Tell our readers briefly about yourself.
I am happily married for over thirty years, with four children and a dog. I also have my two mother-in-laws living in my basement. I have held a number of jobs, from construction in college, to accounting, technology and now IT Audit. Throughout it all I had a story in my head that I decided to put down on paper during Covid. With a lot of support from my family and friends, book one is ready to be published.
What books do you have available?
The first book in my The Knights’ Trials series, Alliandre Rising is going through the line edit and proofing. Book two is written, and just beginning the editing process.
Can you tell us about your most recent release?
It begins an epic fantasy story about a young man who wishes to become a knight, so he can court his love, the princess Marion the Virtuous. There are many obstacles in his way, including his orphan status, an arrogant knight, as well as his own temper. He has trained for two years to compete in the Grand Melee at the Central Kingdom’s Royal Jubilee. If he wins, tradition demands that he be knighted. But to get to the Grand Melee, he must first do well in the Open Melee, where all of the other adventurers and wannabe knights compete. The ending of the Grand Melee is not what he expects, however.
Do you stay in one genre when you write, or do you find yourself veering toward others?
Currently I am staying in the fantasy genre, but I have often thought of writing a military science fiction novel. I don’t really see myself veering away from those two genres, however. Sci-fi and fantasy are what I read, so that is where I am most comfortable.
Are you a panster, planner, or someone in between?
Like most people, probably somewhere in between. I have to have an outline of each book, including the order of events, which chapters contain which storylines, etc. in order to get started. But then I just start writing and things change. 😊
What is your writing routine like?
I do not really have a routine. I write whenever I get in the mood, but mainly early mornings and weekends.
Tell me about your favorite character that you’ve created?
It may be Aeris. Of course, my main characters are fun, but I have plans for Aeris which I hope I can execute as well as they are in my head.
Where do you get your ideas for world building?
I think Tolkien is a huge influence on everyone my age, maybe everyone period. But my world is primarily based on my friend’s D&D world, which we played during high school and college, like forty years ago. (Yes, I am old) I have added things and changed things, but the core is still his. Thankfully he is OK with me stealing from him.
Do you add romance to your writing?
I try to, but I am a guy, so it likely comes across as clumsy. But the core of the books is a love story, as well as a prophesy becoming realized.
What was your favorite scene to create?
The interaction between Victor and his former teacher was a lot of fun. I got to exploit the stereotype absent minded wizard, without having it be a major part of the storyline. It is so cliché that I didn’t want one of my characters having those traits, but I thought it was a proper homage to the trope. I also enjoyed the courting scenes with Fairwind. It was kind of hard to show the flirting and innuendoes, but I am pretty happy with the results. Evidently so is she.
Where do you get character inspiration?
Base characters are all from my D&D days in high school and college. They are adapted from the characters of my friends (and mine too). Of course, D&D doesn’t translate really well, so they are very different in total, but again, the core of them is totally ripped off. I was told that amateurs imitate while professionals steal outright, so I stole everything I could. And happily, none of them minded.
What genre do you prefer to read?
Non-fiction I read mostly history. I am fascinated by other cultures and traditions. Fiction, it is pretty much science fiction and fantasy. I shy away from romance.
Do you have any specific authors you follow and try to craft your work after?
I am not good enough to try and imitate anyone. The authors who have inspired me are Thomas Kratman, David Weber, Brandon Sanderson. In my younger days it was David Eddings, The Belgariad Series; Elizabeth Moon, Deeds of Paksenarrion; of course, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis; Stephen R. Donaldson, The Thomas Covenant series, Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon Riders of Pern. My apologies if I got any of the names wrong. Funny story about The Thomas Covenant series. I bought one of my friends book three in the second trilogy. He ended up buying the rest so he could read them, and then I borrowed his copies and read them. He gives me a hard time to this day about it.
Do you have any recurring themes in your book?
Honor and valor, doing what is right, and learning. Also, lots of sword fighting.
What does your editing process look like?
I just re-read the book a bunch of times. I also have my friend Roger read them and go through them critically (He is an English teacher, so he is used to grading writing projects) Then I use professional editors for editorial, developmental, mechanical and proofing. It is really expensive, but I want to make sure I put out the best product I can.
Do you have a preferred drink or snack that you eat/drink while writing?
Bourbon. I also like... Nope, just bourbon.
When is your favorite time of day to write and why?
Mornings. It is quiet in the house, and I am usually rested so my mind is fresh.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Carribean. We leave Minnesota in February and go somewhere warm. Hopefully the books sell really well, and I can move down their full time.
Marvel or DC? Do you have a favorite character?
Marvel, duh. 😊 Wolverine was always my favorite, because he would actually kill the bad guys. I also really like Thor, Iron Man and Silver Surfer. At one time I had subscriptions to four or five Spiderman titles. It was ridiculous, and unfortunately ended up turning me off of spiderman.
What hobbies do you have?
I like to do landscaping and projects around the house. I used to do some smithing and was in SCA for several years when I was younger. Wife and kids restricted my participation in those through the years. Now I just drink and yell at kids to get off my lawn. Usually, they are my kids.
What is something your readers don’t know about you or something unique about yourself? My readers know nothing about me. Bwaaa hahahaha. I once got completely away with a breaking and entering, removing a conversion van from a parking garage that was closed. (It was my van) The guy I was with was quite impressed that I was able to disable the latch so quickly. I also have a full set of lock picks and used to be really good at getting into locked doors and cabinets.
What defines success for you as an author?
Finishing a book.
What is your work space like? A three season porch with a desk, 50 inch monitor, my Dell Alienware computer, and a bunch of clutter. A clean desk is the sign of a sick mind.
Do you have a selfcare routine that you follow?
I have an occasional cigar with a good friend of mine, along with a glass of bourbon and we talk about whatever. Good therapy. I also talked my wife into getting a small spa, so I sit outside in it whenever I get the chance.
What advice would you share with new or aspiring authors?
Figure out if you are a plotter or a pantser, then write. I like to break it up into scenes but have an idea of what information you want to deliver to further your plot, or foreshadow later events, and then find the best way to get it into your story.
Where can our readers find you?
Saint Michael, MN, or at the Villa Bar & Grill in Albertville, MN. I also have a Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/961093611441401
Author Website - www.wyvernsaerie.com
Book Website - www.knightstrials.com
E-mail - danielemyers65@gmail.com
Book e-mail - dan@knightstrials.com
Author e-mail - author@wyvernsaerie.com