This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Russell Archey will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?
I’ve always had difficulty pinning down why I prefer fantasy over sci-fi, when I do enjoy both. I think I enjoy the historical-based influences on fantasy over the science-based influence of sci-fi. However, if you get a good “science-fantasy” setting like Star Wars or Warhammer 40K, you’ve really got me hooked!
I came to this decision when I realized a lot of my favorite fantasy is that which has obvious historical basis. My favorite parts of A Song of Ice and Fire are the political intrigue and inter-house wars, same with The Witcher. I enjoy fantasy video games of all kinds but am very particular towards Kingdom Come and others that are very low-fantasy.
That, and who doesn’t love dragons???
What research (or world-building – for fantasy/paranormal/Sci-fi) is required?
I think that entirely depends on the type of setting you’re writing in. I base some of my names, locations, and even languages on actual examples from history or mythology (especially in The Seven Spires).
I think if readers catch on that you have some sort of historical or mythological basis to your writing, they’ll take notice and have certain expectations. But, I also think that most readers know they’re reading fantasy or sci-fi or horror and take creative liberties into account.
Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.
As some of my characters are female, I always hope that I can make them feel like the strong female characters I go for. And when I try to make them empathetic, that they sound appropriately emotional and not just like a damsel in distress.
Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?
I try way too hard to edit as I write. I’ve recently, under advisement from certain parties, tried to align my way of thinking to the philosophy of “write without fear and edit without mercy.”
Are you a plotter or pantser?
I love this topic and I’m totally a pantser! I do have certain key plot points that I use to guide my writing, like points of interest on a map. But, what happens to my characters in-between and how they get to those points are very much up in the air. I think this helps me avoid writing myself into corners, as I know where I’m trying to go, I just need to get my story there.
Look to your right – what’s sitting there?
A wall. I hope this isn’t metaphorical…
Anything new coming up from you? What?
I have several books and stories in the pipeline! I’m currently working on a novel consisting of interweaving short stories set in a fantasy realm that’s been opened to cosmic horrors as a result of a clandestine cult (I think it’s best described as “Lovecraft meets Tolkein”). I’m excited to finish this book so I can move onto a dark urban fairy tale that involves a creature stalking the streets and stretches back to the days of witches in the northeastern U.S. After that, I have a new dark fantasy trilogy I really can’t wait to get to that’s based on my love of settings like Bloodborne, The Witcher, and even Supernatural. It has some fantasy, religious horror, and a Victorian-era vibe to it!
Do you have a question for our readers?
What draws you to a book for the first time? Is it a compelling cover? Interesting synopsis on the back? Certain genres or buzzwords about the themes or content?
An incredible high fantasy adventure set in a world based on familiar fairy tales, folklore, and mythology, "The Seven Spires" is an epic story of dragons, magic, conquering evil, and discovering magnificent new places.
When a fearsome creature known as Wyvern begins terrorizing Emrallt, one of the seven realms of the continent of Septer, a group of heroes are brought together seemingly by fate to rally against him. A prince, warrior, wizard, and mysterious, sorceress-like sybil try to discover why a common maiden could be the best chance their kingdoms have against Wyvern’s growing forces that threaten to dominate each and every one of the ancient, arcane spires that bind their kingdoms, and world, together.
Read an Excerpt
She reached for his leg, wanting to observe the wound. She gently cupped the bandaged appendage in her hand and steadied it with the other. The bandages were caked with blood and made for a sorrowful sight. It was only a few moments, however, before she felt a tingling in her hand. It wasn’t painful or uncomfortable—just a light prickling sensation all along where her skin made contact with the Prince’s wound.
She looked on as the color slowly returned to the Prince’s leg and, eventually, his face. His sweating stopped and his breathing returned to normal. What just happened?
The Maiden began to unwrap the bandages and then suddenly stopped for fear of hurting the Prince or exacerbating his wounds. She looked up quickly to see him slumbering peacefully. She continued to unravel the sticky bandages until they fell away.
The Prince’s shin was covered in the blood from his wrappings. It was difficult to see much at first. Then the Maiden saw…nothing. No wound, nor scar, nor scratch. There was nothing beneath the blood, except for a leg that was as whole and healthy as it had ever been. His wounds had been completely and unquestionably healed by her own hands.
About the Author:
Website: http://5princebooks.com/russellarchey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russellarcheyauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/RSArchey
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/RussArchey
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55353537-the-seven-spires
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1043473
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08J8BS3NT
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI liked the excerpt, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview
ReplyDeleteGenres I love to read.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover and the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend.
ReplyDelete