Could You Tell Us About Yourself ?

Acclaimed fantasy author of the Lands of Wanderlust series. His epic fantasy adventure novels are a mix of high-impact battle scenes with a healthy portion of sobering moments of personal revelations. His books are recommended for readers who enjoy Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Dragonlance, or D&D.

When he’s not writing fantasy, he’s bladesmithing, taking seasonal work as a game developer, enjoying a beverage (coffee, wine, or rum are at the top of the list), cultivating a healthy lifestyle, walking the beach, playing D&D, tabletop games with friends, enjoying a lovely anime with his sweetheart, and in general doing his best to live a cozy, happy life.

What is the first book you remember reading?

I do remember reading the Redwall series when I was young, though the first book I remember picking off the library shelf myself and reading unprompted was C.S. Friedman’s Coldfire Trilogy. I was twelve, and I still think that was one of the most formative, maturing moments in my reading experience. It hooked me, taught and advised me, and really supported me during a very influential time of growth. I’ve read regularly ever since.

An honorary mention would be R.A. Salvatore’s Drizzt Trilogy.

What’s your favourite book?

Well that’s not an easy question. I’ll reword the question slightly to: ‘What’s your favorite book currently?’ In that case, Frank Herbert’s Dune is at the top of my list currently. I love the attention he put into his worldbuilding. The politics and societies and such were great, and I also really enjoyed the characters.

Another series I’m reading is the Elric of Melniboné fantasy series by Michael Moorcock. Elric is one of my favorite fantasy characters that just drips with the cool factor. Also, one of my favorite artists, Brom, did a few of the book covers and side art, which remain one of my favorite portrait pieces.

How many hours a day do you write?

This fluctuates depending on deadlines, but typically, three to four hours daily. The other part of the day involves marketing, working with contractors for book art, audio readings, editing, etc. It’s a full-time job at this point, but writing only really accounts for half of the process anymore.

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

Well it’s not the writing itself, that’s for sure. The most difficult part is marketing and selling what you’ve written. That part, though I dislike it, is very important, because at the end of the day, if no one ends up reading what you’ve written, then why write it in the first place (except for therapeutic purposes of course)? Getting the word out matters, and I suppose that’s not an area I enjoy spending lots of time in as I consider myself an introvert. I’d much rather just write all day, every day, and never have to look up from my book, but the reality is, you need to know the subject of sales in your industry if you plan to have a career in that industry, or your ideals of what people want/need and why may not line up with who you’re trying to service in the first place.

How do you celebrate when you finish your book?

Honestly…nothing. 🙂 It’s just another end of the day like any other. I think everyone is different here, and I’m probably an outlier, but I think more than goals, mile markers, and celebrations, I like to focus more on the daily routines and systems that help me stay engaged and excited about my craft, and the process of progress. Personally, that’s what keeps me grounded and fulfilled.

Do you listen to music while you write your book(s)?

Yup, actually I do! I’m listening to smooth jazz right now. It all depends on the scene, though. For dark, ritualistic moments, Diablo 2 soundtrack. For an erotic romance scene, something airy and sensual like late night chill lounge, lofi, or smooth jazz music. Really it all depends on what you’re writing and what mood you want to set.

What is your writing process like? How do you develop your plot and characters?

I tend to plot out my books to a moderate degree (this process might take a week or two) and I generally try to keep close to that initial plotline. However (and this is a big however), I do veer off course almost every time–and sometimes by a healthy amount. For me, that’s okay. As you write your characters, see them make decision after decision, their personalities naturally develop in ways that’s hard to foresee. I love that about writing, and I allow my character to make their own choices at a certain point. If I had plans for them to choose A instead of B, but it just feels right that they actually choose B once at that fork in the road, well then, who am I to force them to choose A? This also helps me to remain interested in my own story as I’m writing it. Having a bit of mystery as a writer can make the process of discovery fun and engaging.

How long did it take for you to write a book?

This varies. I’ve written books in a month’s time, or sometimes, in the course of a year. The post-production is another story though. Usually, after the first draft is completed, it takes double that amount of time to see it through to launch. Life also helps to determine how fast I get through manuscripts. Some times are busier than others.

What do you hope your readers take away from your book(s) ?

The main point of writing, for me, is to be the C.S. Friedman or R.A. Salvatore that was there for me when I needed guidance and clarity the most. Reading often helps me work through my own struggles and issues. That’s my main drive as a writer; to record, through story, what I’ve learned in life and hopefully help someone else who’s going through those same struggles.

Where can people who are interested in your book, buy your book ?

It’s available in eBook, Paperback, and Hardback on Amazon.

Paul Yoder Media Links

Website

Amazon Profile + Books

Google Play

ChripBooks

Audiobooks.com