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** Giveaway **
A signed copy of the book, a poster of the cover art,a set of 7 glossy, full color art cards with illustrations from the book,a bookmark, and an 8X10 of the cover art! That is an awesome giveaway if you ask me! Now, what do you have to do to get your hands on these goodies? Just leave a comment or question for Stephen and at the end of the week, I'll use random.org to choose a winner. Please leave an email address so the winner can be contacted! You really don't want to forfeit this prize!
Author Pen Name: Stephen Zimmer
CA: How did you choose your pen name?
SZ: I have to say that my name was given, rather than chosen, though I suppose
that I have chosen to stick with it so far!
CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
SZ: I am primarily a fantasy writer, although elements of horror and science
fiction do work their way into my material. As time goes on, I look to do
a few things that are more centered in the horror genre, although
crossover elements will almost certainly be included.
The Exodus Gate, while predominantly fantasy, reflects quite a blend of
things. It draws off of lore about the Nephilim, Angelic/Demonic lore
from Christian and Jewish Mysticism, Sumerican/Babylonian mythology,
Apocryphal texts such as the Book of Enoch, Persian and Asian mythology,
and a whole lot more.
In terms of why I write the stories that I write, my answer is that I
write the kinds of stories that I would like to read myself. My stories
are ones that I would buy in a bookstore myself. In this sense, I
certainly hope that there are a few readers out there who share my taste
in stories and books!
CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
SZ: I have always been driven to be a story teller, which is at my foundation,
but in high school I began to start getting more serious about writing
novels. (Though I definitely could not do anything serious with what I
wrote during that period!)
CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?
SZ: J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The worlds of Middle Earth and Narnia were
the wonderful, magical places that beckoned to me as a youth, and I
responded whole-heartedly. It was all thanks to the fact that my mother
read me the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit as a small child (when I was
about 7), a chapter a night, and then bought me the seven Narnia books.
She had a real passion for all of those books, and strongly conveyed it in
her readings to me.
As I began to become more serious about writing, I also give credit to
Clive Barker, George R.R. Martin, Glen Cook, Roger Zelazny, and David
Gemmell for providing yet more inspiration.
CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
SZ: My predominant writing schedule is early morning, or later evening, if I
am not feeling too tired. I love to write all day if given the chance. I
need to try to shield myself completely from all distractions when I
write, as I really immerse myself mentally into the things that I
envision, and describe what I see, hear, and feel in my head. Once I am
in my writing zone, I try to stay in it until done.
CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word
that describes how you feel?
SZ: Grateful!
CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?
SZ: Getting the material to where I felt confident enough in it to pass it on
to an editor. I have really worked, reworked, and honed this material
over a few years, including doing a major overhaul when I felt that it was
not where it needed to be.
CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
SZ: I am also a filmmaker, and enjoy that medium as a storyteller as well.
Though constrained by low budgets, as a writer/director I have one indie
feature (Shadows Light, modern fantasy/supernatural thriller) and one
short film (The Sirens, horror) in distribution (more information on these
movies are on my website). Screenwriting is a very different beast than
writing novels, with its own unique set of challenges.
I have a wide range of other interests, including sports, exercise,
history, traveling, reading, movies, and much more. It is a benefit to
have a wide range of interests, as you tend to glean something from
everything that you do and experience for your writing.
CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
SZ: This is my first book, tentatively planned to be a series of 5. I have
also completed the first book in a series that is more of an epic
medieval-type fantasy series, which my editor is nearly finished with.
The first draft of the sequel to the Exodus Gate is finished, and I have
drafts for the 2nd and 3rd books done in the medieval series. I do have a
couple of completed novels that I wrote earlier in life, which will not
see the light of day unless they go through a major reworking.
As far as preferences, I can’t say that I really have a favorite yet. I
do have a deep passion for medieval history, myths, and legends, all of
which get to run loose and wild in both of these series.
CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally
from your imagination?
