Author bio: Hello there my name is A.J. Martinez and I am a fantasy author living in the state of Connecticut USA. I walk with my head as high as the clouds and my feet on the ground. I murder people for a living (fictional people that is).
My desire is to write fantasy stories that will make one soar with the wings of Icarus. To write heart pounding stories to make one wish that the pages will never end. To write stories in a world beyond Hogwarts and Middle Earth and on to the world of Odealeous. To write stories that make one think of the stars of the night during daylight. Stories that make one see rare colors and hear sweet songs only the sirens sing by a glowing river. To tell stories where the arts of the mystic and dragons seem as though they had gone extinct. I write what I dream about and dream so that I can write.
I am quite a geek and I am a big time Anime fan. I enjoy going to conventions with my friends and rave parties.
My favorite movie is “the matrix” I never get tire of watching it.
· Book title: Scarlet Quest
· Genre: epic fantasy
Synopsis: Auron Fox is the leader of the band of the fox. For so many years he has been living in a hidden village on the outskirts of his country. When his old friends frame him, the king of Burnahdujf invades Auron's village for murdering the prince. Instead killing Auron, the king decides to punish him by sending him on an unpleasant journey to find a jewel that could bring chaos.
Auron desperately hopes to return alive as he fights dangerous foes with his elemental magic and summoning spirits. The king threatens to destroy Auron's village and his people if he fails to bring the magic jewel. However, will the king keep his oath? As hope fades, Auron races to save the people he loves and get his revenge.
· Publish date: September, 27, 2013
· Publisher: Booktango
Author Interview:
Hey AJ. It's great to have you here at the Hunters of Reloria interview couch. Always a pleasure to meet another fantasy author.
When did you start writing and why?
AJ: Well I was writing and drawing. I was character driven and story drive. It was way back in the 5th grade.
What other writing have you done? I have 3 short stories. All in the fantasy genre.
What made you choose the fantasy genre?
I am attracted to things that don’t exist. Ever since I was a kid I was always just the one who was into weird stuff. Not just that but also, watching a lot of Japanese anime, playing RPG games and final fantasy tend to get you lost in other worlds. The thing about fantasy is that it is so limitless and I am the type that dislikes limitations. That is why I chose fantasy. Creation is endless.
My desire is to write fantasy stories that will make one soar with the wings of Icarus. To write heart pounding stories to make one wish that the pages will never end. To write stories in a world beyond Hogwarts and Middle Earth and on to the world of Odealeous. To write stories that make one think of the stars of the night during daylight. Stories that make one see rare colors and hear sweet songs only the sirens sing by a glowing river. To tell stories where the arts of the mystic and dragons seem as though they had gone extinct. I write what I dream about and dream so that I can write.
I am quite a geek and I am a big time Anime fan. I enjoy going to conventions with my friends and rave parties.
My favorite movie is “the matrix” I never get tire of watching it.
· Book title: Scarlet Quest
· Genre: epic fantasy
Synopsis: Auron Fox is the leader of the band of the fox. For so many years he has been living in a hidden village on the outskirts of his country. When his old friends frame him, the king of Burnahdujf invades Auron's village for murdering the prince. Instead killing Auron, the king decides to punish him by sending him on an unpleasant journey to find a jewel that could bring chaos.
Auron desperately hopes to return alive as he fights dangerous foes with his elemental magic and summoning spirits. The king threatens to destroy Auron's village and his people if he fails to bring the magic jewel. However, will the king keep his oath? As hope fades, Auron races to save the people he loves and get his revenge.
· Publish date: September, 27, 2013
· Publisher: Booktango
Author Interview:
Hey AJ. It's great to have you here at the Hunters of Reloria interview couch. Always a pleasure to meet another fantasy author.
When did you start writing and why?
AJ: Well I was writing and drawing. I was character driven and story drive. It was way back in the 5th grade.
What other writing have you done? I have 3 short stories. All in the fantasy genre.
What made you choose the fantasy genre?
I am attracted to things that don’t exist. Ever since I was a kid I was always just the one who was into weird stuff. Not just that but also, watching a lot of Japanese anime, playing RPG games and final fantasy tend to get you lost in other worlds. The thing about fantasy is that it is so limitless and I am the type that dislikes limitations. That is why I chose fantasy. Creation is endless.
What’s the story behind your book title?
It is about a mercenary man called Auron Fox and his band. Auron was born with natural flaming red hair. He is a foreigner. Auron is frame for murdering the son of the king. The king threatens to destroy the village that he created if he fail to find the a magical jewel that could bring chaos. That is a short summary of it, I don’t want to spoil it. But I will say that there is a whole lot of magic and sword fighting.
Sounds great, we love magic and sword play here at the Hunters.
What’s the basic plot?
Auron is faced with many challenges. He has to face his past as well as deal with traitors who were once his friends. Auron has to find this magical jewel for the king otherwise his village will be burned and his people massacre. He desperate races against time and hopes to make it home alive.
Which scene from your book do you like best and why?
