[AA] What are the Imperium Saga novels about?

[CB]  The Imperium Saga is a Fantasy Adventure about Seven Kingdoms, known as the Imperium, and the gradual conquest of them by an evil tyrant known as Zoldex. The series begins with readers seeing the Imperium the way it supposed to be, and by the end of the trilogy, which is aptly entitled the Fall of the Imperium Trilogy, Zoldex pretty much conquers the realm.

Throughout it, readers will meet a variety of characters from numerous locations. Such as Warlord Braksis, the warrior who leads the Imperium forces; Solara, a mystral warrior who has sworn an oath of allegiance to Braksis; Thamar, a dwarven fighter who is seeking allies to help protect his homeland; Arifos, an elf from another land who is aware of Zoldex and is seeking a child destined to save them all; and Kyria, that child. These few, and others, will struggle throughout the series to determine who Zoldex is, what his intentions are, and work to try and unite the races of the Imperium to combat Zoldex and his forces.

The main series, the aforementioned Fall of the Imperium trilogy, focuses on the overall theme and threat of Zoldex. I also have a young-adult spin-off series which is only about Kyria, called The Adventures of Kyria, that follow her development and training as she becomes the person that was prophesied to save the world.

[AA] How do you develop the characters in your books?

[CB]  I’ve always been a big believer in organization and structure. I create profiles, extensive profiles, about the characters in my books. There is always the simple things, like name, appearance, age, and things like that, but I also go deeper than that. Anyone can be a name and a face in a book, but for someone to really come to life, to have depth to their character, to have personality, you need more than that.

For every one of my characters, I have a fully developed background and history. The things that happened in their past that motivates their actions in the present. I have relatives and family dynamics so that other elements of the characters can come into play. I have personalities and outlooks on certain things so that each character has their own identity and can be easily identifiable when you are reading about them. I also include things like speech patterns, weapons or equipment they may use, certain key things they potentially have, and much more. I also modify these as I am writing, so that, for instance, if a character is slashed across the cheek by a tiger, a book from now his face wouldn’t suddenly be healed. That way, I don’t forget details of what happens to my characters, and there are consequences to actions and events that could have lasting themes throughout the series.

Depending on how pivotal a character is to the plot and development of the series, these profiles could be as short as two pages, or as long as fifty. I really go all out with the development so that when I am sitting and writing about certain characters, they actually are like living and breathing individuals who I am sort of adventuring with instead of telling the story about.

As for how I determine what the characters will be like, that also depends on quite a few factors. For instance, Solara is one of my main characters. In book 2, The Changing Tides, she went home and I wanted to introduce her younger sister, Sora. Well, there’s a name, and I had a basic image in my mind, but what would make Sora, Sora? That comes out in her background. Solara, when she was younger, had an incident where her mother was murdered and Braksis saved her life. Solara vowed to travel with Braksis and serve him as a protector. But, what happens to the younger sister left behind? I saw her as bitter and angry. A little at her sister, but even more-so with Braksis, the man who took her sister away from her. She also had to be tough, because she grew up on her own and had to learn to fend for herself. So, when you meet Sora, she’s fiercely independent, has a major chip on her shoulder, but deep down only wants to have her sister back. Add in the race she comes from (the mystral), a little bit of the traditions and values of her people, and Sora is practically leaping off of the page.

[AA] You have seven books published with two more on the way.  What are the new titles? What are they about?  When will they be available?

[CB]  The two new books are coming out in February. The first is “The Siege of Zoldex,” the third and final book of the Fall of the Imperium Trilogy. The second is “Quest for the Shard,” the sixth book in the Adventures of Kyria.

The Siege of Zoldex is pretty much just how it sounds: Zoldex begins his siege to conquer the realm. At the end of the second book, readers discovered that Zoldex summoned forth legions of warriors from other continents. In this book, taking place a year after the events of the last book, his conquest begins and the impact is felt throughout the realm and seen through the eyes of the heroes.

The Mage’s Council, which is where all of my magic users are, including Kyria, is one of the first targets of his onslaught. He then has his forces march across the south, conquering everything in their path. Some heroes are trying to help people flee, some are trying to erect defenses to make a stand, some are actually fighting however best they can, and some are continuing to search for allies in the struggle against Zoldex.

