I would imagine it would be quite challenging to write a completely fictitious character without borrowing to some extent from people one has known.

Chase Blackwood – 21 December 2014

The Back Flap

A continent on the verge of war.
A boy who is destined to become a legend.
A truth waiting to be uncovered.

A powerful coming-of-age tale of a young man destined to become one of the most powerful men Verold has ever known.
It’s a unique tale of adventure, adversity, and strength. Written with the hand of a poet and the heart of a warrior. The book’s action and depth will astound as the reader delves deeper into the masterful world painted in detailed strokes.

About the book

What is the book about?

Tears of a Heart is a coming-of-age fantasy novel about a boy destined for greatness. It is cast in a large world filled with unique cultures, beautifully written, with careful consideration to character and greater events to unfold.

When did you start writing the book?

I began writing the book in early 2013.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me just over a year to write the book. There were obviously several revisions after alpha and beta readers gave their input.

Where did you get the idea from?

I had wanted to write another fantasy novel for some time. I would say my greatest inspirations, in order were: a recent trip to South America, watching Game of Thrones, and Patrick Rothfuss’ books The Name of the Wind and A Wise Man’s Fear.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

There were a couple of parts where I struggled. Overall I knew the overarching storyline. My largest struggle was making the smaller pieces fit with the larger pieces. I also struggled with killing off one of the main characters. I knew I was going to do it, but it was still challenging and a rather bittersweet moment nonetheless.

What came easily?

The main storyline came quite easily. I had awoken one morning with a dream that outlined the main storyline for the next few books. It can’t get much easier than that!

I also found much of the world building to be rather easy, although, it is detailed work that requires extensive notes to keep all the religions, political systems, monetary systems, cultural beliefs, and idiosyncrasies straight. It was quite fun actually.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

I would imagine it would be quite challenging to write a completely fictitious character without borrowing to some extent from people one has known.

I have fortunately traveled across the globe to most every continent and have had a chance to come across a wide variety of people. Some of whom are very memorable for some reason or another. Aspects of some of these people may add depth and dimension to some of the characters in the book.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

As any author, I do enjoy a good book. I love reading a book in which I get lost in the story, immersed in the plight of the protagonist, and swept away by the beauty of their writing.

The authors that have influenced my writing are: Wilbur Smith, Ken Follet, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Timothy Zahn, along with Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis.

Do you have a target reader?

I believe anyone who enjoys a good story, an interesting character, and beautiful writing will enjoy Tears of a Heart. However, my main target audience is fantasy readers. More specifically those that enjoy coming-of-age novels. I believe readers who enjoyed Patrick Rothfuss will enjoy Tears of a Heart.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I have a multi-stage writing process.

• A rough outline, either written or in my head. The more complicated the material the more notes I must write.
• For fantasy I flush out large details of the world. Without understanding the setting and the world I find it hard to imagine what it is I will be describing, and I feel it would show in the writing.
• Begin writing, and writing, until the book is nearly done. (Note: I will re-read every chapter I write after I write it at least twice. Once silently, once aloud to catch obvious errors in grammar, spelling, story, character, dialogue, and prose)
• Have others read the book. Take the criticism, understand it, and use it to improve the book. This is where the revisions take place.
• Re-read the book several more times, each time looking for different kinds of errors.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I was never much of an outliner in school. Teacher would want an outline, so I would create one after I had written the paper. I normally outline shorter works (less than 100 pages) in my head. Longer, more complicated works require me to take notes.

I do not normally takes notes per chapter (very rarely actually). I only denote specific ideas I may have, or where I want to go if I am stuck, or know I will take a break from writing so I do not forget where I wanted to go with the story.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit as I go. This allows me to focus more on story, dialogue, character development, and prose when I edit after I’ve finished writing the manuscript.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I do not. I am fortunate enough to know a small group of people who help me out. I, however, will consider it for the next book.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I do not. I like silence.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did not. I thought about it, and decided against it. I have in the past for other works.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I decided to go indie for a variety of reasons. First, I feel there is more freedom in indie-publishing. I work on my own time table, instead of a publisher’s schedule. Traditional publishers do not do much to market a book, yet they charge more for the book, and as an author I would get smaller royalties. If I have to self-market anyway, I might as well make it more worth my while so I can resume my writing.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I made the book cover myself. I rather enjoy doing it.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I have a winging it marketing plan. Or in other words, an ever evolving marketing plan as I learn more.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Learn about marketing and have a plan. I think for my next book I shall be far more organized before the launch of my book.

End of Interview:

For more, visit Chase’s blog.

Get your copy of Tears of a Heart from Amazon US (paper or ebook) or Amazon UK (paper or ebook).