This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Bryan Cole will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?
I’ve had a deep love for the fantasy genre for as long as I can remember. My formative years were spent reading the Dragonlance Chronicles trilogy and watching movies like Willow and the Dark Crystal. These examples of the fantasy genre formed an indelible impression in my imagination of epic fantasy, of knights standing on the battlements facing a dragon, of magic and the terrifying beauty it brings to the story. Science Fiction is a potential future we are all moving toward and is fascinating because of what might be. Fantasy is pure imagination of a world that never was and makes for more vivid stories that are more reliant on imagination, at least for me. A major reason I wrote Beginning of Arrogance was so that I could read the epic fantasy story that I couldn’t find anywhere else!
What research is required?
There are countless excellent sources people can reference for research (thank you internet – love what you’ve done for humanity, even if you’re a bit dark and 70% filled with misleading or false information these days). For starters, I am an avid student of history, and the more history you learn, the more you see it in other works of fantasy. The War of the Roses, World War II, the Napoleonic Wars – you can find elements of all of them in fantasy literature. Other research involves literary tropes and themes (like the three-act story structure or the five-man band). Otherwise just learn a little bit about everything. More importantly, if you’re going to include specific elements in your book, then research those elements at least a little bit beforehand! When Krell and his companions get access to a sailing vessel, it’s important that there are some proper terms and terminology present in the story!
Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.
In my professional job, I often must build consensus. Organize data, present it, and convince others that my plan is correct, though occasionally they give me new data and I learn my plan is a waiting catastrophe, and I reassess. I am constantly working with others, trying to find a great solution for everyone. Krell… is not like that. Krell is going to do what he is going to do and is mostly oblivious to the sheer weight of charisma he is hauling around, dragging others along with him on his often reckless and rarely thought through plans. Writers pour parts of themselves into their characters, and I find it interesting that Krell may be acting as an outlet for my desire to simply just go, and if others join me that’s great, otherwise I’ll be off doing my thing by myself. It was a very strange realization for me!
Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?
There is a certain amount of mental headspace that I need to find in order to be productive at writing. There are times where I will go and sit, ready to write, and find that I am in the wrong mindset. I don’t question this anymore. If it isn’t the right time, I will do something else – research, entertainment, other work – and see if I can get myself into the correct frame of mind. If it happens, I’ll easily write over five thousand words in a single writing session. There are days when it does not.
Are you a plotter or pantser?
I’m 70% plotter. The outline for Beginning of Arrogance, and for the entire arc of books, was something that I outlined prior to really beginning to write. However, once I began writing there was a certain amount of getting into the headspace of the characters and letting them alter the story as they went. There were elements of the story that changed as I figured out who the characters were and what they were motivated by. Some of the more reckless decisions they made – and the disastrous story consequences those choices led to – came about because of who they became in my imagination.
Look to your right – what’s sitting there?
A vast array of eclectic items. In no particular order, a USB drive, a tape measure, a five-dollar bill, a tube of crazy glue, two Lego minifigs, a picture of my daughter, a mug she gave me for Father’s Day with her handprints on it, my passport, a pair of wired headphones that I don’t use anymore, a roll of twine, a (paid) utility bill from 2020, four pens, and Darth Vader’s lightsaber. My desk is chaotic most of the time. I really understood Chazz Palminteri’s character in the Usual Suspects when he said, “There’s a system to it”!
Anything new coming up from you?
Onward to book two! The consequences of the actions taken in book one become something our survivors need to deal with, as new characters and challenges present themselves, particularly as the threat from the sea rises in ferocity and tempo. Tentatively titled Foolishness of Love, I’m hopeful to publish in the first half of 2023. I’m also thinking about other writing projects, all while working a full-time job!
Do you have a question for our readers?
I am extremely interested in feedback on my book! You can reach me at www.fatpaladin.ca, and share any thoughts or opinions you have. I put a lot of effort into writing realistic and interesting characters, particularly female characters, and hope you like how they turned out. Otherwise, if you read Beginning of Arrogance and loved it, what would motivate you to add a reader review on GoodReads and/or Amazon? As an indie author, reviews are by far the most important asset I can receive at this point.
I hope you enjoy Beginning of Arrogance, and I look forward to writing more of Krell and his companions in the future!
Paladins are nothing but trouble. Stories about paladins are everywhere, noble warriors riding magic steeds into battle against terrible foes. Champions of their gods. Heroes to everyone, except those who already have everything. Paladins are notorious for upsetting the balance of power, to the detriment of any who don't worship their deity.
So when Krell is called to service by the capricious god of the seas and skies, ReckNor, those with wealth and power can't help but be concerned. ReckNor hasn't called a paladin in years, and his nature is ever-changing and erratic. The fact that Krell is also an uneducated nobody with a stubborn streak as wide as the sea turns their concerns into fear.
All of which matters less than the threat clawing its way from the waves, ready to turn the ocean red with spilled blood...
Read an Excerpt
“Shortly after the tower collapsed, there was a surge of undead. Some priests came in and did something to contain it, and let it be. Or possibly not, since the story has been retold so many times. However, there is an old royal proclamation that anyone who rebuilds and takes residence there will get possession free and clear of all past obligations, though taxes and other fees would need to be paid going forward should you gain the title to the property.”
She paused, looking at them all.
“Thinking of making a grab for it?”
Kraven shrugged. “No ships in harbor to take me anywhere else, and nothing else to do tomorrow, so yeah, probably. Have others tried?”
Daylan laughed. “Oh yes, many, and hordes of children as well. You’re welcome to walk up there, survey the ruined tower and get scared by the ghost, just like everyone else has been for the last two hundred years. It’s pointless. Much like this conversation. If we could move back to meaningful town business?” Daylan and Amra began discussing the missing fishing vessels again, and what they could do to replace them. Aldrik interrupted, raising a concern about the Black Theocracy and whether Watford would be blamed if one of their trade ships vanished.
Captain Gijwolf walked up to the group of them, gesturing for them to step outside. Aldrik gave an enthusiastic wave as they departed. The evening air was clean now that the rain had stopped, and Krell breathed in deeply, savoring the smell of the sea.
“Well, gentlemen, your work was done and done well. However, more warriors arrived today looking to join the charter. I sent all but one away and was wondering if you’d like to meet him or not. He’s at the Netminder’s Friend, so he is likely at your destination, anyway. What say you?”
About the Author:
WEBSITE: https://fatpaladin.ca/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/FatPaladin
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fatpaladinbooks/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22517522.Bryan_Cole
AMAZON.COM: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0228868661
INDIGO CHAPTERS: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/beginning-of-arrogance/9780228868668-item.html
BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beginning-of-arrogance-bryan-cole/1141715221
BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/Beginning-of-Arrogance-Bryan-Cole/9780228868668
KINDLE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5JJ338K
APPLE BOOKS: https://books.apple.com/us/book/beginning-of-arrogance/id6443055348
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My thanks to It's Raining Books for hosting me on my blog tour. The realization that Krell might be the exact opposite of an author insert was fascinating for me, and something I had only considered when the question was posed to me. The more you learn!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteGreat Q&A, thank you for sharing. The book sounds wonderful
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the interview and getting to know a little about you, Bryan, I also enjoyed reading the excerpt and I am looking forward to reading Beginning of Arrogance!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing it with me and have a terrific day!
This book sounds like a very good read.
ReplyDelete