Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Interview with Andrew Q. Gordon, author of The Last Grand Master

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The last grand master Title: The Last Grand Master (Champion of the Gods #1)
Author: Andrew Q. Gordon
Publisher: DSP Publications
Pages: 350
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Paperback/Kindle

 In a war that shook the earth, the Six gods of Nendor defeated their brother Neldin, god of evil. For the three thousand years since, Nendor and the Seven Kingdoms have known peace and prosperity.

 But then a new wizard unleashes the power of Neldin. Meglar, wizard king of Zargon, uses dark magic to create an army of creatures to carry out his master's will.

 One by one, the sovereign realms fall. Soon the only wizard who can stop Meglar is Grand Master Farrell, the Prince of Haven, the hidden home of refugees. An untried wizard, Farrell carries a secret that could hold the key to defeating Meglar-or it could destroy the world.

 While helping Nerti, queen of the unicorns, Farrell saves Miceral, an immortal muchari warrior the Six have chosen to be Farrell's mate. But Farrell approaches love with caution, and before he can decide how to proceed, Meglar invades a neighboring kingdom. Farrell and Miceral find themselves in the middle of the battle. Farrell pushes himself to the limit as he and Miceral fight not only to stop Meglar but for their very survival.

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What part of the writing process is the easiest/hardest for you?

Dialogue is easiest for me. I find I can hear what my characters say so it's easy to jot it down. Trying to "show and don't tell" is the hardest. It's so much easier to just tell folks what I think the characters are thinking/feeling. 

Who is your favorite character (that you’ve written)?

Probably the peregrine brothers, Grohl and Takala from The Last Grand Master. They have this never grow up attitude and they can fly. What's not to like?

Are any of the characters inspired by someone in real life?

Not in this book. There have been other characters in my non-fantasy works that resemble people I know, but generally I avoid writing characters based on people I'm really close to. I'm a crappy liar and don't want to have to say, 'no that's not you' unless I mean it.

If you could jump in to any book and live there, which book would you choose?

The Last Herald Mage series – but only if I could be an Adept – well, even if not, I'd still want to live in Valdemar.  (Yes, I know that's cheating because it's not a 'book', but pick an of the three.)

Describe your book in a tweet (140 characters or less).

The Six Gods of Nendor chose Farrell as their champion to save the world. All he has to do is defeat the dark wizard Meglar - his father.

What was last book you bought.

Greenwode; by J. Tullos Hennig.  I'm looking forward to reading book 2 next.

If you could live someone else’s life for two weeks, whose life would you choose?

David Wright, third basemen for the New York Mets (though my two weeks would have to be during baseball season). I've always wanted to be a pro baseball player and the Mets are my favorite team.

If you could no longer write/read, what hobby/profession/habit would you choose to fill the void?

Play bagpipes or violin – not that I can play either, but I've always wanted thought they'd be cool to play.


Of all the little things and simple pleasures in life, which one do you enjoy most of all?

{Warning, totally sappy moment coming.} Playing with my daughter. Being a parent was something I wanted more than almost anything. There are times when she wants my attention when I'm busy and I tell her no at first. I almost always change my mind when I remember that she'll only be little for such a short time and I need to grab every moment I can.

If you could have a casual, 30-minute conversation by the fireplace with any author, living or dead, who would you choose, and what would you ask?

Samuel Clements/Mark Twain. I don't know what I'd ask him, but I'd just want to hear him speak and take notes.

Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting to the times, he now writes with a shiny new MacBook that he sets on the same desk as his manual typewriter and vintage adding machine. Long a fan of super heroes, wizards and sports, Andrew’s works include high fantasy, paranormal spirits, magic as well as contemporary fiction. He is still trying to find the perfect story that will include all his favorites under one cover. He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his husband, their young daughter and dog.  In addition to dodging some very self-important D.C. ‘insiders’, Andrew uses his commute to catch up on his reading. When not working or writing, he enjoys soccer, high fantasy, baseball and occasionally sleeping.

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Andrew is giving away a Kindle Voyage!

Kindle Voyage
Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one Kindle Voyage.
  • This giveaway begins February 10 and ends on February 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 2.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for hosting me today - these were some interesting questions, I enjoyed answering them.

    ReplyDelete