Pages

Thursday, September 17, 2015

An Interview With Richard A Knaak




     Do you know World Of Warcraft, Diablo, or Legends Of The Dragonrealm? If so, then you know  New York Times Best Selling Fantasy Author, Richard A Knaak. He has written over sixty books throughout his career. Some of the more popular ones include: Six novels for Blizzard Entertainments Diablo series, ten volumes for the Warcraft universe, ten volumes of The Dragonrealm books, five Dragonlance books (as well as a few short stories), and many more. 



I was given the opportunity to interview this iconic figure in the sci-fi/fantasy community. In this interview I got to ask some of the questions that his fans have been dying to know. The best part is, this is only the first insight I am giving you. Make sure to stay tuned to find out what else is in store for Richard A Knaak fans.

Writing Questions

1. What made you start writing?
From the first moment I was able to read, I wanted to create my own stories.  I enjoyed leaping into worlds created by others, but soon began crafting new ones.  I just enjoy storytelling.


2.Do you outline your books, or do you let the story create itself as it goes?
A combination of both.  It's good to have some sort of synopsis or outline, but for the story to live, you have to let it guide you as work.  Often, it'll head in a far better direction than you intended.
3. On average, how long does it take you to write a book?
It varies from a few months to a year, usually.  Depends on the project and whether it's one of my stories or written for someone else.
4. Besides your upcoming book, Black City Saint, are you currently working on anything else?
My latest Dragonrealm novel  --- The Horned Blade --- is just out.  I'm working on a new Pathfinder novel, more Dragonrealm, plotting a possible sequel to Black City Saint, and other things I can't mention at this time.



Book Questions

1. What inspired your novel Black City Saint, which is coming out March 2016?
I've always been fascinated by the legend of St. George and the Dragon and as someone who grew up near Chicago, I was also very familiar with the era of Al Capone and Prohibition.  At some point, the two interests crossed and I began putting together the story.
2. Can You give us a small hint on what we can expect from Black City Saint?
Nick Medea plays ghostbuster in 1920s Chicago, but he is in reality the reluctant guardian of the gateway between the mortal plane and Feirie.  That means making certain that elements from both sides of the gateway --- especially the Wyld, the worst of the Feiriefolk --- do not upset the balance and bring both worlds into jeopardy.  Of course, that in some ways is among the lesser of Nick's concerns.  There is the newest reincarnation of the woman he loves, the woman whose life he has failed to save each time she's reappeared.  There's an old evil stirring in the midst of the bootlegger wars.

And worse, there's the dragon.  The dragon Nick slew long ago, not realizing it was actually the guardian of the gateway.  The dragon he slew when he was but the Roman officer who would later be known in legend as Saint George.

But wait!  There's more...in the book. 
3.You have many world within your books, some even hold multiple worlds. Which world is your favorite?
I can't really say I have any favorites, although obviously the Dragonrealm is dear to my heart.



Why?
It was there in the beginning and has been a part of my writing throughout.  Fourteen novels and seven novellas thus far, with more on tap.
4.According to some websites, The Legends Of The Dragonrealm are your top rated books. Why do you think that is?

The Dragonrealm has really touched those readers who enjoy high fantasy.  It has a number of characters who are fan favorites, such as Darkhorse, Cabe Bedlam, The Lady of the Amber, and the Gryphon, plus the Dragon Kings, naturally.


Informative Questions

1.Do you plan on adding any more books that follow The Legend Of The Dragonrealm story line?
The third book in the Turning War, which actually deals with Cabe Bedlam's grandfather, is just out.  Now I'm working on the beginning of KNIGHTS OF THE FROST, the first in the Dragon Throne Trilogy.  This returns us to Cabe Bedlam's timeline.  It features old faces, new faces, and unexpected threats that will change the Dragonrealm.
2. How many books are there all together?
As mentioned above, 14 novels, 7 novellas.
3.Do you accept fan art on any of your sites?
It's always interesting to see art based on my work.  It's always good for readers to email me first, just in case.
4.Where can all your fans find you?
TWITTER
@RichardAKnaak

GOODREADS
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Personal Questions 
1. Do you personally respond to each fan?
It's not possible, but I try to answer many.  I do read all my email, though.
2. Which book holds your favorite cover?
Too many favorites
3. Which book was your favorite to write?
Are you asking me to choose among my children?  I'll admit that beyond the Dragonrealm, I'm definitely looking forward to Black City Saint coming out.
4. What advise would your younger self if you could?
Write harder, damn it!



A big thanks to Richard A Knaak for accepting my interview, and taking the time to answer all of my questions!! 
If any of his fans have comments or questions leave them at the bottom, or follow the links above to talk to him directly. As stated before, make sure to stay tuned to this blog for more exciting information I will have on Richard A Knaak's upcoming novel- Black City Saint.

No comments:

Post a Comment