Rival Gates Author
Interview
1. Greetings,
can you tell us a little bit about your history and how your work has
evolved up to this point?
I was raised as the son
of a teacher and an editor. Being a writer was something I aspired
to since childhood. At the age of 13 I started work on “The
Sapphire Chronicles” as a way to do something positive during a
difficult time in my life. The first draft of “Quest for the Red
Sapphire”, Book 1 was hand written on binder paper. As I advanced
through school and life I read many great authors and learned a good
deal about writing. It took over thirty years of working on and off
but I finally published my work.
2. What genre,
or genres, do you write?
I write Fantasy. More
specifically, I write Epic Fantasy.
3. What is
your latest book called and what is it about?
My new book is called
“The Sapphire Crucible”. It is the second installment of “The
Sapphire Chronicles”. It is the continuing tale of former general
Linvin Grithinshield leading his uncle and cousins on a quest to find
the mythical Red Sapphire before their evil enemies find the stone.
He must overcome unprecedented odds and fight for his life in a world
of death and destruction. Linvin has to find the gem first and
escape with his family alive.
4. What was the
inspiration for your book?
I drew inspiration from
the work of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. I was also an avid Dungeons and
Dragons player as a teen. It helped me expand my thoughts and think
in medieval terms. Creating dungeons of my own helped hone my skills
as a writer.
5. Where can we buy
your books?
You can find them at
Amazon.com
6. What can we expect
from you in the future?
With “The Sapphire
Crucible” just coming out I will be busy for some time with the
promotion of the book. The third installment in the series will be
called, “Mandrean Revenge.”
7. Among your own
books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
“The Sapphire
Crucible” is my favorite of my books. It is intense and yet
thought provoking. As much as I love the main character, Linvin
Grithinshield, I have a soft spot for Bander Greenlith. He is a
simple elf who cares more about food than wealth. Bander will never
blow you away with his intelligence but he is able to see through all
the complications people create in order to see the simple truth in a
situation. He is fearless and loyal to a fault. My favorite heroine
is easily Miri. Here is a beautiful princess who acts nothing like
one. She is strong willed, smart and a good fighter when called
upon. She is really going to surprise some people who think they
have the book figured out early.
8. Do you plot ahead
of time, or do you let the plot emerge as you write?
I definitely plot ahead
of time. I want my story to flow together in a logical sequence.
That takes planning. When I just sit down and write without much of
a plan I find there are important elements left out of the story.
Then I have to go back and find a way to squeeze it into the story.
In the end I am never satisfied. Preparation is the key to a good
story for me.
9. Who are some of
your favorite authors to read? Favorite books?
Aside from the authors
mentioned previously, I have enjoyed the work of David Eddings,
Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov
10. What would be
your ultimate goal as a writer?
As a writer I want to
touch as many lives as possible. Just as I was inspired to use my
own voice, I hope to influence others to tell their own stories.
That would be a great accomplishment.
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