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?
.
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).
He currently
lives in Northern Illinois with his wife and young son.
Website:
www.gunpowderfantasy.com
1 comments:
Thanks for hosting me and The Cerberus Rebellion!
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