I've played bass for Shania Twain, had a black rhino charge me while on safari, and I've been in the Oval Office. In high school, I went backstage to interview groups like Bob Seger, Rush and Kansas, sorta like "Almost Famous" but without Kate Hudson! As an author, I draw from all these experiences (and then some) when crafting my stories. The quote that sums me up the best is by G.K. Chesterton: "Nay, the really sane man know that he has a touch of the madman."
I'm married, the father of four wonderful children, and a proud grandfather. I currently live near Nashville, TN where I write, bike and am always on the prowl for adventure and stories.
Links:
Website: http://www.warofwhispers.com/
Blog: http://jelowder.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/warofwhispers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/jelowder
Interview:
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
Tears of Min Brock (Book 1 from War of Whispers series) is not only getting great reviews, but was inspired by my crisis of faith and subsequent discovery of deeper delight.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
War of Whispers is a four book YA fantasy series and I have all but Book 4 completed (it’s 90% done.) I have other book ideas floating around, but for now, I’m focusing on this series. One thing I’d love to do, since I use to produce these “back in the day,” is to record an audio book or what others are calling an audio movie book. I’m biased, but I think my books would really come alive in this format!
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
I LOVE connecting with, and hearing from, my readers. I recently received an email from a young girl politely asking if I could send her the .pdf of Book II because she couldn’t wait until it was released. As much as I wanted to comply, my publisher said “no.” I naturally worked this to my favor citing that he was the bad guy and not me! I did promise her that she’d get a pre-released signed copy!
What is your dream cast for your book?
I’d hope that the War of Whispers movies would be cast like the Lord of the Rings and The Hunger Games: use talented unknowns and add seasoned vets to round it out. The last thing I’d want is a superstar playing Elabea or Galadin. If you read the book, I think you’ll see why and agree.
What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
My Side of The Mountain. Maybe it’s a “guy thing,” but I loved the notion of a young boy (my age) heading off into the woods, living in a tree, and having a pet falcon. We moved a lot when I was a kid, so I could relate to the book’s hero wanting to be independent.
Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Oh boy, is there! But you may need to cue some “geekazoid” music for this answer! My background (professionally and educationally) is music, so when I was beginning the books, I chose classical pieces to represent different characters, regions, moods, etc. It was comparable to scoring music to a film. Gustav Holst’s The Planets is oozing with great stuff, so I used “Mars” to represent the Ebonites (my bad guys) while “Jupiter” became the theme for Allsbruth (our heroine’s homeland.) For my hero, Galadin, I chose Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition because I love how the theme begins with a solo trumpet and ends with the full symphony, matching Galadin’s character growth throughout the books. There’s more, but I’m afraid I’d bore your audience!
What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
When I was starting out, I was inspired by this quote. Hoping it will do the same for those reading now...
“A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit.”
― Richard Bach
If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why?
Too easy! 1900 England at Downton Abbey. Okay, I know it’s a fictional place, but my wife and I love the show, and since I’ve been fortunate to tour the UK when I was a musician, I’m very fond of the country.
If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play the lead role and why?
Denzel Washington. I know what you’re thinking: “But you’re white!” True, but if he’s half the actor I think he is, this shouldn’t be a problem at all. In fact, it might be Oscar material!
Finish the sentence- one book I wish I had written is....
To Kill a Mockingbird. Classic book! Great movie! And checks still come to Harper’s mailbox... The trifecta of any author’s dreams!
Favorite places to travel?
Europe, Banff (Alberta), and sunny, sandy beaches!
Do you prefer a bunch of small gifts or one big expensive one?
Yes!
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’ve stood behind President Clinton’s desk in the Oval Office.
When Elabea, a girl of fourteen summers, hears a whisper calling her name, she asks,"Is this proof that the land of Claire wasn't destroyed in the Dark War?" But her question ignites fear in her village. "The Oracles of the Cauldron forbid you to speak...the name! Death will come! We will be cursed!" Furthermore, when her best friend, Galadin, rallies beside her, the villagers divulge a dark secret: their fathers were the only survivors of the massacre at Min Brock. Forged as outcasts of their own homes and village, they fear the worst when the Cauldron sends warriors to destroy them. Desperate, they flee to Claire where Elabea is promised to become an all-powerful storyteller and Galadin a great warrior. But does Claire exist? And if it does, will it be an ally or a greater foe? Battling whispers, warriors and mysterious creatures, Elabea and Galadin must also contend with the darker questions about their fathers' past and the...Tears of Min Brock.
Ebook Giveaway
5 winners will each receive an ebook copy of Tears of Min Brock
Open Internationally
Ends 3/24/12
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