SZ: There are always inspirations and influences that come from the people
that you encounter in this world. They have a way of coloring the
characters that you create, no matter how fantastical or non-human they
might be. However, none of the characters in The Exodus Gate are directly
based on a real person, though a few of the more political figures have
been heavily influenced/inspired by some notable figures from our world.
I will leave it to the reader to take their own guesses. I placed this
story in a parallel world so that people do not get too caught up in
direct comparisons.
CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?
SZ: Read. Read often. Truly, a good writer is a good reader, I believe, and
I think that it is very helpful to read a number of different styles in
the genre that you like.
Secondly, don’t view your editor or test readers as adversaries.
If you have test readers who are genuinely interested in seeing you
succeed, listen to what they have to say. As far as editors, it astounds
me how many writers develop a combative approach to their editors.
Editors can see what you do not see. That does not mean that you will not
have a disagreement with them once in a while, on a matter which you need
to discuss and explain further with your editor in the context of the book
or series that you are working on, but never forget that your editor is
there to make your work better.
CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?
SZ: I am pretty easy to find, at http://www.stephenzimmer.com where my email,
myspace contacts, and other information can all be found. I am also on
FaceBook under my name for Lexington, Kentucky.
I am making a number of personal appearances over the summer, and love to
meet readers in person. After having attended recent events like
MidSouthCon 27 in Memphis and DemiCon 20 in Des Moines, I will be at
ConCarolinas (Charlotte, NC), Hypericon (Nashville, TN), InConJunction
(Indianapolis, IN), Fright Night Film Fest (Louisville, KY), Archon (St.
Louis), and more. Check my site to see the most current list, under the
Appearances menu.
The book itself is available in print, eBook, and Kindle. My site has an
online store, and there is also one at my publisher’s site at
http://www.seventhstarpress.com
The book is available at all the usual online outlets (Amazon, Barnes and
Noble online, etc).
My publisher’s site also carries a list of bookstores that are actively
carrying the Exodus Gate on the shelf. I really encourage people wanting
the book to support these stores, as it is not easy for a small press
author to get shelf space. The stores willing to allow that should be
rewarded! Please buy it off the shelf whenever possible.
I also want to mention that really enjoy hearing from readers, and am more
than happy to discuss things about the book. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
CA: Is there anything you would like to add?
SZ: I want to reassure those that are brave enough to give my book a try, and
end up liking it, that I really do know where this series is going and
that I will not take overly long in releasing new installments.
Right now, the plan is to release one book from The Rising Dawn Saga each
year, give or take a month. We plan a similar schedule for the epic
medieval series (first one due around the fall of 2009). This will result
in 2 books a year, so that readers enjoying each series will get a new one
without having to wait too terribly long.
I also want to mention that I don’t put frivolous sections/threads in my
books. Everything in The Exodus Gate has a purpose, is going somewhere,
and the threads get tighter and tighter as everything works its way to a
spectacular conclusion. Stick with me and find out what happens. I
don’t think you will be disappointed in the least if you like your fantasy
epic, rich, and deep!
Those buying The Exodus Gate will also discover more than a little added
value as well. Artist Matthew Perry produced the cover art and no less
than 15 full page illustrations in the book. This hearkens back to the
good old days when novels commonly came with illustrations, and Matthew
really came through with some outstanding images, samples of which you can
find on our publisher’s site.
I suppose that does it for now, and I want to thank Crystal very much for
the opportunity to do an introductory interview, and those who have read
it! It is very much appreciated!
CA: Stephen, thanks so much for an amazing interview! Good luck with all of your tour this year, it sounds very promising! Your writing style also sounds unique and very interesting, I wish only good things for you in the future with your writing!
CA: How did you choose your pen name?
SZ: I have to say that my name was given, rather than chosen, though I suppose
that I have chosen to stick with it so far!
CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
SZ: I am primarily a fantasy writer, although elements of horror and science
fiction do work their way into my material. As time goes on, I look to do
a few things that are more centered in the horror genre, although
crossover elements will almost certainly be included.
