Total Pageviews

Sunday 30 June 2013

A VERY WARM WELCOME on my blog today to the Book Tour of author Garry Rogers discussing his latest book 'Corr Syl The Warrior'.

Let's start with a spotlight on his latest creation and a brief insight into Garry's own story. I then asked Garry some questions from one author to another and here you can learn of his unique approach to the art of writing a book. I hope you enjoy his answers as much as I did ...

Finally - don't forget the Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Corr Syl the WarriorCorr Syl The Warrior by Garry Rogers

When an armed patrol crosses the border into Wycliff District, the Wycliff Council sends Corr Syl to investigate and recommend a response. Corr soon learns that spies have infiltrated his district, and already many lives are at risk. He catches a glimpse of something truly evil, and with no time to spare, must choose between a safe response that might fail, and a sure response that might start a global war.

Where you can purchase this book?

About the Author 

Garry Rogers has a PhD in Physical Geography.  He taught at Columbia University and UCLA, and currently serves as President of the Agua Fria Open Space Alliance, Inc.  He has published three nonfiction books, and hundreds articles in peer-reviewed science journals and conference proceedings.  He is currently working on a sequel to his debut novel Corr Syl the Warrior, and a second volume on Arizona wildlife.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW



Are you a full time author or do you have another job as well and if so how do either or these fit in with writing time?

During the day, I write, handle social media contacts, and take care of a few chores for the Agua Fria Open Space Alliance, Inc. for which I serve as President.  Writing is my main job.

Do you write on your novel daily or do you try to have days off?

I average about 28 days of writing per month.  I usually focus on one book for a month or two and then switch to another.  The days off are spent camping. 

Do you go back to published books and want to change them in any way?

I always find things I want to change.  One of the great things about independent publishing is that it is easy to make changes.   

What do you think is the most effective marketing is for your books?

A traditional publisher (a university press) published my first two books.  They were both technical nonfiction.  I decided to publish my debut novel myself, and that changes the marketing opportunities somewhat.  Since good reviews require good writing, the main marketing tool any author has is quality writing.  There a problem that is especially important for indie authors.  Since it is unlikely that all reviewers will agree on the quality of a book, it is necessary to have multiple reviews.  For new authors, this is a challenge.  You meet this challenge with flashy book covers, book giveaways, social media marketing on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, LibraryThing, and others.  If you don't get any good reviews, you probably should begin reworking your book.

If you have a ‘baddy’ in your book, can you tell us a little about this character?

I have four bad characters in my book.  The first to appear is the worst.  Gifted with extreme intelligence, the character grew up in very harsh conditions where there was no family and no friend.  She lived in constant fear and, at first, constant hunger.  She learned to use others for defense and for food, and she learned to have fun with them, not as friends, but as toys.  Once fear, food, and fun melded in her mind, she became truly evil.

Is there any romance in your story and if so can you tell us a little about this?

The protagonist, the warrior Corr Syl, is attracted to Rhya Bright, a compatible though slightly younger warrior in training.  For Corr, Rhya is a heart stopper.  Rhya considers Corr the perfect companion, but she thinks he is too advanced to date as an equal.  To protect her sense of honor, she avoids, ignores, and rebuffs Corr relentlessly.  His approaches and failures are so frequent that they become a source of amusement for Corr's closest friends and many others in his community.  Daily, Corr gives up and then decides to try again.  

If you have to write any fighting scenes, what are your best tips of how you create them?

I have several combat scenes, but I'm not sure I can offer many tips.  I research the moves and the weapons, and then I go through the motions to try to make sure that what I describe is possible.  Martial artists have questioned my accuracy, but I think they tend to view everything in human terms.  My characters are faster and stronger than humans are.

Do you ever write sad scenes and do you feel the sadness as you write it?

Sure.  Imagining an injury or death in real life can cause melancholy.  It is no different in fiction.  This is probably truer for the author than the reader. 

Is your world in your book like earth or is it a fantasy world?

I try to make sure that everything I write is possible according to what we know now.  Some things may turn out to be impossible.  When science reaches that point, I'll just have to come back and revise my story. 

What is the time period setting of your latest book?

The story is set in our present, but it is on an Earth with a different history.

Do you prefer to write as a series or one off books?

I want to write a few more books within the framework I created for "Corr Syl the Warrior."  I have begun a sequel, but I haven't decided what will follow that.  I have several ideas for tangential stories that might be books three and four.

Do you like to use lots of subplots or do you think just confuses?

I like subplots when they fit well.  I certainly see no reason to let them cause confusion.

Can you tell us a little about one of your sub plots in your latest book?

The protagonist's first friend is embarrassed by an accident and behaves cruelly in retaliation.  The cruelty is repeated and becomes a habitat that continues into adulthood with tragic consequences.  For a long time the protagonist feels responsible and guilty because he did not intervene when the two friends were children.  He believes he could have helped his friend correct the behavior in those early years before anything bad happened.

Can you tell us a little about your protagonist and your antagonist and how they relate to each other?

The protagonist, Corr Syl, is young, has talent and potential, but is not ready for the adult responsibilities that are thrust upon him.  How he copes and how he changes are important elements of the story.

There are several antagonists.  The one with the greatest potential to cause harm is Aaron Li, a wise old human who has carried on his father's hatred and desire for revenge throughout his long life.  Li inherited and developed great military power and alliances, and has built has a secret force of assassins that has global reach.  Actions by Corr Syl could trigger the deployment of these forces.

How do you think you would feel if you received a really bad review that seemed justified?

Bad reviews are painful.  I have had reviews that blended a personal attack with harsh criticism of every flaw.  If the reviewer is right about something, however, improvements can be made in either the work reviewed, or in future works.

Do you think all readers should do reviews to help the writers improve?

It is up to the reader.  When I began reading, I could hardly say more than I liked or really liked a story.  If you don't think about the individual elements of a story, general responses might be as far as you ever go.  But if you notice something you like, or that you feel is wrong, you should be kind to your author and report it.

When you receive reviews, do you find yourself influenced to make changes?

Sure, some times.  I think some review comments reflect differences in personal preference.  I try to respect these, but I wouldn't make a change I disagreed with.  Occasionally there will be comments based on misinterpretations.  Only if the misinterpretation were made by several readers would I consider making a change.



No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for visiting my author blog. I hope you will consider becoming a member. I also have a Website totally dedicated to my fantasy world of Aarabassa. Pop along if you have the time http://www.onewomansquest.co.uk/