@GodlingChron Author Brian D. Anderson
BOOK 1 DETAILS
Paperback, $12.99
eBook, $3.99
ISBN: 978-0615710044
YA Fantasy, 346 pages
GMTA Publishing, October 5, 2012
Book blurb:
Darkness comes as a new power rises in Angrääl. The Dark Knight has betrayed the Gods and stolen The Sword of Truth, trapping them in heaven. With the power of the Sword he can reshape the world and bring death to all who oppose him. Only one thing stands between the darkness and the light. Gewey Stedding. Only he has the power to stand against the oncoming storm. Only he can mend the world. But only if he can discover his power….
BOOK 2 DETAILS
Paperback, $12.99
eBook, $3.99
ISBN: 978-0615722177
YA Fantasy, 276 pages
GMTA Publishing, November 1, 2012
Book Blurb:
Armies gather for war in the frozen land of Angrääl threatening to set the world ablaze. The elves are divided and scattered and humans fall prey to the dark influence of the Reborn King. Now, Gewey is faced with his greatest challenge yet. Unite the world of elf and human before it is too late…
BOOK 3 DETAILS
Paperback, $12.99
eBook, $4.99
ISBN: 978-0615770727
YA Fantasy, ### pages
GMTA Publishing, March 14, 2013
Book Blurb
Valshara has fallen, and the forces of Angrääl are advancing. For the first time, human and elf must shed blood as one, in order to stem the tide of evil. But new hope has arisen. From across the Western Abyss, a people long forgotten have returned. However, hope comes at its own price. Gewey must choose between his bond of love, and his duty to the world he is struggling to save.
Brian D. Anderson debuted as an indie author in fall 2012 with The Godling Chronicles, a multi-book young adult fantasy series from GMTA Publishing that sold 10,000 copies in just the first three months.
The continued and growing success of his first two titles, Book One: The Sword of Truth and Book Two: Of God and Elves, allowed Anderson to start writing full-time. He releases the third installment of his series this spring, and is already at work on the fourth and fifth novels.
Anderson was born in 1971 in the small town of Spanish Fort, Alabama and lived throughout the coastal state also in Fairhope and Mobile during college, where he developed a love of fantasy novels.
He lived and worked in New York for years with his wife and son – who created the original concept for The Godling Chronicles – and the family is heading back down south for a beach life in Pensacola, Florida.
Interview
Where are you from? Tell us a little about yourself!
I grew up in Spanish Fort, Alabama, a little town just across the bay from Mobile. Right now, I live in Staten Island, New York, but I’m moving my family back down south this year.
As far as telling you about myself, I live a pretty typical life. I spend time with my son, time with my friends, and try to get as much writing done as I possibly can, in between. Once upon a time, I was a car salesman. But thankfully, I managed to recapture my soul, and leave that behind.
Tell us about your book? How did it get started?
The Godling Chronicles is a fantasy series I’ve been working on for the past few years. Right now there are three books, with more on the way. I’m expecting for there to be at least six, if not more. Though it is categorized in the YA genre, it is not exclusively for young people. Many of my readers range in age from young teen to very mature adult. However, it was written so that a parent would not have to worry about content if their child was reading it.
The basic premise is pretty straightforward. The young man discovers a secret heritage and becomes beset on all sides by the forces of evil. There is action, adventure, and romance-all your basic elements for fun romp through the world of fantasy.
My son, Jonathan, came up with the basic premise for the story. After watching Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief the night before, he came home from school ready to burst from excitement. I was working on a rather dark occult story, and was reluctant to stop writing. But, one glance at him, and I backed away from the computer and let him tell me his idea. I was astounded! The sheer creativity from a boy, then only seven years old, blew me away. I’m often asked how much Jonathan actually contributed. The prologue for the first book is literally, action for action, what he described to me. The main character, his mentor, the existence of elves, along with the overall plot, came directly from his mind. Without him, the Godling Chronicles would not exist.
Though Jonathan is not as involved as he was initially, I still rely heavily on his opinions and ideas as the story progresses. At this point, he has moved on to other activities, and other creative outlets, such as art, chess, and he is beginning to learn computer programming. But still, he keeps coming up with wonderful the story ideas. He’s asked me to write others, but I think I’ll wait for him to get older so he can do it himself. I’m sure he’ll end up being ten times the writer I am.
How do you create your characters?
That really depends. Most of the time, I start by listing their flaws, their weaknesses, and personality deficiencies. Then I move on to their strengths and positive attributes, in an attempt to offset the negatives. This is how I try to make characters as believable as possible. If it is important to the story, I will also delve into their background, though that can be quite difficult at times, if you introduce a new character midway through the story.
What inspires and what got your started in writing?
My son, Jonathan, inspires me most of all. But there are others out there who have been extremely inspirational. For example-one of my most dedicated fans is a foster mum in the UK. She has in her care a special needs foster child, whose name I cannot divulge. The Godling Chronicles have become a huge part of their lives in ways I would’ve never dreamed. One of the characters, Kaylia, has helped this child come to terms with some very difficult personal obstacles. To be honest, I never expected my writing would have an impact beyond some light entertainment, and a few hours escape from the real world. It just goes to show you how important the small things can be.
Though I started writing for my own enjoyment many years ago, stories such as this are the reason I continue.
Where do you write? Is there something you need in order to write (music, drinks?)
I’m usually in my living room. As far as what do I need…well… I’m pretty 1950s. Pot of coffee, a pack of smokes, and some peace and quiet. No, I’m not exactly the most health-conscious fellow in the world. But it seems to work for me.
How do you get your ideas for writing?
I know that a lot of writers map out there stories ahead of time. I’ve never been able to do that. I get a general idea of where I want to go, then do my best to get there. It doesn’t always work out, and often I am forced to rewrite and adjust. But still, it’s the method I use. I think it makes the story flow a bit more organically.
What do you like to read?
I love Tolkien, of course. He was truly one of the greatest literary minds of all time. And though I am a fantasy writer, and do very much enjoyed reading in the genre, I also enjoy suspense thrillers, such as Dan Brown’s novels, science-fiction, Isaac Asimov being my favorite, and many others. If it has a compelling plot, and fun characters, I’m game.
What would your advice to be for authors or aspiring in regards to writing?
Enjoy what you do. Don’t force it. I see so many writers out there worrying about how many words they have written. I would rather write one hundred words of good material, then force out three thousand of what would certainly not be my best work.
Writing shouldn’t feel like climbing Mount Everest. You shouldn’t reach the top screaming “I did it!” It should be more like the afterglow of great sex.
Blog Tour: The Godling Chronicles with Brian Anderson