Everyone knows that the holiday season is about giving. With Saturday Spotlight I am able to give all year round. Help me support these lesser-known authors and get their novels into the hands of more readers! Take a chance on something new this holiday season.

I am normally happy but today I am extra happy! I am able to bring to you an exclusive interview with a new author who has never been interviewed before! Today, I am talking with James Stevens!

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About the Author

James H. Stevens is a US Army disabled veteran, devoted father and husband, and debut author. As a former soldier, Stevens combined his firsthand experiences in the US Army and his lifelong enthusiasm for all things fantasy in this magnificently multifaceted story of magic and friendship. The relationships and bonds he made with his fellow soldiers add to the richly layered characters that fill each page. Stevens is an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. Tromping through streams and rivers and enjoying nature are just a few of his loves in life; the first is his wife, who, although not a fan of fantasy, supports his passion for writing. Calling Northern Virginia home, he and his wife split their time between raising their children and building their careers. Fern Majestic and the Fall of a Dragon is his first novel.

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James’s Novel

 

Fern Majestic and the Fall of a Dragon

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Interview

Welcome to The Bibliophagist James! I am very happy to have this honor of having you here today. Before we get some crazy fans angry that I am not getting on with the interview, let’s continue.

I understand your novel is doing very well. How are you adjusting to being an author? What has been the biggest change? Tell us a little about your publishing journey.

Ah, adjusting to Author-hood… let’s just say that it’s been one hell-of-a-ride thus far. I think the most drastic change would be the social contact that now plays a massive part in my life. As an introvert, I’m being forced to become an ambivert. I think such a change would be difficult for anyone to adjust to; though, I will say it’s becoming easier with time. The publishing process was grueling. I love writing, but going through the rollercoaster ride of editing, illustrating, editing again, marketing, editing some more, waiting for the first pdf of your book, then, yes… editing for the final time, can make you second guess your decision to get published. With that said, once the fiery inferno has been traversed and you sit at home anxiously awaiting the arrival of your love, pain, sweat, blood, and tears, to appear in a neatly packaged box… it’s all worth it. To hold that crisp new hardback copy of your own work… to smell the fresh pages as you flip through thousands of your own words… it’s indescribable.

It would be a big adjustment, that is for sure. I can imagine what a shock it is to have so many people give such positive feedback on your book. It can be stressful going through the many stages of editing, but I think the rewards finally pays off in the end when you are holding that book in your hands.

Can you tell readers a little about your inspiration for Fern Majestic? How did the story idea come to you? What was your inspiration?

My muse. Simple. My children were my inspiration for Fern Majestic and The Fall of a Dragon; I wrote the story for them. My youngest son was the spark plug. He came to me one day and asked a simple question, “Dad, how do you start a story?” I answered with the introductory paragraph of my book. He loved it so much that he begged me to continue writing. Once my other two children became involved, the rest is history. They’re the ones that pressured me into publishing the story. And if my book fails… I will blame them. LOL! With all that said, my father, instilled the love of fantasy in me. From a young age, Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien, was my fantasy bible. I still own the copies that my father handed down.

Kids are such a driving force in many of our lives. I find it admirable that you wrote this for them. My older son always asks about my work in progress. He even asked me one day if I wanted to be a mermaid because I liked them so much, he thinks that because I am always finding mermaid inspiration for my novel.

That being said, if they pushed you to publish I suppose it is fair that if it fails it is on them. However, I do not see your book failing anytime soon. It is already loved by many and I believe it will continue to gain followers.

I know many want to know…Is there a sequel in the works? Can you tell us anything about it?

This answer will be brief. Yes, there is a sequel in the works; I’m hoping it will debut this time next year. I will not reveal any content just yet. But as you might know, the Twitter universe will get updates as the release date comes nearer.

This is exciting news! I know many fans will be happy to hear it. So, if you are a fan…be sure to follow James on Twitter and keep up to date with his posts.

