ABOUT RISING LEVIATHAN
Title: Rising Leviathan
Genre: Science Fiction
Author: Austin Dragon
Rising Leviathan is the latest sci-fi thriller in the After Eden series—a dramatic mix of politics, religion, and intrigue. The saga continues in the Russian Bloc (Yes, Russia “owns” Eastern Europe too) in the year 2096 with the inexplicable death of the Russian president. Or was it murder? As one leader falls, a deadly power rises. Will there be war or more than one? The march to the explosion of World War III continues— the first global war of the tek age, a hell we have never seen before.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far
in your life?
Recently, I
am most proud of completing three novels in 13 months as a new author.
How has your upbringing influenced your writing?
It started
with my mother who taught me how to read before I entered kindergarten and
encouraged my love of reading.
When and why did you begin writing?
I wrote my
first book at 3 years old because I wanted to write a book too.
Do you recall how your interest in writing
originated?
(Answered)
When did you first know you could be a writer?
It’s strange because I was writing full novels (mysteries) by
elementary school. After the military, college and a year of living overseas,
“life” happened as I started my career. After almost fifteen years of not
writing any fiction, and to see where I am now, I’m incredulous that I ever
stopped.
What inspires you to write and why?
Everything
does. I get ideas from current events, conversations, spontaneously, all of
sudden, etc. I write in the genres I personally love to read myself.
What genre are you most comfortable writing?
Now it’s
science fiction and I will soon add mysteries, horror, and even political
satire to the list.
What inspired you to write your first book?
It was
supposed to be one of my “projects” for the year, along with skydiving and
skiing. Just write one book, publish it to know the process, and move on. It
has turned into what will be my second career.
Who or what influenced your writing once you
began?
It was
mysteries that were the catalyst for my early writing: Sherlock Holmes and the
Hardy Boys especially were my favorites.
What do you consider the most challenging about
writing a novel, or about writing in general?
For me, it’s
the “business of writing” that is always the most challenging. The good thing
is that writers have more opportunities than ever before. The challenge is that
the pool of writers is larger than ever in history—600,000 new titles each year
according to Forbes. The biggest challenge for any writer is discoverability to
readers.
Did writing
this book teach you anything and what was it?
Do you intend to make writing a career?
Absolutely!
I write fast and I can write in multiple genres.
Have you developed a specific writing style?
Not sure
about that yet since I’ve been immersed in only one series so far.
What is your
greatest strength as a writer?
Speed (and
no shortage of ideas).
What is your favorite quality about yourself?
My
dedication.
What is your least favorite quality about
yourself?
Slightly
work-aholic.
What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
(The Serenity
Prayer) “Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, he
courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the
difference.” – Reinhold
Niebuhr, Theologian,
…and “The only thing necessary for the triumph
of evil is for good men to do nothing.” –Edmund
Burke, statesman
Both
encapsulate my world view.
ABOUT AUSTIN DRAGON