Emperor Hon, Dawn Of The Awakening (Book II) received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Raymond Springer.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Emperor Hon, Dawn Of The Awakening (Book II).
What’s the book’s first line?
Zachary emerged from slumber and into the reality of his life.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Supernatural abilities that haven’t been seen on Earth in 7000 years come to life through generically engineered teenage kids raised to be fighters. Cripple and wheelchair bound, Zachary’s confinement within self-proclaimed Emperor Hon’s Place is only one of his struggles. Aging at four times the speed of other humans, he and the other kids are cadets in Hon’s Academy. Watching his brothers and sisters learning the art of the warrior makes him yearn to be among them. Four years have passed since his abduction, Zachary’s rival, Victor- The Flame Master- views Zachary as inferior and refuses to play nice. Town between who he is and who he wants to be, Zachary must decide whether to use his abilities that terrify him, or allow Victor to do as he may.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I always thought I had the ability to create a great story. I never had the confidence to move forward with putting pen to paper. Later in life, the stories would create in my mind. I needed to learn to hone the craft and create characters to tell my stories that my over-imaginative mind conjured.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Read this series if you have an interest in Angelic lore or what if thoughts of Christianity and only if you can give creative license to the writer.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Zachary, the main character, after thinking about it, I would say reminds me of…me. He is handicap with supernatural abilities which make him superhuman. He cares too much, yet at times wants to walk away from it all. I am a Police Officer by trade and can understand.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
I would love to see the series into a movie or miniseries. Zachary could be played by any teen star with a little extra weight and a bright smile.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I decided to become an author at an early age, but as stated, never had the confidence or training. I have studied under Jerry Jinkins and his writing guild as well as attended many writing classes and this is my forth novel with many to follow.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am a Deputy Sheriff of 20 years and 4 years in the US Army prior to that. I aspire to become a full time writer soon.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I try to spend about 15 hours per week either writing or editing.
What’s the hardest part of being an indie?
The hardest part of being Indie is…not the lack of advertisement or views, not the sales either. I think the hardest part of any author’s journey is the confidence. It takes time and much feedback, both good and bad.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
I am not one to give advice, but I would say to any new author: vomit out and clean it up later. Get all the story on paper and take all the time you need to fix it. It’s not a painting and therefore subject to change.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I am with a traditional publisher, Black Rose Writing. While small, they have developed a relationship and therefore I have loyalty to them. I don’t need to have anything bigger.
Is there something in particular that motivates you?
I am motivated by my books becoming the best they can be. They are kinda like my children.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
C.S. Lewis is the writer I have the most admiration for.