There’s a meme going around in the writing world traversing blogs and websites where authors write about their “Next Big Thing.” A friend of mine and fantastic writer, John Rossomongo, mentioned me on his blog, so I thought it was time to contribute. Who am I to get in the way of ideas traversing the internet?

I’m working on several projects, including the sequels to both the Krueger (almost done) and Crimson Hawks novels (close but slightly behind Krueger), a superheroic anthology (also very close but needs art), and Charming with my co-author, John Peck. I hope any or all of those could turn out to be a “big thing.” However, I have a book that I’ve been working on in one form or another for years, and I’m really hoping that it will be published in the next year or two. So, I’m going to write about The Lantern. This should be the first book in an epic fantasy trilogy.

Where did the idea for the book come from?

The idea for the book originally came from a roleplaying campaign that I played in during high school, but it was refined over the years with a lot of inspiration added from Tolkien, Tad Williams, Frank Herbert and George RR Martin.

What genre does this fall under?

Epic fantasy.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie version?

This is a tough question for me. Between my day job, my various hobbies and trying to write at night, I don’t watch as many movies or TV shows as I’d like. Sadly, I’m going to wimp out and say I’d trust the casting director. For Polaris, the young man at the heart of the novel, I’d want someone with strong eyes and the ability to go from emo wreck to noble prince within a few heartbeats.  For Gareth the swordsman, I could see Hugh Jackman pulling him off. I’d want someone with a good sense of humor who can play battered, confused and tough at the same time. For Freyja, I’d like an actress with an ethereal quality, but with the bright intelligence of Jenna Louise-Coleman from Doctor Who. James McAvoy might make a good High Mage Aren. For Mithra, I have no idea, but I think it would be great opportunity for someone. If they could play overconfident arrogant jerk yet still make people not hate them, that would do.

What is a one-sentence synopsis of the book?

Nine years after a great hero vanishes, the fate of the world depends on his son’s ability to unravel the mystery of the lantern left at his bedside.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Well, I’d hope that it would be published by a major publisher, however, if I try for a year or two or three, I might self-publish or find a smaller e-publisher.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I’d say that I’m still writing it, but honestly, about two years for the very first draft.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I’d compare it to David Eddings’ Belgariad or Tad Williams’ Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I’ve always wanted to write an epic fantasy novel. I’d probably blame my grandfather for giving me a copy of Beowulf when I was younger, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t credit Tolkien, CS Lewis, Lloyd Alexander, and Michael Moorcock. Frank Herbert did a fair share of inspiring me as well, and in recent years, George RR Martin has helped keep me going.

Besides my grandfather, I have so many friends who inspired me from my high school gamemaster to all my friends at American University and everyone at White Wolf Game Studio to everyone who believed in me at Games Workshop. My greatest source of inspiration these days is my daughter, who I suspect will grow up to be far better at telling stories than me. Of course, none of this would be possible without my wife, who has always believed in this story.

Five Folks Whose Next Big Thing Has Me Excited

I’d love to know what Brad White, Myke Cole, CA Suleiman, Wayland Smith and Bill Bridges will be doing next (Phil Brucato keeps me well informed 😀 ).