Day 2 of the CSFF Blog tour with Wayne Thomas Batson is here. As promised, here's the whole enlightening interview along with some of Wayne's digital art.
1. What is your favorite part about writing in this genre?
My favorite aspect of traditional fantasy is that within it you have noble heroes. These men and women (or creatures, lol), while not perfect, embody all that is good and right. They are willing to take on the forces of evil, to venture forth when they could stay home, to risk all when they could hoard, to aid the defenseless, to stand for the right thing--even when it is not the popular opinion. This is what captured me about the fantasy genre.
I know that a lot of the more contemporary fantasy titles that have garnered much acclaim have left this aspect behind. It's grittier and more visceral. You have antiheroes, as well as, protagonist villains. Some argue that this is the way fantasy ought to be because it better represents the struggle of mankind. I disagree. You look at the people we revere in real life--they are the noble men and women who overcome adversity, often sacrificing much to achieve something marvelous. I'm planning a fantasy novel right now that I hope will have those noble quests and feats of courage that we all aspire to.
2. Do you have a favorite character in your series and if so who is it and why?
Tough question, like choosing among your children. Captain Valithor is certainly one of my favorites. He is as tough as they come, blustery and cantankerous. He blisters the backside of the knights he trains, using colorful epithets like, "Hold, thou weedy, weatherbeaten wagtail!" And yet, he has a tender heart.
3. If you could chose any world to live in, fantasy or otherwise, what would it be and why?
Middle Earth in Hobbiton, would be my choice. Aside from my height, I think I am a hobbit. LOL I love the fellowship between Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippen. I love that their lives are simple and fulfilling. I could easily get used to that kind of living.
4. Who is your hero?
I know this will sound odd, especially after my first answer, but I don't really have a hero. There are people I look up to and respect greatly: my father, my mom, my pastor, my wife, etc. But to call God my hero falls far short of what He means to me. He's my savior. He's my King. His thought sustains me and keeps my heart beating. He is far more than a hero.
5. What do you want readers to take away from the story?
I want readers to come face to face with the big questions of life. Why am I here? Do I have a purpose? Does anyone really care about me? Do my decisions in this life matter? I set out to tell an adventure tale, one that would entertain, but also make readers wonder if there might just be more to life than what meets the eyes.
Be sure to check out Wayne's The Door Within Trilogy:
The Door Within
Rise of the Wyrm Lord
The Final Storm
And don't forget to enter the New Contest! Just click on the link at the top of the side bar. Refer friends and earn extra enteries in the drawing.
A.
4 comments:
April, thanks for posting my art here on your site. I created all the images with Bryce 3D software. Post render with Appleworks.
Awesome job, April! I've been doing the tour to see what comments are ou there and I love the layout with the questions.
I'd like to be Legolas-a warrior elf. But you are right, elves and such are far too serious and it would be nice to relax and unwind with the hobbits:)
Eve
April, I agree with Eve--nice layout. I like the way the art is interspersed with the questions. Great interview.
Becky
Thank you Eve and Becky! Glad you enjoyed it. Wayne had great answers, didn't he? Letting me post his art was a nice touch as well.
I would definitely chose to be an elf. Arwen and Legolas... how can it get any better than that? They're beautiful, graceful, wise... Unfortunately I'm more like a hobbit, big feet included. They're just not hairy. Oh wait, was that too much information? Sorry. :)
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