1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’ve considered myself a writer (small “w”) for as long as I can remember. My father was a professional editor, so I guess an affection for the written word has always been in my blood. My second-grade teacher read a short story I wrote to my entire class when I was 7. But I didn’t consider myself a Writer (capital “W”) until Six Moons, Seven Gods was published. Although my primary career in public service required loads of writing and editing, it’s only since retirement that I have found sufficient time to write for pleasure.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
I’ve been wanting to write novels ever since I was a child. When I finally found time to put pen to paper, Six Moons, Seven Gods is what flowed out. I can’t say there was any specific inspiration, but I was definitely motivated to write a fictional story that would stimulate a variety of emotions in the reader. The movie Camelot had a profound impact on me when I was young; my father read Tolkien to me and my sisters, and later in life I thoroughly enjoyed reading Herbert’s Dune series and Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard series to my son. So I suppose a bit of all that helped to inspire me.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Very few things in life are strictly black and white; the world is filled with shades of gray. Nothing’s quite as simple or self-contained as it first appears or we might like to make it. The same is true of this novel’s plot and its characters.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
Good question! I didn’t sit down thinking, “I’m going to write a fantasy novel.” But when I finally found time to put pen to paper, Six Moons, Seven Gods is what flowed out: fantasy, with tinges of grim dark and romance. Go figure!
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
If I knew the environment was truly safe, I’d sit down with villain Reynard Rochon and ask him how he met his sidekick, Spiro, because I’d like to know what forged the strong bond between them, and what drives their interesting relationship.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Gosh. I wish I could say that one social media site was significantly more helpful than any other, but I have not found that to be the case. That said, I’m still fairly new to the game, so I’m hopeful that a year or two from now I’ll have a better answer!
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Three pieces of advice: first, writing’s a journey. Don’t look too far ahead. Focus on your passion and the here and now. Write, write, write, and enjoy the traveling, one step at a time. Had I known early on what it would take to be published, and all the work involved in getting one’s book into the hands of readers, I might never have finished my first novel, let alone started it. I was so naïve to think that–you know–if you write something worthwhile, someone’s going to want to publish it and people will then read it. Simple, right? The truth, of course, is so much more complex and challenging, regardless of whether you are trying to secure the representation of a traditional publishing firm, or you have decided to self-publish. Unless your intended audience is limited to friends and family, finishing your novel (quite the accomplishment in and of itself) is only half the battle. So my advice is to take it slowly and enjoy the journey—don’t peek too soon or too closely behind the publishing world’s thick curtain lest thatcause you to turn back. Tackled one issue at a time, none of it as overwhelming or intimidating as the big picture first appears; there’s lots of support out there, and if you persevere, all those little challenges just make reaching your destination that much more rewarding. Carry on!
My second counsel is to listen to your heart while you are writing. Mine will generally tell me when I’m on the right track, and when I’ve gotten lost. The characters and scenes that I have been most engaged with during the creative process typically turn out to be those that readers also find most entertaining. So now, when I find myself slogging through some piece that I don’t find particularly exciting or enjoyable to write, I ask myself: why is that? Am I asking the reader to suffer with me? Is there not something I can do to the storyline or character to make writing (and reading) this more entertaining?
Lastly, I strongly suggest that you read your work aloud and slowly, either to yourself or to an interested listener. You’ll be surprised at the number of errors and opportunities that expose themselves. This advice was given me by my father, a professional editor by trade, and I have benefited from it ever since.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’m currently working on the sequel to Six Moons, Seven Gods, and having a lot of fun with that! Folks who want to stay up to date on its progress can subscribe to my newsletter at rawalkerwriting.com!
About the Author
Award-winning author Robert A. Walker grew up in Northwestern Massachusetts. After graduating college, he packed his scant belongings in a car with rusted-out floorboards and headed west. He’s lived in California ever since, and now resides along the Pacific Ocean with his wife and dogs. When not fabricating stories, he can be found roaming local tennis courts or working on a never-ending list of DIY house projects.