The war when the band of the fox fight against the southern country. That is all that I will say.
Which is your favourite character and why?
I like Oseth because he is cocky and has a smart mouth. He is the comic relieve.
How do you develop your characters?
The characters face their past. I think when someone faces their past and stops denying themselves, that is when they grow and learn more about themselves. I that human beings are creatures of denial. We deny so much. Once we learn to face the true, a change happens.
That's quite deep. I bet that gives you great insight into their motivation.
Have you used any real people in your characters?
Not really. I am not out to mentally use anyone. However I have thought about using historical people and giving them a place in my fantasy world.
Which one of your characters would you like to be?
That is a difficult question because all my characters have a piece of me in them.
Have you used any real events or places as inspiration for your writing?
No not really. Perhaps historical biblical patterns in my fantasy world but that is about it.
Do you have another job outside of writing?
Yes I do have a regular job until one day I become a bestseller. I am little shy about saying what it is.
What song would you choose as the theme song of your book?
Anything from the metal band Nightwish.
What are you working on now? My first fantasy series.
What’s your writing routine? The characters are created first. Then their history. Third the events in which they meet and finally I write down summaries of each chapter.
It is about a mercenary man called Auron Fox and his band. Auron was born with natural flaming red hair. He is a foreigner. Auron is frame for murdering the son of the king. The king threatens to destroy the village that he created if he fail to find the a magical jewel that could bring chaos. That is a short summary of it, I don’t want to spoil it. But I will say that there is a whole lot of magic and sword fighting.
Sounds great, we love magic and sword play here at the Hunters.
What’s the basic plot?
Auron is faced with many challenges. He has to face his past as well as deal with traitors who were once his friends. Auron has to find this magical jewel for the king otherwise his village will be burned and his people massacre. He desperate races against time and hopes to make it home alive.
Which scene from your book do you like best and why?
The war when the band of the fox fight against the southern country. That is all that I will say.
Which is your favourite character and why?
I like Oseth because he is cocky and has a smart mouth. He is the comic relieve.
How do you develop your characters?
The characters face their past. I think when someone faces their past and stops denying themselves, that is when they grow and learn more about themselves. I that human beings are creatures of denial. We deny so much. Once we learn to face the true, a change happens.
That's quite deep. I bet that gives you great insight into their motivation.
Have you used any real people in your characters?
Not really. I am not out to mentally use anyone. However I have thought about using historical people and giving them a place in my fantasy world.
Which one of your characters would you like to be?
That is a difficult question because all my characters have a piece of me in them.
Have you used any real events or places as inspiration for your writing?
No not really. Perhaps historical biblical patterns in my fantasy world but that is about it.
Do you have another job outside of writing?
Yes I do have a regular job until one day I become a bestseller. I am little shy about saying what it is.
What song would you choose as the theme song of your book?
Anything from the metal band Nightwish.
What are you working on now? My first fantasy series.
What’s your writing routine? The characters are created first. Then their history. Third the events in which they meet and finally I write down summaries of each chapter.
What do you do when you have writers’ block?
I don’t usually have writers block because I have so many stories in my head. However if that does happen I simply watch movies in my genre or watch documentaries and the discovery channel helps. Studying medieval helps a bunch too.
Yeah, I reckon we're all medieval nuts, us fantasy writers :-)
Describe your road to publishing your book? My wish is to be one of the top fantasy writers in the world. To be up there with George RR Martin, JK Rowling and boy this is going to be difficult but Tolkien as well.
How did you go about developing your cover artwork?
I don’t make my own covers. My book cover designer lives in Rome. I always want the main character to be in the front cover. I always want a person to be in the cover instead of an object or a place. People are more likely to pick up a book if they see a person on the cover. Especially if the character on the cover is wearing something they like. Something that readers in fantasy can relate to.
What type of books do you like to read? Usually in my own genre or scifi. I don’t get out of my genre too much. I am really picky about what I read. I also read a lot of self help books and spiritual books.
List some great books you have recently read:
Dragon war by Daniel Arenson and
Eckhart Tolle’s the power of now.
Who are your favourite authors?
Daniel Arenson right now.
What is your favourite quote?
“If you can dream you can do it.” By Walt Disney
Do you have a blog?
Yes of course. Honestly my blog post are kinda dorky but hey I try. Its a good way for readers to get to know me.
That made me laugh! What do you write about in your blog?
Archetypes, things about magic, mythical creatures, spells, other fantasy books and authors.
What blogs do you enjoy reading?
George RR Martin’s blog is pretty cool. I like his sense of humor.
Which book character are you most like and why?
Tyrion Lannister. His wits are his weapons. His life story is a lot like my personal life story.
Tyrion's a legend!
Who inspires you?
JK Rowling, Tetsuya Nomura and Disney (back in its early Steamboat wily days).
What book would you take if your house was on fire and you could only carry one?
Well to me that is like letting a whole library down. If I had to choose it would probably be “the power of now” by Eckhart Tolle. I learned something from that book that really changed my life.
Who would you like to be stuck on a deserted island with and which book would you like to have?