The Exodus Gate, while predominantly fantasy, reflects quite a blend of
things. It draws off of lore about the Nephilim, Angelic/Demonic lore
from Christian and Jewish Mysticism, Sumerican/Babylonian mythology,
Apocryphal texts such as the Book of Enoch, Persian and Asian mythology,
and a whole lot more.
In terms of why I write the stories that I write, my answer is that I
write the kinds of stories that I would like to read myself. My stories
are ones that I would buy in a bookstore myself. In this sense, I
certainly hope that there are a few readers out there who share my taste
in stories and books!
CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
SZ: I have always been driven to be a story teller, which is at my foundation,
but in high school I began to start getting more serious about writing
novels. (Though I definitely could not do anything serious with what I
wrote during that period!)
CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?
SZ: J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The worlds of Middle Earth and Narnia were
the wonderful, magical places that beckoned to me as a youth, and I
responded whole-heartedly. It was all thanks to the fact that my mother
read me the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit as a small child (when I was
about 7), a chapter a night, and then bought me the seven Narnia books.
She had a real passion for all of those books, and strongly conveyed it in
her readings to me.
As I began to become more serious about writing, I also give credit to
Clive Barker, George R.R. Martin, Glen Cook, Roger Zelazny, and David
Gemmell for providing yet more inspiration.
CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
SZ: My predominant writing schedule is early morning, or later evening, if I
am not feeling too tired. I love to write all day if given the chance. I
need to try to shield myself completely from all distractions when I
write, as I really immerse myself mentally into the things that I
envision, and describe what I see, hear, and feel in my head. Once I am
in my writing zone, I try to stay in it until done.
CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word
that describes how you feel?
SZ: Grateful!
CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?
SZ: Getting the material to where I felt confident enough in it to pass it on
to an editor. I have really worked, reworked, and honed this material
over a few years, including doing a major overhaul when I felt that it was
not where it needed to be.
CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
SZ: I am also a filmmaker, and enjoy that medium as a storyteller as well.
Though constrained by low budgets, as a writer/director I have one indie
feature (Shadows Light, modern fantasy/supernatural thriller) and one
short film (The Sirens, horror) in distribution (more information on these
movies are on my website). Screenwriting is a very different beast than
writing novels, with its own unique set of challenges.
I have a wide range of other interests, including sports, exercise,
history, traveling, reading, movies, and much more. It is a benefit to
have a wide range of interests, as you tend to glean something from
everything that you do and experience for your writing.
CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
SZ: This is my first book, tentatively planned to be a series of 5. I have
also completed the first book in a series that is more of an epic
medieval-type fantasy series, which my editor is nearly finished with.
The first draft of the sequel to the Exodus Gate is finished, and I have
drafts for the 2nd and 3rd books done in the medieval series. I do have a
couple of completed novels that I wrote earlier in life, which will not
see the light of day unless they go through a major reworking.
As far as preferences, I can’t say that I really have a favorite yet. I
do have a deep passion for medieval history, myths, and legends, all of
which get to run loose and wild in both of these series.
CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally
from your imagination?
SZ: There are always inspirations and influences that come from the people
that you encounter in this world. They have a way of coloring the
characters that you create, no matter how fantastical or non-human they
might be. However, none of the characters in The Exodus Gate are directly
based on a real person, though a few of the more political figures have
been heavily influenced/inspired by some notable figures from our world.
I will leave it to the reader to take their own guesses. I placed this
story in a parallel world so that people do not get too caught up in
direct comparisons.
CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?
SZ: Read. Read often. Truly, a good writer is a good reader, I believe, and
I think that it is very helpful to read a number of different styles in
the genre that you like.
Secondly, don’t view your editor or test readers as adversaries.
If you have test readers who are genuinely interested in seeing you
succeed, listen to what they have to say. As far as editors, it astounds
me how many writers develop a combative approach to their editors.
Editors can see what you do not see. That does not mean that you will not
have a disagreement with them once in a while, on a matter which you need
to discuss and explain further with your editor in the context of the book
or series that you are working on, but never forget that your editor is
there to make your work better.
CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?
