characters and then making stories for them.

Do you have any hidden or uncommon talents?

Not unless you count the ability to play videos games for hours on end then no, I can’t really think of anything. I’m a pretty basic dude.

What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?

Crappy TV shows and sucky movies. Have you ever seen or read something that made you wonder, who thought this was a good idea. I want to create entertainment that takes people on a journey.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

Almost entirely from my imagination. I do like to take certain character traits from people that I have met, but it’s mostly a mixing and matching of identities.

Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?

My most recent book is my debut sci-fi, fantasy novel, Heaven’s Fate. This story is the uncovering of a hero who wants nothing more than to follow his father’s footsteps, into the grave. Thame Elliot is blinded by revenge while his aunt, the first empress of the human nation tries to prevent a war. With God’s that grant paladins special powers and what some to believe a corrupt church under the control of a secret organization, Heaven’s Fate transports the reader to magical world of Threa, with dragons, demons, and ghouls, oh my. LOL (sorry couldn’t help myself)

What do you love most about the writing process?

I love the creation process and seeing a story take shape before your eyes. I love to take blank pieces of paper and turn them into works of art, one way or another.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

I think my two favorite characters would have to be a tie between Miles Xavier and Autumn Augustus. Miles because I feel like the key to a good story is a believable villain. Autumn because I think she is a strong female character.

What is the biggest surprise that you experienced after becoming a writer?

My biggest surprise would be the difference between how writers are romanticized in popular fiction compared to the reality.

Do you have a day job in addition to being a writer?  If so, what do you do during the day? 

Other than managing my investments from time to time, I am a writer all day.

Tell us a little about your plans for the future.  Where do you see yourself as a writer in five years?  Do you have any other books in the works?

In five years I see myself with several novels under my belt and maybe even something that is a moving picture.

Right now I am working on the second book in the Heaven Trilogy, Winter’s Legacy. That novel will be out some time next year.

And now, just some little random questions!

Favorite TV show?
The Big Bang Theory

Favorite movie?
The Matrix

Favorite city?
My home town of Hartford, CT

Favorite food?
Crab legs

Favorite book?
The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan

To conclude, is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

Thanks for the support and stay tuned for more exciting and action packed and intense works of fiction.

It was a pleasure hosting you on my blog today.  I wish you all the best in your career!

Thank you very much.

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