Shadows of Kings Blog Tour

 

 

I want to welcome Jack Whitsel to the blog today as part of the Shadows of Kings Blog Tour! Learn about his awesome book first then move onto an interview and then we finish the tour day with a really cool book trailer!!

 

                                            

 

 

 

 

                                                    And now let’s get to the interview to learn more about the author of this fabulous looking book!

Meet Jack:

 

 

 

How would you describe your book Shadows of Kings to someone who asked you what it is about?

Shadows of Kings is a flashpoint introduction to my world of Avalla, that focuses on the events surrounding a region called the Hugue. The backdrop involves a mass incursion into the Hugue by a savage race called the Harhn and the decadent Darkfey. The story follows Lord Baudouin and Lady Lucia – Dragon Maiden of the Order, as they attempt to avoid their own demise while uniting a fractured region against a common foe.

 Who would you recommend your book to?

 This book is for those who love fantasy. If you like a fast paced story that blends medieval grit with strong elements of fantasy – Sorcery, monsters, and mayhem, then you will not be left wanting when reading Shadows of Kings.

 How long did it take you to write? What was your favorite part of the writing/publishing process?

 It’s really hard to pin down the amount of time it takes for me to complete a book. I’m what you would call a three-booker. I generally work on three projects at a time with the current book being the main focus. Throughout the process, I’m hopping from one book to the next in a state I refer to as controlled chaos.

 My favorite part of the process is the rush of excitement you get when your muse is humming in your ear. Well…except when she wakes you up at 2am and repeatedly flashes a scene in your mind.

 The cover design is very eye catching can you tell us who designed the cover?

 Thank you, Cambria! The cover concept was mine, but the genius behind the artwork is Ural Akyuz. He is also the same artist that designed the headshot that’s on all my swag.

 This is the beginning of a series. When can readers expect the next books?

 The tentative release date of Shades of Virtue is Spring 2013. Shards of Malice, Queens and Daggers, and Dragon Rising: The Guide to the Hugue and Vol Thaldane are still to be announced.

 Your publisher is Twilight Times Books. How did you hear about them and how has your experience been publishing with them?

 When I was ready to send my query letters abroad, I did some research on publishing Houses, and decided to submit my work directly to the publisher instead of finding an agent. One resource was Writer’s Digest. They had a database that listed publishers – their criteria for submission and what they were particularly looking for. Among the publishers was Twilight Times Books.

 My experience thus far has been really good. They are a small press with many award winning authors in their stable. They have allowed me a lot of control in the process and have been easy to work with.

 I read on your website that you still believe in the tooth fairy. What do you think the tooth fairy does with all of those teeth?

 They use them like currency – purchasing goods and services. They have an economic hierarchy based upon the name of our teeth. The lowborn are Incisors, while Molars represent the upper class. They form clans with each leader being called the Tooth Monger. I believe on many things. I believe there is a small sprite that steals socks from the dryer. And I believe Anastasia survived the Bolsheviks.

 You have a degree in finance. What made you decide to write a book?

 After my band days while attending college, it seemed like the only logical endeavor to pick-up chicks…ahhh kidding. I’ve enjoyed writing stories since youth, and after completing college, I decided to commit myself to writing my first novel. The birth of my children was the catalyst that put everything into motion.

 What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

 I love movies…I mean REALLY love them. And seeing Tolkien’s saga come to life on the big screen was amazing. Outside the cinema, I enjoy my time with my sons – telling them stories about knights and wizards and playing X-box.

 This or That:

 Cake or pie: Pie (especially any berry pie)

 Blue or Green: Blue

 Action or Horror: Action (Mix action and Horror…like Aliens, and you have a winner)

 Rain or Snow: Snow (So long as I don’t have to drive in it)

 Lemonade or Iced Tea: Iced Tea

 Tell us where we can find you and your book:

 The easiest place to grab my book is either Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, there will be various events where you can snag my novel and meet me. Hope to see you!

 Tell us one thing about your book that you think everyone should know:

 If there one thing that stands out about Shadows of Kings…it’s balance. I have put much effort in balancing medieval grit with the classic fantasy elements. You will have magic and monsters, but it’s tempered with the darker aspects of medieval society.

 Thank you for being here today!

 Thank you, Cambria, for allowing me to be here! And thanks to everyone for visiting this site to see this interview. Oceans of love to you all – Jack.

Just because you can’t get enough here is the trailer for the book!

 

 

 

 A HUGE thanks to Jack for being here as part of his tour! You can learn more about Jack and his work on Tuesday night on JournalJabber when we will be interviewing Jack LIVE! Tune in at 9 pm EST. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/journaljabber