My most recent book is the fantasy novel “Children of Aerthwheel.” It is the story of two children who find themselves caught up in the legacy of a particularly infectious brand of magic.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
“Children of Aerthwheel” is the first in a planned series that will take the protagonists to all corners of a strange multiverse. Between the first and second book, I am writing a novella and posting it for free on my blog. At the same time, I’m planning a humorous YA series that might feel like a cross between “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and “Eerie, Indiana.”
What or who inspired you to write? And how long have you been writing?
My mother always kept an enormous stack of books next to her easy chair, which was always a great inspiration; and in middle school, I discovered that my father was a closet science fiction writer. Both of my parents always encouraged me to be a creative person. Then, in high school, I was fortunate enough to have a teacher who supported my decisions to write strange science fiction and horror stories while everyone else wrote stories about teenage love gone wrong. I owe a great deal to that teacher for her kind words and enthusiasm.
Would you like to giveaway a copy of your book on this blog?Readers can use the following coupon code on Smashwords for a free copy of the novel: RK42N
I only ask that readers who use this code please return to my Amazon site to leave some honest reviews. Love the book? Great. Hate the book? Cool with me. Just let me know what you thought of it when you’re finished.
How did you come up with the title and cover design?
Since this is the first in a series, I wanted the title to reflect a sense of chronology that is inherent in the epic tale I plan to tell. The main characters first appear as children and they are all connected somehow to this philosophy of the Aerthwheel, a fatalistic perception that the universe moves in circles. In a sense, they are children of fate; but that label can be placed on anyone in the novel, as fate plays a huge part in everyone’s lives. And I think the question each character must ask is, “Despite all the things that have happened in the past, do I remain a servant of destiny or do I make my own future?”
Another important element in the novel is the strange realm Prismatica, which exists parallel to our own. It is in this other place that the notion of the Aerthwheel originates. And all the main characters are drawn to this place by forces they can’t control. The cover is a great interpretation of the protagonists’ ultimate dilemma: to stay here or to cross the threshold. Najla Qamber, the graphic artist who designed the cover, took my notes and ideas to entirely unexpected levels when she created the artwork. I’m pretty sure it’s the most professional part of the entire book. She is a delight to work with and you can visit her site here: http://najlaqamberdesigns.
Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?
Andrew Fish is (in mostly a physical sense) 90% me circa 1994. I was a social outcast just like Andrew and the friends he makes throughout the course of the novel. It’s hard not to put yourself or someone you know into a story; but you have to be careful. I don’t want anyone getting angry at me because I wrote bad things about a character that was obviously based on my uncle or best friend. The author has to blend the reality and the fiction enough to disguise all those real world inspirations.
Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
I would like to meet Stephen King as a fellow author. Of all the books I own or have read, his are the ones that fill most of my bookshelves. It would be a dream come true if he and I could simply sit down for half an hour. We would probably discuss baseball underdogs and rock music.
Are you a self published (Indie) Author?
I proudly identify as an indie author. For the first time in my life, I am growing a legitimate audience for my writing. To be in control of my own work and to have such direct contact with readers and reviewers is nothing short of magical. I tried to do this about five years ago before the ereaders were prevalent; it didn’t work out very well. Times have changed and I can’t see myself doing this any other way.
Have you ever read a book more than once?
Books I have read twice: Stephen King’s “The Stand” and most of The Dark Tower series, Richard Matheson’s “I Am Legend,” Douglas Adams’ “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” and “Canticle for Leibowitz” by Walter M. Miller, Jr.
I do, however, tend to pick up random books and skim through favorite sections. Does that count?
What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?
I just finished the awesome steampunk novella “The 19 Dragons” by S.M. Reine (ebook) and have her newest novel “All Hallows’ Moon” ready on the ereader. Also, I am finally getting around to reading Chuck Palahniuk’s “Diary” in print.
What book do you know that you will never read?
I will never read “Pride and Prejudice” simply because I have already finished “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.”
Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
The question is, when do I not write in my PJ’s? It is an unwritten rule in my house that each first draft should be crafted while I am in my pajamas. And I will never break that rule.
What do you normally eat for breakfast?
My favorite breakfast is sliced banana on peanut butter and toast. Or sometimes, I simply eat a peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwich. In the winter, I tend to consume massive amounts of oatmeal with raisins.
Laptop or desktop for writing?
I used to chain myself to the desk and work at a PC for hours at a time. Then I discovered the magic of using a laptop and now I chain myself to the couch for hours at a time. There’s not a huge difference except I’m quite a bit more comfortable now.
One of your favorite quotes –
"But the man who creates the music is hearing something else, is dealing with the roar rising from the void and imposing order on it as it hits the air. What is evoked in him, then, is of another order, more terrible because it has no words, and triumphant, too, for that same reason. And his triumph, when he triumphs, is ours."
– James Baldwin, Sonny’s Blues
List 3 of your all time favorite books?
“It” by Stephen King
“White Teeth” by Zadie Smith
“Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
List 3 of your all time favorite movies?
“Donnie Darko” by Richard Kelly
“Big Fish” by Tim Burton
“Moon” by Duncan Jones
Where can your readers stalk you?
My blog: http://www.ldavidhesler.
My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/
My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/
Twitter: @LDHesler
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/
Please feel free to leave some comments for the Author below :)
Its such a wonderful story cant wait for more!
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