SZ: I am pretty easy to find, at http://www.stephenzimmer.com where my email,
myspace contacts, and other information can all be found. I am also on
FaceBook under my name for Lexington, Kentucky.
I am making a number of personal appearances over the summer, and love to
meet readers in person. After having attended recent events like
MidSouthCon 27 in Memphis and DemiCon 20 in Des Moines, I will be at
ConCarolinas (Charlotte, NC), Hypericon (Nashville, TN), InConJunction
(Indianapolis, IN), Fright Night Film Fest (Louisville, KY), Archon (St.
Louis), and more. Check my site to see the most current list, under the
Appearances menu.
The book itself is available in print, eBook, and Kindle. My site has an
online store, and there is also one at my publisher’s site at
http://www.seventhstarpress.com
The book is available at all the usual online outlets (Amazon, Barnes and
Noble online, etc).
My publisher’s site also carries a list of bookstores that are actively
carrying the Exodus Gate on the shelf. I really encourage people wanting
the book to support these stores, as it is not easy for a small press
author to get shelf space. The stores willing to allow that should be
rewarded! Please buy it off the shelf whenever possible.
I also want to mention that really enjoy hearing from readers, and am more
than happy to discuss things about the book. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
CA: Is there anything you would like to add?
SZ: I want to reassure those that are brave enough to give my book a try, and
end up liking it, that I really do know where this series is going and
that I will not take overly long in releasing new installments.
Right now, the plan is to release one book from The Rising Dawn Saga each
year, give or take a month. We plan a similar schedule for the epic
medieval series (first one due around the fall of 2009). This will result
in 2 books a year, so that readers enjoying each series will get a new one
without having to wait too terribly long.
I also want to mention that I don’t put frivolous sections/threads in my
books. Everything in The Exodus Gate has a purpose, is going somewhere,
and the threads get tighter and tighter as everything works its way to a
spectacular conclusion. Stick with me and find out what happens. I
don’t think you will be disappointed in the least if you like your fantasy
epic, rich, and deep!
Those buying The Exodus Gate will also discover more than a little added
value as well. Artist Matthew Perry produced the cover art and no less
than 15 full page illustrations in the book. This hearkens back to the
good old days when novels commonly came with illustrations, and Matthew
really came through with some outstanding images, samples of which you can
find on our publisher’s site.
I suppose that does it for now, and I want to thank Crystal very much for
the opportunity to do an introductory interview, and those who have read
it! It is very much appreciated!
CA: Stephen, thanks so much for an amazing interview! Good luck with all of your tour this year, it sounds very promising! Your writing style also sounds unique and very interesting, I wish only good things for you in the future with your writing!
**Remember just leave a comment or question for Stephen to be entered in his awesome giveaway! **
20 comments:
Just wanted to say hi and let everyone know that I'm checking in. Feel free to post any questions you might have about the book, the series, myself, etc, and I will answer them! Thanks for reading the interview.
Wanted to enter, but Stephen has already sent me a copy, :-) Great interview and great giveaway! :-) P.S. Don't enter me, I've got a copy on the way. :-)
Don't enter me; just posted on Win A Book.
oh, sounds like a good one. please enter me into this drawing.
thanks,
jake.lsewhere(AT)gmail.com
Thanks for the interview! I have a question for Stephen. Do you remember the first draft of the first manuscript you ever completed? What were some of the things you learnt from it?
Thanks!
Thanks for the great interview, the book sounds fascinating!
marielay@gmail.com
Dave-yes, that copy is on the way and here's hoping that the mail service doesn't botch things! Glad you got a chance to read the interview as it does give a little more depth on my background leading up to this book.
Jake-hope you give this book a shot! I think you'll find it to be unique in many ways within the genre of fantasy, a nice blend of elements and influences.
Llehn-thanks for the question. I remember the first novel manuscript I wrote, as well as the first manuscript of what eventually became The Exodus Gate. With my very first manuscript, I learned that I had a loooonggg way to go as a writer, but I also learned the importance of following a project through to completion. If anything, it gave me the chance to step back and see where I needed to improve, which I could not have done if I had not finished it. Similarly, my first go-around with what became The Exodus Gate revealed alot of areas that I felt needed more fleshing out and development, which resulted in a major overhaul of the entire book.
