Author Interview,  Book Tour,  Books,  Giveaway

Introducing J. R. Wagner! + Giveaway of Exiled!

Hey Guys!
As promised I am here today with a glorious interview with J. R. Wagner for his newly released book Exiled
I also have ONE copy of the book to GIVEAWAY to one lucky person! Contest is for US participants only, simply fill out the rafflecopter below.

Hello J. R. Wagner, welcome to A Daydreamer’s Thoughts! Let’s start with the basics, tell us a little bit about yourself, anything you would like your readers to know.

I am the husband of a wonderful wife, the father of two wonderful daughters. The rest is just details.

Brilliant! And how long have you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve wanted to be a writer since the first grade.

Okay, so when you’re not typing away at the keyboard coming up with new ideas, what do you do?
I have a day job working with my brother in our family business. I stay healthy by competing in triathlons and adventure races.  I also enjoy working on the landscaping at my house.  I, of course, read as often as possible and enjoy a good movie.

So now we know more about you, what about your novel? What is it all about?

Exiled is the first book in a series called The Never Chronicles.  It begins with the main character, James being banished to the sorcerer’s version of Alcatraz –called The Never.  Throughout the novel we follow James as he attempts to escape The Never.  Every other chapter (think ‘Lost’) provides back-story.  It takes a versatile and creative mind to appreciate this structure.  It is not your typical linear fantasy novel.  The payoff as things begin to come together from past and present is much more dramatic and enjoyable (in my humble opinion).  The story is littered with foreshadowing, hints and clues. If you enjoy a book with a little more depth, Exiled is for you.

The concept of this novel seems really interesting, is there a story behind the inspiration for it?
Exiled started with a single scene (the opening scene) and quickly grew from there.  I believe the inspiration came from multiple sources.  Lost certainly had an influence in how I structured the story but I can’t give it all the credit.  As anyone with ADHD will tell you, it isn’t easy to focus on a single task for very long.  When I completed a chapter, I needed to switch gears and write from a different perspective.  So does that mean the layout is a result of my inability to focus?  No.  After I had written the first draft, I considered making the entire story linear but I just couldn’t do it –it didn’t feel right.  I like the challenge and I hope the readers will as well.  The Never –the place where James is exiled, is inspired from multiple influences including Robinson Caruso, Peter Pan, Lord of the Flies and many others.


Yeap, definitely interesting! Can you tell us a little something about the protagonist?
James carries a heavy burden. He has nearly his entire life.  Considering he is expected to be the savoir of his kind, he’s developed into a rather normal fifteen-year-old (normal is relative). There are times when he lets the weight of this burden get the best of him and times when he uses it to empower him.  He is very human in this regard.  It becomes quickly apparent that he cannot escape this burden even when he is banished to The Never.  He must choose to rise or fold under its weight. 


And, does the antagonist have any pet peeves? 
Alvaro is a very complicated man.  We get glimpses into what kind of man but they are fleeting at best. The greatest antagonists hold their cards close. 


Were there any moments in the book that you loved writing? Could you tell us about them?
Yes, there were several chapters where the words just spilled out of me and onto the keyboard.  Chapter seven is a good example.  They seemed to increase as the story progressed –there were many moments in book 2, which I’d written at the same time (It was originally one book but the length was far too long for a first-time-author in this genre and target audience.).


Do you know how many books will be in this series, or are you waiting to see where it takes you?

I truly don’t know where the story will take me.  I have an idea of where James will find himself in the end but how he gets there … that’s still stuck in my brain somewhere. Even my idea for James may not pan out because I always let the story take me where it will.


When your creativity is running low, what do you do to find inspiration again?

I may be considered a creative freak, but I have the opposite problem.  Too many ideas and not enough time to see them through. 

You’re often run writing competitions, do you have one running at the moment? Or if not, when will the next one be?
I currently am running a short story contest.  The deadline is July 10th.  I’ve already got two entries (they usually come flooding in the final week).  Details can be found on my website: www.theneverchronicles.com

And finally, do you have any advice for any aspiring writers out there?

Write every day –something, anything.  Don’t expect to accomplish anything without working harder than you ever thought you could.  It’s a new and exciting time to be an author.  Take advantage of it.  Be on the cutting edge.  Write a blog. Build a following and if writing is something you truly love, keep fighting for your dream. Oh, check out www.figment.com too.


and a quick fire round;


ebooks or hard copies? 
both 
day or night? Insanely 
early morning 
reading or writing? 
writing 
paper or computer? 
computer 
tea or coffee? 
tea 
favourite book of the moment? 
The Knife of Never Letting Go –Patrick Ness 
most memorable book? 
The Hobbit –J. R. R. Tolkien

Thank you J. R, it was lovely to get to know you better! Thank you for talking with me.



Now that you’ve read his answers, and my review of Exiled, you can enter the giveaway to have a chance at winning the great book!


Contest is open to US only
Please follow my giveaway policy
The book will be shipped by JKS Communications and I hold no responsibility for the shipping.
There is a FREE ENTRY. No following of anyone is required to win but if you do, chances of winning will be higher.
Winner will be chosen by the Rafflecopter and e-mailed. They have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.
GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *