An Interview

1. The Redoubt is the latest in The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam. What’s background to that series?

It began as my National Novel Writing Month project in 2010. That was the first time that I entered the writing marathon NaNoWriMo challenges writers to write 50,000 words in 30 days. I was successful and found it a great way to get a novel started. The other books in the King Bewilliam story have all started as NaNoWriMo projects. The Redoubt was my fourth NaNoWriMo marathon in 2014 and I plan to participate in NaNoWriMo 2015.

2. You’ve worked on other projects besides the King Bewilliam series.

I have. I am thrilled to have my short story, “Turning the Tide,” in the company of work by talented, bestselling authors Samantha LaFantasie, Alesha Escobar, Timothy C. Ward, H.M. Jones, and Alice Marks. We all contributed to Master of Time, A Science Fiction/Fantasy Time Travel Anthology. I was delighted to discover that I can write short fiction. When I first set out to write fiction I wrote novels, largely because I was trying to write the book that I most wanted to read. Later as I joined writers groups I became in awe of authors who wrote short stories and managed to achieve so much with so few words. It’s a very different craft from novel writing. I was thrilled to find that I could say what I wanted to say in less 2,000 words.

3. How do you balance your schedule between writing/editing/marketing?

I wish that I could say that I have achieved balance. I spend entirely too much time on marketing and not nearly enough on writing and editing. It’s a truism that if we spend all our time on marketing and none on writing we’ll have nothing to market, but it’s hard to decline the opportunities that come my way.

4. What’s your favorite social media network and why?

I would have to say Facebook. I find it’s a good way to stay in touch with friends whom I don’t see in person because of time or distance. OK, let’s be honest: it’s because it’s chockablock with cute cat photos and videos.

5. Of the marketing techniques you’ve tried, which have been most successful?

If sales are the measure, the most successful marketing I’ve done has been book launch signing events at the Port Aransas Art Center. I very much appreciate the support of the Art Center and the Texas Coastal Bend community.

6. Where would you like to see your writing career in 5 years?

I have so many works in progress. In five years I would hope to have finished Books Five in The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam epic fantasy series and A Whale of a Tale, a spin-off from my contemporary Coastal Texas thriller “Naked Came the Sharks” that I’m co-authoring as well as a sequel or two to that book. I’ve revived a novel that I started in 1993 and I’d like to finish that. I have several detective-series drawer-stuffers that I’d like to dust off and get between covers. I’m a huge “Warehouse 13” fan and I have three pages of ideas that would make great short stories in the steampunk genre. And, Sir Maxwell, a character from the King Bewilliam series, wants his own book. I think it would make a great Young Adult story.

7. If this was your last interview ever, what would you really want to say?

Thank you, everyone who has read my work and asked for more. It’s your encouragement that tells me that writing is what I ought to be doing, as opposed to brain surgery or mixed martial arts.

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/H5IW8oVJCnQ

The Redoubt: Voted #35 of 50 self-Published books With Reading 2016.Having bested beast, man, and even his own failings, King Bewilliam has regained his throne, reunited with his sons, and restored his embattled kingdom, yet something is lacking. When a crippling famine threatens the Chalklands’ very survival, his vassals propose a risky plan to seek aid from a distant ruler. King Bewilliam strikes off on a perilous journey to the island empire of Sea Gate accompanied by a cadre of loyal knights and nobles who are unaware that the plan will reunite the king with a spurned lover.

• This is why we read fiction. In the King Bewilliam series, Devorah Fox has created a world of adventure, intrigue, fancy—and dragons. The reader is drawn in as King Bewilliam tests his heart, mind, and ability for invention to reclaim himself and his place in that world. These stories are wonderful and imaginative—and fun.—Michael Stephen Daigle, author of the Frank Nagler mystery series.
• Your book kept me quiet company during a harrowing time at Hospital with congestive heart failure. I hope that next book can be read in less stressful moments. Thank You! Thank you for a “quiet story” which I could read and enjoy with serenity.—David Abbe

Sharable Links

What Makes it a Fantasy?: http://www.masqueradecrew.com/2013/11/what-makes-it-fantasy-syndicated-from.html

The Sophomore Curse: http://www.indiepubchat.com/sophomore-curse/