I’d tell you more, but I don’t want to give away too many spoilers!

As for Quest for the Shard, it completes a storyline that begin with book 4 of the Adventures of Kyria, namely The Shard of Time. In that book, during a History class, Kyria’s Master (the History teacher) introduced them to a mystical artifact that allowed them to go back in time and view history as it was actually happening. His theory was that people can read about history, but that actual events had so much more passion and meaning while they were actually happening. Taking a class back in time, the class was able to experience an orc invasion of a dwarven city, something that was a profound experience.

Well, after getting back, Kyria had an idea: she could use the Shard of Time to go back in time and see Zoldex when he had first gained his powers. She had never met the man, but she had known about the prophecy and how she was destined to beat him. She figured that if she could learn more about him, it could be crucial to fulfilling her destiny. Along with her best friends, Mica and Sartir, they stole the Shard of Time and went back into the past to see Zoldex, only something went wrong, and they were stranded there.

In Quest for the Shard, they are traveling to the Mourning Mountains, a vast arctic mountain range that is perilous and unforgiving, to find the Shard where it had originally been discovered. They face many threats and dangers, make some new friends along the way, and finally succeed in returning home, where their next task is to confront the History teacher and explain everything that had happened.

[AA] What keeps this series interesting for you?

[CB]  The characters are the most important thing. If I get away from working on the series too long, I begin to have this burning desire to go and write, bringing out more of the story and adventures of the characters. I have so much plotted and developed, with concept ideas of where I want to go, that it’s really a matter of having the time to do it all.

Regardless of what I am working on though, whether it was the Kyria series or the main trilogy, whenever I begin, those characters are sitting there and waiting for me, ready to continue their journey.

A lot of people who I have met at Conventions, Book Signings, Speaking Events, and festivals have also told me how much they love the characters, how they can’t wait to see what is going to happen next, and how different the characters really are. The characters may keep me interested, but that kind of a reaction, the passion and excitement that I see in the faces of the fans, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

[AA]  What makes the Imperium Saga different from other fantasy genres?

[CB]  The easiest difference is the fact that when I first began working on this, I never read Fantasy. I was a big Star Wars fan, reading all of the Star Wars books, and other things like Historical Fiction, Detective Thrillers, Legal Thrillers, and things like that. My original idea for a book was along the lines of something akin to a romantic comedy in the movies, but I had not written in years and wanted to refine my writing style a bit. So, what better to write than a Fantasy, where I figured I could make up the rules as I went, and all that mattered was my imagination?

Well, that kind of mushroomed. The romantic comedy has long since been forgotten. I have the main trilogy written, all twelve books of the young adult series, as well as another spin-off book, Ilfanti and the Orb of Prophecy. I also am working with a development team on an RPG game, and have some other things in mind for future releases as well.

But, at the heart of it all, was originality merely from a lack of influence from other writers and Fantasy worlds. I was probably far more influenced by my father, a history teacher and military man, than I was by any other writers or authors. Since then, I have done my best to read Fantasy books so that I can answer questions knowledgeably from fans and people I meet, but the overall theme and materials I developed in the beginning are still what is felt throughout the series.

[AA]  Your biography mentions that the Imperium Saga is under development as a role-playing game.  What is the basis of the game?  Are you taking  on this project yourself?  When will the game be ready?

[CB]  A few years ago, I was in my local comic shop (TJ Collectibles in Milford) and the owner asked me if I ever considered having a game made based on my books. To me, a game was a video game, and I would love that, but figured that if it ever happened, people would come to me to try and buy the rights to make a game. But that was not what he meant. He then sat me down and began talking about the d20 role playing games, and basically began educating me on how Wizards of the Coast was letting people make games and use their basic mechanics to help promote gameplay and keep people involved.

As someone who had never gamed before, I wasn’t sure whether it was a good idea or not. Did people really still play things like Dungeons & Dragons when we do have online RPG’s now a days? He assured me that the entire industry has had a resurgence and things have been better than ever.

Well, I decided to put together a team of individuals who were knowledgeable about games and have them explore the possibility of turning my world into one. The original goal was to see if it was a good idea, followed by whether or not it was a feasible idea. The team decided that it was a fabulous idea, and because of the extent of materials I had already developed and the thoroughness of profiles on things for my world, it would make a great game.