One more thing, if anyone wants to add me on MySpace or FaceBook, I can be found at www.myspace.com/sgzimmer or FaceBook under Stephen Zimmer for Lexington, Kentucky.
Oh, I want to enter! Thanks for the cool giveaway and neat interview.
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for answering my question. How long did it take for you to write The Exodus Gate from the idea stage to the first draft to what was published?
Thanks.
Oops, forgot to leave my email addy.
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
Llehn,
no problem at all.
Exodus Gate first drafts date back to the mid 90's, believe it or not. That is when the ideas really had their inception. The draft given over to my editor, Amanda DeBord, was in the early part of 2008.
Of course, I was not constantly working on it during all that time, but I will say that around 2003 or so I finally found my zone in terms of the overhaul I wanted to do to it, and I have been working on a consistent basis with it since that point. What I ended up with was at least 2 books worth of material, probably 2 1/2, in terms of the completed manuscripts (and they are big books, as Exodus Gate is a 580 pager). So we definitely won't have trouble getting the sequel out! LoL.
Congrats on having Exodus Gate published after working on it for so many years Stephen!
My brother and father have always been really into fantasy and science fiction books, but Harry Potter is the only fantasy book I have liked so far. That being said, after reading the synopsis, I really want to read your book! Maybe you can get me hooked on fantasy?
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
cool giveaway; would love to win!
mbrown@hcps.us
it looks like a great book, thanks for the giveaway
You say that you generally stick with sci-fi but I was wondering if you'd ever consider writing something in another genre just for the heck of it.
quelleheure4[at]gmail{dot}com
Assuming it's not too late to enter, throw my name in the hat. My e-mail addy is rabidfox(at)ymail.com. I'm also going to add this interview and giveaway to the sidebar of my own blog, for all the good it will do.
As for a question to Stephen, I'm curious about what other genres he finds himself drawn to, whether in his writing or reading habits.
Hi Amber! Yes, it took a while to develop this series and the medieval one that I mentioned, but I definitely didn't want to move forward until I felt that they were ready to be delivered to an editor.
This book does have a real blending of things, within a general fantasy context, so you might find it to be unique or it might appeal to you even if you aren't a regular fantasy/sci-fi reader. If you do read it, email me your thoughts, and let me know if your brother and father take a look at it!
quellehuere4: I am mainly a fantasy writer, but I definitely do consider other genres. I would love to do some historical fiction/alternate history type project sometime (most likely in a medieval setting).
I am working up a couple of straight out, no-holds-barred horror short stories for an anthology that my editor is putting together in mid-summer (theme of paranormal/supernatural). I believe they show a little more of my Clive Barker influence, and are very different from the stuff in the 2 series. Visceral and atmospheric, with a heavy dose of the macabre! In fact, one of them might be the basis for a small graphic novel project.
Hi Rabid Fox: I just entered my anwer to a couple of other folks right when you posted.
See my comment above, as it does go into a couple of other areas that interest me as a writer.
As a reader, I read a wide range of things. To give a few examples, this includes classic authors (Dickens, Sir Walter Scott, etc), to thriller writers like Brad Thor, to things with a philosophy bent like Ayn Rand (Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead), and a ton of medieval and military history subjects.
Stephen, I loved reading your interview. Please enter my name in your draw. Thanks!
Hi Wanda,
thanks for reading the interview and I hope that you do get a chance to read the book. Please let me know what you think. I am easy to find off of my site, myspace, facebook, etc.
To everyone that read the interview and participated in the contest: I want to thank all of you and hope that I'll be hearing from some of you in the near future. If you did not happen to win the contest, please give some thought to giving The Exodus Gate a try. I am going to deliver a deep series with story threads that reach a strong conclusion(I.E. no loose ends!).
If you are going to get the book, I encourage you to get it at one of the stores carrying it (a list is on the Seventh Star Press Site), as it always helps to support bookstores carrying small press titles.
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