Words with C.N. Faust, author of "The Heretic Priest"

Can you tell us a little bit about "The Heretic Priest”?

The Heretic Priest is the sequel to my first novel The Dragon’s Disciples. They are part of an epic fantasy series entitled “The Age of Waking Death,” where the snowy, mountainous country of Dragoloth is embroiled in holy civil war. The Heretic Priest explores the characters of Felix d’Artion and Meridith Turtem from the previous novel, building up the groundwork for some epic action in the third book. I wanted to explore Felix’s lineage, particularly, because not only is it important to the story but I feel like it really rounds him out as a character.

What's your background with writing?

I have been writing ever since I can remember. When I was little I would write fairy tales and romances … I didn’t even get into the darker stuff until I was thirteen. When I was fifteen I finished my first full-length novel, and not long after that the Mahtradors came into my life. It has snowballed ever since.

Who are your inspirations/influences?

My greatest inspirations are R.A. Salvatore, Anne Rice, Laurell K. Hamilton, Neil Gaiman, Richard Lee Byers, Gerald Morris, and Victor Hugo. I could name many, many more but those were the big guys of my childhood.

What was it like working with Amazon and Barnes & Noble publishing?

I enjoy the freedom, and the sense that every sale is one I have earned.

Who was responsible for the cover/book design?

I designed the cover for “The Heretic Priest” myself. The original artwork for “The Dragon’s Disciples” was done by a very excellent friend for me.

What are you doing in terms of marketing/publicity?

Everything I can think to do! I have my own Facebook page, I set up a Twitter, I blog regularly on my website, and I am planning a series of podcasts for connecting with other indie writers. I am planning a virtual book tour for late July. I have made bookmarks, posters, I have contacted bookstores, I have done interviews, and I am promoting myself through Goodreads by the wonderful reviews that my awesome readers have given me.

Do you have any stories from book signings/radio interviews/etc.?

There are a bunch of short stories that are free to read on my website, but as of this moment I haven’t done any book signings or radio interviews.

What is the name of your blog and what can readers expect to find there?

My website / blog is C.N. Faust: The Official Blog of a writer. There you can find a plethora of content to explore; including my blog, character portraits, short stories, character biographies, and links to where my books can be bought on Amazon and Barnes&Noble. I also do book reviews in the fantasy genre by request.

What projects do you have planned for the future?

The Age of Waking Death series is (so far, in my mind) an 8 – 9 book series with the potential to expand even further. The next book is book #3, The Hollow Living. There will also be a brother series (the first book for which is already written and going through the editing process) called the Dawning Era series that is pre-Dragon’s Disciples history, with at least 7 books based in the histories of Dragoloth’s most powerful families.

Is there anything else about you we should know?

I want to start my own publishing company one day, but in the meantime I am sticking to being overly emotionally attached to my characters and coddling them like they are children. If you ever see me, be sure to wave hello and feel free to ask how Pharun is doing. He loves the fact that people know his name now.

About the Interviewer:

Walter Rhein is the author of Beyond Birkie Fever and The Bone Sword which are both available over at the Rhemalda Bookshop or here and here at Amazon. If you happen to pick up either of these books and write a review somewhere, please let him know at walterrhein@gmail.com!