Monday, September 24, 2012

GFP Tour: Interview & #Giveaway with Josh Johnson - The Cerberus Rebellion




Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc. I'm so happy you could join me today.  Please tell us a little about yourself...

I'm in my late 20s, married with an 18 month old son. I work nights for UPS and write in what little spare time my son allows me.

BK: Please tell us a little about your book....

It tells the story of the nation of Ansgar as a civil war tears it apart. It is told from the perspective of four different characters who tell the story of different aspects of the war.

The Cerberus Rebellion takes a lot of standard fantasy aspects (magic, Elves, mythical creatures) but throws in rifles and railroads. It's not quite steampunk, as it doesn't include more advanced steam-power technologies (ie Airships), but it's in that vein. The Griffins & Gunpowder universe includes a fair amount of political maneuvering as well, though The Cerberus Rebellion doesn't feature this as much.



BK: What inspired you to pen this particular novel?

The Cerberus Rebellion started out as a piece of flash fiction inspired by the thought of a medieval style falcon-hunt but with more advanced technoloy. It started as something much different than it ended up being, but the root of the story and the inpsiration were the same.


BK: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I've been writing since I was about 13, but I didn't really consider myself a writer until I was about 18 when I started trying to get published.


BK: How do you keep your story flowing?

It helps that I use multiple Points-Of-View, there's always something to tell.


BK: Do you ever run into writer's block, and if so, what do you do to get past it?

Having multiple POVs helps with Writer's Block. If I get stuck on one plot point, I can go to a different character until the block resolves itself.


BK: What is your writing process like? Do you have any quirks, or must-haves to write?

Most days I sit on the couch with my laptop, typing away, making sure my mischevious son isn't tearing things apart, and watching one of his DVDs: Pocoyo, Elmo, the Wiggles or Thomas the Tank Engine.

  
BK: Where do you hope your books/writing will be in the future?

I'd really just like to get to the point where I can make a solid living off of my writing, but in my wildest dreams seeing a movie or series built out of my work would be amazing.


BK: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?

I really just want readers to enjoy my work and enjoy the world that I've built


BK: What is one piece of advice you received that you carry with you in your writing?
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It's extremely cliche, but "Show, Don't Tell" is always in my mind when I'm writing.


BK: What is one piece of advice you would give to new and aspiring writers?

Keep writing; you'll get better. I have notebooks in my basement full of my early writing and I'm the first to admit that it's absolutely terrible. I got better because I kept writing.


BK: Are you currently working on any new projects? What can we expect from you in the future?

I'm currently working on the sequel to The Cerberus Rebellion and book 2 of 6 for this series: The Hydra Offensive. I've also got 3 other series in this universe that I'll be working on.


BK: Where can readers find you?

My website/blog is at www.gunpowderfantasy.com; they can find me on twitter @authorjkjohnson

  
Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. It's been a pleasure having you and I wish you much success in the future.


One hundred years of peace and prosperity. War changes everything.

On the world of Zaria, Elves, magic and mythical beasts coexist beside rifles and railroads. The futures of two nations hang in the balance as rebels and revolutionaries trade gunfire with loyalists and tyrants.

Eadric Garrard was raised to believe that as the rightful King of Ansgar, his loyal nobles and fearful subjects answered to his every whim, no matter the cost or consequence. His decision to send his troops thousands of miles away will test that fear, and loyalty.

Raedan Clyve was ordinary until an Elven ritual involving a griffin’s heart turned him into something more. Twenty years later, he still struggles with the magics that rage through his body. His mentor holds him back from his full potential and he faces pressure to find a suitable wife and father an heir.

Hadrian Clyve has picked up where his father left off and works to expand his family’s influence amongst the Ansgari nobility. His aggressive negotiation of alliances and shrewd choice of marriage agreements has earned him respect, and resentment. When his King calls his troops to arms, Hadrian has other things in mind.

After a century of scheming and decades of preparation, Magnus Jarmann is ready to bring his family’s plans to fruition by launching a war of independence that will free his people and return his country to its rightful place among the nations of Zaria. The King’s call to arms creates an opportunity that Magnus cannot afford to miss.

In a war, little is held back; in a revolution, nothing is safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


EXCERPT ONE:

The crackle of musket fire drifted up from the trenches; only a few quick shots at first, but quickly followed by full volleys. Flashes of light marked the battle in the trenches and Raedan listened carefully for the command to push his troops forward. He glanced behind him quickly.

The color guard stood resolute, the banners of Arndell and the North Griffin Cliffs at the front of the formation. A half-company of infantry had been assigned to protect the flags should they come under attack.

Wounded began to drift back out of the trenches. Some retreated under their own power; others were carried between two of their fellows. Raedan tried to count the men fleeing the battle, but quickly lost count.

Finally, the trumpets sounded again, ordering him forward.

“How's it look in there?” he asked a retreating officer. The man wore the gaudy orange of Sea Watch and the stripes of a captain. He had taken a round through his shoulder and was supporting a corporal that had taken a shot to the leg.

“The artillery did a job on them,” the captain said. “But they've still got some fight left.”

“All right, men! Let's take it to them!” Raedan started toward the trenches at the double time and his men started to trot after him.

The earthworks twisted and zagged one way and another, slowly leading the infantry closer to the fortress that loomed large above. The sun had finally set and flares were exploding high overhead.

Joshua will be awarding .mobi copies of his short stories (details available at www.gunpowderfantasy.com/products) to one commenter at every stop. Grand Prize for one random commentor and host with the most comments: The Chesian Wars collection (all published 3 short stories and an additional prelude short story exclusive to the collection). 

 Joshua Johnson is the author of "Gunpowder Fantasy" The Cerberus Rebellion (due to release in early July) and the creator of the Griffins & Gunpowder universe. When he isn't working or spending time with his family, he writes novels, short stories and novellas.

He currently lives in Northern Illinois with his wife and young son. 









Goddess Fish Partner

1 comments:

Joshua Johnson said...

Thanks for hosting me and The Cerberus Rebellion!