Tell us a little about yourself
I have been married to my beautiful wife, Jill, for over 20 years, and we have three children and one grandson. I have been an avid RPG gamer since the 80’s. and my passion for mysterious realms and the supernatural inspired me to write The Orb of Truth, the first in a series of fantasy action adventures. I am also a radio show host on Broadcast Muse blog talk radio.
Tell us your views on authors using violence and/or sex in their writing? Is this part of the heroic tradition in your view?
I don’t mind the violence or the sex but for me it just doesn’t work when I write, the sex part, not the violence. I thought about bringing the sex element into my writing but quickly realized that 12 year olds were enjoying my first book so I couldn’t do it. Perhaps another tale to be told down the road. I do think that it can be unnecessary and forced by authors and suggest a warning when heading down that road to really ask yourself is this necessary and does it bring depth to my story?
What are your definitions of a ‘hero’?
To me it is something that can be achieved by any given person. It symbolizes an inner destiny that calls to each of us in real life and then as an author into our characters. We choose our path, we choose our personality, and we choose to be good. Events in our lives shape us to who we are today but the future is not set by our past. A hero heeds the call in their heart and steps into something more than themselves and more than what they thought was possible.
Why do you think fantasy continues to be so popular?
People love a good adventure. We love the escape into a new world and this is what is most appealing to readers. Ultimately, as long as your characters are developed, will grab hold of readers, but fantasy has a special look and feel to it. I want to hear the ring of swords clashing, the shields thud taking the impact of another's weapon, and the villain bent on destruction of all that is good because his/her mother never said they loved them.
What fantasy creatures/races do you use in your worlds? Why did you choose these?
My books revolve around a Dungeons and Dragons look and feel in most regards. The creatures you will see in Ruauck-El are combinations of things and or what you would imagine them to be even at name value (ex: Unicorn). Races are human, dwarf, elf, Halfling (ordakian in my world), gnome, orcs, goblins, etc. Very classic but with some of my own insights to add to them while not distracting you from the nostalgia of D&D.
How much research do you do for your books? What sources do you prefer?
I grew up playing Dungeons and Dragons so my research is almost engrained into my DNA. I lived and breathed adventures since 9th grade and even now I can envision some of the amazing times we had together gaming in garages, dining rooms, and game stores all hours of the night while munching on cold pizza, twinkies, ding-dongs, chips, and drinking soda…good times.
Can you remember the first fantasy book you ever read?
I believe it was Isaac Asimov but the one true fantasy series that really got me going was RA Salvatore’s Icewind Dale Trilogy. His ability to weave an interesting story captured my heart and mind.
Tell us about how you promote your work. Which strategies do you find useful? Which do you think are least effective?
Well, for starters, authors should hire the services of a social media manager. They do the heavy lifting for you by getting you votes, getting your page likes up on facebook, more twitter followers, blog interviews, radio show interviews, and more. My manager is Aileen Aroma and you can find her on facebook. She represents several authors and truly builds a strong community and is well worth the price to help get your name out there. Remember, you are contending against a million other authors. It takes time and dedication to build your resume and you can’t do it alone.
Other strategies are not to post “buy my book” on your social media sites everyday. It is okay to do it once in a while just as a reminder, but if you do it more than that then you just become annoying. I learned the hard way so listen to this advice. Be creative with your posts on facebook especially by using clever pictures with your book in it such as Golem holding your book and saying, “My precious.” People like that and then it becomes fun and not like an advertisement.
What are your opinions on authors commenting on reviews?
I think that an author should only comment on a review in a positive manner and never in light of a negative review posted. You can’t please everyone and the minute you try then you are doomed. For some reason, authors like to defend their work, but it only creates arguments that in the end you will never win. I have read comments left by authors on their reviews and it is quite scary to see it because not only did you ultimately lose that person who left the review but you also put a bad taste in others who are reading reviews. My advice is to just let it go and for the author to focus on their craft. I realize some comments by readers can be very offensive and hurtful but it is best to be quiet and just move on. I think more people respect that in the long run.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Best advice that I can give is to write what you know and then make up the rest. Be blessed everyone and in the words of my red-bearded dwarf, Dulgin of the Hammergold Clan, "Kawnesh di lengo ki belko vekoosh. May your light shine bright and blind your enemies."
Pick up your copy of "The Orb of Truth" here!
Thanks to Brae for being on Heroic Fantasy, here is some more information on Brae and his writing:
Brae Wyckoff is an award winning and internationally acclaimed author, born and raised in San Diego, CA. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Jill, for over 20 years, and they have three children. He has a beautiful grandson named Avery. Brae has been an avid RPG gamer since 1985. His passion for mysterious realms and the supernatural inspired him to write The Orb of Truth, the first in a series of fantasy action adventures.
In addition to writing the Horn King Series, Brae is the host of Broadcast Muse blog talk radio program, featuring interviews with authors such as William Paul Young of The Shack, artists—American Idol contestant MissLadybug and Christian Hip-Hop singer Nomis, and world changers, Bethel Healing Director Chris Gore and others. Brae and his wife, Jill, are the founders of the International ministry called The Greater News, where they report on miracles from around the world. He is also the CEO of LR Publishing, a one-stop publishing service provider geared specifically for the growing genre of Destiny Action-Adventure Fantasy, which brings life, purpose, and ultimately a message of hope.
The Orb of Truth won Best Christian Fantasy Award for 2013 and has been voted #1 in several categories, including Best Indie Fantasy Book, Epic Fantasy Worth Your Time, and Fantasy Book That Should Be Required Reading.
His sequel, The Dragon God, is making waves. It was voted "BEST New Epic Fantasy" and rated "TOP Fantasy Book" for a series.
Website
Radio Show Host of Broadcast Muse
Facebook Author Page
The Greater News
Orb of Truth book #1 synopsis:
In the hundreds of years since the Holy City disappeared, darkness has fallen over the land. Human kingdoms have seized control of the realm, scattering the other races into hiding.
Bridazak, a skilled thief, and his friends, a Dwarf and a fellow Ordakian, have dared to remain within the human communities and live relatively quiet lives, until they discover a mysterious, magical artifact. The three friends are thrust into an adventure that will challenge their faith, their purpose, and their destiny as they chase a forgotten and lost prophecy across the realm of Ruauck-El, where they hope to discover the origins of the strange item and their place in its history.
An ancient, unknown enemy threatens the completion of their journey at every turn. Bridazak is about to face the biggest adventure of his life, one that may change the known realm, and answer the questions he has carried all his life. Will they unlock the truth?
The Orb of Truth is the first book of The Horn King Series...
The Dragon God book #2 synopsis:
As the heroes of Ruauck-El emerged triumphantly in The Orb of Truth, the first book in the Horn King series, they could not have imagined that an even greater evil still lay ahead of them. Raina has discovered a new threat to the realm, and teleported King El'Korr—against his wishes—to the West Horn King's capital city, Tuskabar, in hopes of thwarting an evil Mystic's plan to acquire the five dragon stones. Each relic harbors an ancient dragon spirit, and, if combined, would unleash a multi-headed deity beyond imagination, to begin a reign of terror upon Ruauck-El.
Meanwhile, Bridazak and friends are in search of Spilfer Teehle's missing family. Their quest leads them to visit old enemies, travel through beautiful but deadly locations, and will ultimately take them on an adventure of new discoveries of themselves. Each group is on their own mission, but as destiny would have it, their fates are more entwined than they could possibly know.
Internationally acclaimed author, Brae Wyckoff, brings a new depth to fantasy storytelling in The Dragon God.
Great interview! Looking forward to reading Orb and Dragon this weekend!
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