Jamie Edmundson, author of The Weapon Takers Saga, answered my questions about his books and writing life.
What do you like most about the writing process? Which parts do you like the least?
The creative freedom is surely the joy of writing. Anything you want to happen, can happen.
Sometimes it can be hard to sit down and write if you don’t feel like it, or you’re struggling with a scene – that can become a grind.
Which books have had the greatest impact on your writing?
I think the influences on The Weapon Takers Saga are plain to see – Lord of the Rings; the Dragonlance Chronicles; Memory, Sorrow & Thorn.
Which of your characters is the easiest for you to write, and which is the most challenging? Why?
I think I have made my life hard in some respects. The Weapon Takers Saga has a lot of prominent characters, including the twins Belwynn & Soren who can communicate telepathically. My current WIP has one main lead, but he is a three-headed ogre, so that has its own complexity.
Easier characters to do are ones with simple motivations, like an evil or cynical character, where there is less depth to explore. But those kinds of characters can be less satisfying in the end.
Do you plot your books in detail or develop the story as you are writing?
My first series was heavily plotted, but it was a complex plot that needed that kind of structure. I have relaxed a little with my current series and allowed the story to develop its own path a bit more. I think there are pros and cons to both approaches.
Which fantasy books would you recommend to fans of fantasy fiction?
Recent reads I have enjoyed include The Eagle’s Flight by Daniel Olesen, What Remains of Heroes by David Benem, The Chronicles of the Black Gate by Phil Tucker.
Where and when do you do most of your writing? Do you have any writing rituals?
Recently I have become a full-time writer so it is my ‘day job’. Previously it was as and when possible, in between work and family commitments.
What are you reading at the moment?
My ebook is Where Loyalties Lie by Rob Hayes. My paperback is Valour by John Gwynne.
Is there anything you would have done differently with regard to your books or writing career?
Well there are many small things, but that is all part of the learning process when you are effectively embarking on a new profession. You can’t hope to get everything right first time. But there’s nothing I lie awake at night worrying about.
Do you have any unusual hobbies, habits or passions?
I am a pretty fanatic follower of tennis. Myself and a few friends run a fantasy tennis site – tennisdrawchallenge.com.
Do you listen to music as you write?
Not as a rule but I will if I need to energise myself or get myself in the right mood.
Check out Jamie’s website, follow him on Twitter, and connect with him on Facebook.