What was the biggest struggle you came across while writing Fern Majestic? How did you overcome it?

My biggest struggle was learning the ropes. I am a new writer in every sense of the word… and I’m still learning. I am a dad that wrote a story for his kids and was fortunate enough to have it published. I do not claim to be a Pulitzer prize-winning author nor do I ever anticipate becoming one. But I will continue to better my writing.

I love that you wrote this for your kids. I too think that learning the ropes of writing is difficult. There are many, many rules that you learn as you write but the best way to get better is to practice.

If you could spend time with a character from your book who would it be? What would you do during the day?

Although Fern is the MC of my story, Garrick would be my hangout buddy. His childlike innocence and lovable personality are intoxicating. Most likely, we would spend the day relaxing by the creekside fishing for trout and conversing about nothing.

This is the exact response I would expect from a father! I think it sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day.

If you could ask one successful author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be and who would you ask?

This is a difficult question. I would ask Tolkien, and not for the sake of the question, but just to speak to the grandfather of fantasy. R.I.P. Gandalf!! I ‘do me’ when it comes to my writing… as I believe everyone should. Of course, everyone has their influences that shape how they write. But I have my own system of how I take notes, brainstorm, outline, etc. I believe everyone is unique.

Yes! I too believe everyone is unique and nobody should be chastised for the way they write their novel. There are rules some follow, but rules are meant to be broken right? I think that writing is personal and different for everyone. To your response, who wouldn’t want to talk with Tolkien?!

What is your favorite dragon-themed book? Movie?

The one that started it all! The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. And I know it was obvious, but I can’t deny it. As far as movies are concerned, it is not the current Peter Jackson debacle of The Hobbit that holds my favor. It’s the 1980’s classic RankinBass cartoon that captures my heart. Although Smaug was not the idyllic dragon, nor the focus of the entire story, The Hobbit still began my fascination with dragons.

I have to say that I agree. Smaug was still one of my favorite parts of The Hobbit and always will be.

Anyone who follows you on twitter knows you love dragons…doesn’t everyone? Well, you post some really amazing dragon themed items…we are wondering…why don’t you ever post links for these items? Where do you find all of these?

This is a funny question for me because I never know if people truly care about my tweets. Many of the dragon items shown are internet finds; some I’ve actually seen in person. Maybe I’ll start posting links to accompany the dragon tweets… maybe. 😉

I know a few people who would love to see links to these awesome items! My husband being one of them, so long as he can keep his credit card hidden while looking. I know I am not the only one who follows your tweets and looks forward to getting a daily dose of dragon items.

What has been your favorite dragon-themed item you have come across? That you own?

Although I have many dragon themed decor and items, my favorite is a red dragon statue that I purchased when my youngest son was born. He has been my biggest fan and true inspiration; the dragon is a constant reminder of how much I love my kids.

I love that so much. Kids are truly the best supporters and full of innocence. If you see this at a signing event, don’t be surprised…he takes it to each one with him as a reminder!

You are always interacting with fans and we love it. What advice would you give new authors who find it daunting to interact with fans on social media on a regular basis?

It’s a ton of work and time consuming, but… if you want your story read, you have to make yourself known, even if it’s only to a few thousand people on social media. Word of mouth travels fast.

I agree with the word of mouth part! It is time consuming for sure, but well worth it when you see your followers and fan counts increasing. I can only imagine how good it feels when your sales begin to increase also!

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Giveaway

Now that you are all rushing to buy his book…here is a chance to win a free SIGNED copy! Are you screaming or am I? There is one catch, it will not be available to ship to you until February because he is currently making some changes, by that I mean making it even more awesome that it already was. Because of this, I am going to run the giveaway longer than the typical week. The giveaway will begin today and entries will close at midnight on December 31st! That gives everyone plenty of time to get those entries in to win this amazing prize!

He has also told me that there will be no residential restrictions so International people may enter to win as well.

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