Charles’ current release is the epic fantasy, A CHRONICLE OF ENDYLMYR. Here’s a brief synopsis of the book: “Full of ambition an Eastern despot seeks to control all magical items in the world of the novel.
These items, created in the distant past have become scattered over time, some coming into the possession of the Khan, others into the possession of a primitive pastoral people, and yet others into the possession of the European-like community of Endylmyr, located in the far reaches of the western plains. When the Khan sends armies to seize the devices, the various peoples of the North and West band together to resist, using the magical devices themselves to defeat the Khan’s schemes.
After a few misguided attempts to use the entire collection of magical items, Angmere, the historian, discovers an ancient rhyme that suggests three women are the key to the puzzle. Gwynyr, Hellwydd, and Hilst, acting the part of the three witches of Endylmyr, become a storm that has been brewing over the northern mountains and defeat the Khan’s attempt to seize the city. For the present at least, the peoples and cultures of the woods, steppes and plains are free from the threat of conquest.”
Charles has stopped by to answer some questions about his writing.
Mason: What inspired you to write this book?
Charles: As a former creative writing instructor, one of my sons sent me a story to edit. A character and a magical device in his story caught my imagination. With his permission I used them as the seeds of the novel. His story now forms the prologue, as noted on the cover page.
Mason: Do you have a writing schedule?
Charles: Yes, 8 till noon every day.
Mason: What type of research did you do for the book?
Charles: I read a broad range of cultural and historical studies. As a matter of fact I am still researching, currently reading David W. Anthony’s study of the Indo-European homeland in the Pontic-Caspian steppe.
Mason: What was the best/worst thing about writing?
Charles: The worst was the fear of failure, the best was hearing from those who read the book that it was exciting and entertaining.
Mason: Did you encountered 'writer's block?' If so, how did you overcame it?
Charles: Yes, occasionally. I once overcame it by going snowboarding alone and rediscovered inspiration in the silence of the snowy woods. In other seasons a good walk often sufficed.
Mason: What message would you like readers to take away from your book?
Charles: That love and loyalty can triumph over ambition and greed, and that we must take whatever fate brings and make the best of it, relying on the loyalty of friends and our own skills and strengths to get through.
Mason: What can readers expect next from you?
Charles: They can expect volume II of the “ENDYLMYR” series, already finished and in revision.
Charles, thanks for guest blogging here. Fantasy is one genre I haven’t read very much of, but your book sounds intriguing. Best of luck.
For a bit of background on Charles. He has been fascinated by book reading and writing since a very early age. He had such a deep love for language arts that he began his college career as a French major. However, he soon realized where his passions lied and graduated with B.A. and M.A. degrees in English Literature.
During that time, he also began to experiment with writing poetry. Some of his work was published in small campus magazines, and keeps most of the pieces he wrote stashed away in his bookcase. His love for poetry also led him into a co-editor role with a popular poetry magazine at the University of Wyoming. His love for writing soon had an added benefit as Charles went on to marry the best writer in the advanced composition course he taught there.
Inspired by authors such as James Lee Burke and James Crumley, Charles wrote his first novel, titled INDIAN SUMMER. He wrote two other novels, CRUDE SURGERY and GREEN REAPER, before the pressure of family demands pushed his professional life into another direction before he was able to return to writing again. His book can be purchased at http://outskirtspress.com/achronicleofendylmyr/.
What are your thoughts on the fantasy genre? Here’s a book trailer of A CHRONICLE OF ENDYLMYR. Enjoy.
Charles, thanks for guest blogging here today. Your book is interesting. Wishing you much success with your writing.
ReplyDeleteMason - Thanks for hosting Charles.
ReplyDeleteCharles - What a fascinating premise for a book. I admire folks like you who can create entire worlds and not be bound by the "real one." I wish you much success with A Chronicle of Endylmyr.
I like epic fantasies!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any fantasies, but appreciate the whole process that goes into writing any book. Thanks for sharing your routine and insights here :)
ReplyDeleteI love what he said about the message he would like his readers to receive from the book. I've asked a few writers before in interviews what would they like their readers to learn from their books, and they never gave me an empathic and philanthropic answer so I liked what Charles said here!
ReplyDeleteLike Margot said, I'm impressed by writers who create whole worlds. Good luck with your book. Thanks for hosting him, Mason.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds quite fascinating!!!!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck.
I would love to have his 8-12 schedule. I think I could get a lot more writing done. It's also nice that his son let him use his idea.
ReplyDeleteCD
I like that you've set aside a writing time. I need to do that. I used to write at night after everyone went to bed. Got so much done in the quiet of the night.
ReplyDeleteMy books are set in this world. I would have to keep a "bible" on a fictional world.
I haven't read any of Hall's books yet, but I will definitely start.
ReplyDeleteNancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
Thanks, Charles, for your openness. I could certainly identify with some of your feelings. Lots of luck on the book--and I loved your message behind the story!
ReplyDeleteSylvia Dickey Smith
A War of Her Own