A new team was then put together to develop it, including some members of the original team, myself, some RPG experts, fantasy fans, and a graphic designer. Now, we’re pretty much to the end of the road. The core mechanic has been designed, the book is written, and it is in testing. Once it passes testing, we’ll begin looking at artists to work on the materials, and then it could be out as early as six months after that. Of course, testing could take quite some time before it reaches that point, but everyone involved is really excited.

[AA] When and where do you write?

[CB]  I write from home, at any time that I have available. Usually, I write in the mornings and stop around 3:00 in the afternoon. However, when I am writing a book, I follow my outlines and try to set daily goals. For instance, I may have 5 bullet points listing the next 3 to 5 chapters. I’ll read those, think about them for a while, and then begin working on them. A short break for lunch, and then I’m back to writing. If I’m done at noon, great. If I’m done at midnight, ouch! Usually though, I do seem to finish around three.

At the desk where I write, I am surrounded by little items of inspiration. I have replica and collectible swords, some artwork, all of my books, the map of my world, and all of y development materials (which is thousands of pages) at my fingertips.

AA] What is the greatest challenge you have when writing?

[CB] For me, it’s time. There always seems to be far too little of it. Perhaps it is because my mind is always swirling, and there are things I want to work on and write, but to get to those points, I need to finish what I am working on. Fortunately, I have always been good at staying focused (so I don’t work on three books at once and never finish any of them), but I am always thinking about the books, the characters, and places I want to bring them. I just need the time to complete everything I want to.

[AA] What advise would you give to other aspiring writers or writers just beginning?

[CB]  Every author is different, and everyone has their own style. I know some writers who sit down and just type, allowing the characters to sort of determine where the book is going and what is going to happen. If that works for you, great. For me though, I did try this for one book as an experiment, and it did not work at all. Instead of waking up each morning, looking at my outline and knowing what I am going to write, I found myself trying to think about what is going to happen next. I did not feel as productive, and I was not as happy with the book when it was done.

So, I recommend preparation. Take the time to really develop your idea and though. Do the research you need (for Fantasy, for instance, it’s research on weapons, swordplay, fighting techniques, mythology, folklore, and things like that) to do, and take time focusing on the little details that may never come out in the book, but are the things that really create the depth of your work.

In addition to the background research and materials, I spend a good three months just creating the outline and source document for the book I am about to write. It has a complete bulleted outline (sometimes chapter by chapter, sometimes even so detailed that it is scenes within the chapter), all characters within the book, locations visited, creatures involved, and more. That way, I have one document that covers everything I could possibly need.

Again, every author is different, but I am fortunate never to have experienced “writer’s block,” and I attribute that to the structured approach and outlines. I don’t wake up trying to figure out what to do, I get up, know what to do, and do it.

[AA] You own a company called Creative Strategies.  What does your company do?

[CB]  I do. Creative Strategists is a book publishing consulting firm. It specializes in custom services for authors, self-publishers, and small presses. Basically, if someone has a book and needs help with it, we have the resources to do that for them. Whatever it may be, from something as simple as editing all the way to complete project management (where they get a professional-grade novel at the end that looks just like something a big name publisher would put together).

For Fantasy and Science Fiction fans, we have a tremendous network of artists. Most of my artist contacts have come from people I met at conventions and other events, so it definitely is very themed at the moment. But there are award winning artists, many very talented artists, and a few novice artists as well.

People can get more information (or request a price quote if they have book or art needs) at www.Creative-Strategists.com.

[AA] What do you do when you’re not writing or running your company?

[CB] You mean there are times when I’m not doing one or the other? I’ll say just kidding, but my family and girlfriend would probably agree that it is all that I do. But, I have always enjoyed both reading and movies. I have an extensive collection of each. I pretty much see every movie that comes out, and then buy it again on DVD. You also will never find me without a book nearby (trips to the post office are always good for a page or two), or a comic book.

I also enjoy video games if I have the chance to play them, but no matter how many times I think that I’m going to play a game at night, there are very few nights I actually do get to sit down and play.

Beyond that, there’s sports (Baseball primarily, and football to a lesser degree), family, friends, and events with fans.

