Blogger Book Fair Marches On with Dan O’Brien
The next brave, brave man to be featured here on my super-pink site is Dan O’Brien, author of The Path of the Fallen. This super-good sport (and apparently sport-lover, if his blog is evidence) has gamely answered my usual questions and provided an excerpt for your reading pleasure. Take a look and then make use of all the social media links to keep an eye on his future projects. It’s my turn to shut up and Dan’s turn to talk.
About Dan O’Brien
I have been writing novels for over a decade and had a couple published by traditional, small houses. Riding the self-publishing boom, I have four books in print that are available in paperback or e-book format. If you are interested in reading them, I am always open to sending out samples (or PDFs) to those who are interested.
I was born on the east coast and spent most of my life moving around. I recently settled into California where I am a graduate student in Experimental Psychology. I was a fitness trainer and am a lifelong student of martial arts. I write a little bit of everything and have lately been focusing on a few new novels, continuing some series and embarking on a screenplay binge.
Hope to hear from other avid readers and novelists out there.
Interview
As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”
It is about a young man who learns what it takes to be a hero.
Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote? Can you tell us about it?
I wrote a play for my cousin when I was 6 or 7. I don’t recall what it was about, but I do remember creating little characters on Popsicle sticks.
Do you prefer plaid or stripes?
Plaid.
Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before?
I started out in traditional publishing and transitioned to independent publishing because of the flexibility.
Are you working on anything new at the moment?
Always. Sequels, new novels, you name it.
Do you have any rituals before writing? Music or silence? Coffee or tea? Twizzlers or M&Ms?
Music. Tea. Chocolate.
Have you ever based a character on someone you know?
I have an entire novella based on people I know….
What color is your umbrella?
Black.
Who is your favorite author and why?
Hemmingway because, well, he was Hemmingway.
What was the last book you read?
Dance of Dragons by George. R. R. Martin
Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research? Or do you make up entire settings in your head?
A little of both. The Lauren Westlake mysteries are set in places I have lived, but I love to do some research as well for the details.
After the last word is written, then what? Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over? Do you begin query letters immediately?
I generally have some beta readers, a laundry list of marketing points, and the broad strokes of a publishing plan.
What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?
“Numb” by Linkin Park
Where can people find your book?
Wherever books are sold. It is available as an e-book and in print.
Can we read a little excerpt?
You absolutely can.
Leane rose from her seat with a startling quickness. She was upon the inebriated Fredrick with three long steps, her hand slapping him before he could utter another word. The sting drew a rueful look from the childish Fredrick.
“You will never speak of Ry––Fe’rein like that,” snarled Leane; her true words almost revealed. She recovered and drew back. Her hands disappeared into the folds of her layered dress once more. The darkened shawl around her shoulders made it so only her face and hair were visible.
“But you hate him.”
The slap came again, this time with renewed force. Fredrick’s eyes were glassy as a flush faded over his cheeks. He looked at Leane with wide eyes.
Leane watched him with a hawk-like gaze. Her sharp eyes dared him to speak again. “You will do well to remember your words here, Fredrick. Your opinions would be best kept to yourself.” Her breathing slowed as she fought to regain her calm.
Fredrick looked from E’Malkai to the others, and then bowed awkwardly. His arms were plastered along his sides, his voice wavering as he spoke. “Pardon my drunkenness, Leane ilsen. I knew not what I spoke. Please allow me to retire to my personal residence.”
Leane nodded as Fredrick passed. He flashed a beleaguered grimace to each individual who he passed and disappeared out the door.
About The Path of the Fallen
The world is broken. The coming of the Intelligence pushed the remnants of humanity deep into the tundra. What remained was a vast sea of ice and the machine city, Culouth. E’Malkai Armen, descendent of the Fallen, has been a citizen of Culouth his entire life. A bitter betrayal, and the inception of a war that will destroy millions of lives, forces E’Malkai to confront the past and undertake a pilgrimage that is his by birthright. As he travels to the cold tundra of the north, the realm prepares for war. The Path of the Fallen is a lonely and arduous path, but it must be walked for the sake of all mankind.