Tetsuya Nomura and I would take the Harry Potter series with me since I never finished them.
Who would you choose to read your audiobook?
Liam Neeson. His voice is like that of a god.
What’s your dream job and do you think you’ll do it one day?
Probably directing the movie for one of my books. Once I become a bestseller I will.
Now that would be way cool! I hope it comes true for you. I'm still waiting for Peter Jackson to knock on my door ;-)
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
Watching anime or playing Kingdom Hearts.
Where do you like to travel to?
I really want to go to Japan and England.
The homes of Aime, Samurai and knights hey?
What’s your favourite pet? I don’t have a pet right now but the thought of having an owl as a pet is awesome.
Do you prefer ebook or hardcopy?
Honestly I read nothing but ebook now a days and hardcopy has become more of a collector’s item to me. I still buy paperbacks but not as much as I use to.
You can be any fictional character for one day. Who would you be?
Cloud Striffe from Final Fantasy
If there’s anything else you’d like to talk about?
I would like to ask JK Rowling how come she didn’t write a book about the houses of Hogwarts?
Good call. Maybe after her Mythical Creatures hey?
Thanks so much for sharing your thought and writing with us A.J.
Folks, please check out these links and help out a fellow author by entering his giveaway and doing a review!
A.J.'s Links
Website: http://ajmartinezauthor.com
Blog: http://ajmartinezauthor.com/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fantasyauthorajmartinez
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AJ-Martinez
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajmartinezautho
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7HN5BS
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/391944
I don’t usually have writers block because I have so many stories in my head. However if that does happen I simply watch movies in my genre or watch documentaries and the discovery channel helps. Studying medieval helps a bunch too.
Yeah, I reckon we're all medieval nuts, us fantasy writers :-)
Describe your road to publishing your book? My wish is to be one of the top fantasy writers in the world. To be up there with George RR Martin, JK Rowling and boy this is going to be difficult but Tolkien as well.
How did you go about developing your cover artwork?
I don’t make my own covers. My book cover designer lives in Rome. I always want the main character to be in the front cover. I always want a person to be in the cover instead of an object or a place. People are more likely to pick up a book if they see a person on the cover. Especially if the character on the cover is wearing something they like. Something that readers in fantasy can relate to.
What type of books do you like to read? Usually in my own genre or scifi. I don’t get out of my genre too much. I am really picky about what I read. I also read a lot of self help books and spiritual books.
List some great books you have recently read:
Dragon war by Daniel Arenson and
Eckhart Tolle’s the power of now.
Who are your favourite authors?
Daniel Arenson right now.
What is your favourite quote?
“If you can dream you can do it.” By Walt Disney
Do you have a blog?
Yes of course. Honestly my blog post are kinda dorky but hey I try. Its a good way for readers to get to know me.
That made me laugh! What do you write about in your blog?
Archetypes, things about magic, mythical creatures, spells, other fantasy books and authors.
What blogs do you enjoy reading?
George RR Martin’s blog is pretty cool. I like his sense of humor.
Which book character are you most like and why?
Tyrion Lannister. His wits are his weapons. His life story is a lot like my personal life story.
Tyrion's a legend!
Who inspires you?
JK Rowling, Tetsuya Nomura and Disney (back in its early Steamboat wily days).
What book would you take if your house was on fire and you could only carry one?
Well to me that is like letting a whole library down. If I had to choose it would probably be “the power of now” by Eckhart Tolle. I learned something from that book that really changed my life.
Who would you like to be stuck on a deserted island with and which book would you like to have?
Tetsuya Nomura and I would take the Harry Potter series with me since I never finished them.
Who would you choose to read your audiobook?
Liam Neeson. His voice is like that of a god.
What’s your dream job and do you think you’ll do it one day?
Probably directing the movie for one of my books. Once I become a bestseller I will.
Now that would be way cool! I hope it comes true for you. I'm still waiting for Peter Jackson to knock on my door ;-)
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
Watching anime or playing Kingdom Hearts.
Where do you like to travel to?
I really want to go to Japan and England.
The homes of Aime, Samurai and knights hey?
What’s your favourite pet? I don’t have a pet right now but the thought of having an owl as a pet is awesome.
Do you prefer ebook or hardcopy?
Honestly I read nothing but ebook now a days and hardcopy has become more of a collector’s item to me. I still buy paperbacks but not as much as I use to.
You can be any fictional character for one day. Who would you be?
Cloud Striffe from Final Fantasy
If there’s anything else you’d like to talk about?
I would like to ask JK Rowling how come she didn’t write a book about the houses of Hogwarts?
Good call. Maybe after her Mythical Creatures hey?
Thanks so much for sharing your thought and writing with us A.J.
Folks, please check out these links and help out a fellow author by entering his giveaway and doing a review!
A.J.'s Links
Website: http://ajmartinezauthor.com
Blog: http://ajmartinezauthor.com/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fantasyauthorajmartinez
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AJ-Martinez
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajmartinezautho
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7HN5BS
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/391944
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