[AA] Which movie are you looking forward to this year (2007)?

[CB]  That’s a tough one. If I had to pick just one, I’ll go with the coming attraction I just saw: Fantastic Four. The special effects with the Silver Surfer looked great, and I had a smile on my face during the entire preview. I should probably have said Spiderman, because I am a bigger Spidey fan than a Fantastic Four fan, but as someone whose read all the comics, the alien symbiote should come from outer space and the Secret Wars….I doubt Spiderman is going to some made up planet by the Beyonder in the movie, so I’ll stick with Fantastic Four.

I’m also looking forward to the new Die Hard movie, Harry Potter, and I’m sure there are others that I’m overlooking.

[AA] Which saga is better, Star Trek, Star Wars, or Battlestar Galactica?

[CB]  I actually count Battlestar Galactica as my favorite television show at the moment. I love it. I had originally been skeptical as an old-show fan (Cylons looking human, Starbuck being a woman, etc), but I was sold on the very first episode I saw. I also got to meet Grace Park at my last convention, which was nice.

I have also enjoyed Star Trek, though more since College when a buddy of mine let me borrow the Classic Trek movies before Voyager premiered. Now, I own every Star Trek DVD and have seen every episode numerous times. I even had a Star Trek charge card for a while, which used to get quite a bit of attention when I used it.

However, all of this pales in comparison to Star Wars. Star Wars is definitely my favorite series. I enjoy the movies, the books, I have posters of the movies on my walls, have a Darth Vader head sitting on my desk and watching me work, and have invested in quite a few Star Wars replicas and collectibles, which are all in a display case behind my desk. I also broke down after Episode II and bought a bunch of toys, but quickly stored them away until I have children and won’t feel quite as awkward about wanting to actually play with them!

[AA] What was the last book you read?

[CB]  The last one was “The Cestus Deception,” a Star Wars novel by Steven Barnes featuring Obi-Wan Kenobi, Kit Fisto, and some clone commandoes. It was all about a planet where droids were being built that could kill Jedi. Obi-Wan and Kit were sent on an elaborate deception mission to try and stop the manufacture of the droids and also to keep them away from Count Dooku.

I’m currently about half way through Triple Zero, another Star Wars novel, this one by Karen Traviss, where clone commandoes are under cover on Coruscant to find traitors and spies in the midst of the capital.

[AA] How do fans and readers get in touch with you?

[CB]  I update a Blog on a regular basis on my own website, www.CliffordBBowyer.com, and also put the latest news, updates, reviews, etc about both the books and myself on there.

A couple of years ago, a fan who visited me at several different events asked permission to create a “Fan Fiction” site. I let him, and also monitor the site and respond to questions, comments, and posting there as well. You can find it at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theimpendingstorm.

Silver Leaf Books also has a “Fan Art” feature that you can find by going to http://www.silverleafbooks.com/Gallery-FanArt.htm, and posting or viewing art specifically about my books and world.

Finally, a few people recommended that I join MySpace to be more available to fans as well, and I have done that. People can find me at http://www.myspace.com/imperiumsaga.

[AA] Where can fans buy your books?

[CB]  My books are available wherever books are sold. You can walk in to any bookstore, and if they do not have them, they can order them for you. You can also get them on Amazon.com, B&N.com, directly through the Silver Leaf Books online store (http://www.silverleafbooks.com/Products-Catalog-Books-CliffordBBowyer.htm), or through my own website, which has links to the Silver Leaf Books store.

You can also visit me at any of my numerous conventions, book signings, or festivals. Information on these are posted and updated regularly on both websites.

[AA] Do you have book signings or appearances coming up in 2007?

[CB]  I currently have several conventions that I am intending to host a booth at for book sales, signings, and discussions. The first is February 16^th – 18^th at Boskone. Then Anime Boston on April 20^th – 22^nd. ConnectiCon is July 13^th – 15^th. I’ll also likely be back at United FanCon, but I don’t have the dates yet.

Also, I’m sure I’ll have some book signings at various Barnes and Noble stores following the release of the new books. Updated information on those appearances and others can be found at either website by going to the Events section. 

This interview and comments about it can be found at Alien Almanac.