- a writer from a land where it never stops raining…
Readers, let’s give a good, hearty welcome to this week’s guest!
David Green is a writer of the epic and the urban, the fantastical and the mysterious. With his character-driven dark fantasy series Empire of Ruin, or urban fantasy noir Nick Holleran, David takes readers on emotional, action-packed thrill rides. Hailing from the north-west of England, David now lives in County Galway on the west coast of Ireland with his wife and train-obsessed son.
When not writing, David can be found wondering why he chooses to live in places where it constantly rains.
David, thanks for agreeing to be here today. Most interviews start off with the boring stuff, but I know what readers REALLY want to know.
If you could have any pet (real/fantasy/no-allergies/no worries about feeding it) what would it be?
Great question! I’m very much a dog person and have grown up with them but who wouldn’t want a fantastical creature? A dragon would be nice, wouldn’t it, though I shudder at the thought of how much food I’d have to provide, the housing of it, and the clean up involved. Still, they like to hoard gold and you can’t turn your nose up at that!
Classic choices for classic reasons!
What do you write? And how did you get started?
I write fantasy, with one series (Empire of Ruin) a character-driven dark fantasy, and another (Hell in Haven) and urban fantasy noir. I’ve also written a crime thriller that’s set in 1940s Santa Monica which is coming out next year and it’s as much of a surprise to me as it is to anyone else.
I started because I’ve always wanted to write, but kept making excuses not to. Then my son came along and I wanted to have something to show him when he gets older, and then the pandemic meant I had more time at home and no excuses!
I wish I’d had more free time during the pandemic to work on my writing! Go you, getting back to your dream.
What do you like to read?
I’m a big fantasy fan, and have been since I can remember. I loved, and still do, Arthurian legends and from there found The Hobbit and Tolkien and the rest of the fantasy pantheon, with Wheel of Time (and yes, very excited about the TV show) being my absolute favourite. I’ve read those 14 books plus prequel so many times!
Excellent choices, all.
Name one commonly accepted piece of writing advice that doesn’t work for you
Write what you know
I get the meaning behind it – channel your own experiences when developing characters and situations, but I think many take it too literally. Where I live, the writing scene is very much dominated by literary fiction and I hear people say, ‘why fantasy? Write what you know’ and I just don’t agree with that part of the sentiment. I’m pretty sure Robin Hobb isn’t a magical assassin related to a royal family, and am certain Tolkien didn’t witness anyone creating rings of power and the resulting fall out.
Meanwhile, I find literary fiction for people who lack imagination (and FAR too often reeking of mid-life crises and cheating spouses). I hope that’s not all based on their realities.
Name one commonly accepted piece of writing advice that works for you
Write, write, write!
Even if it’s a day where you can only fit in 100 words, get them down. It’s like any skill, and the more you practice your craft, the more experience you’ll gain.
Well, I don’t write everyday. But, definitely, I’m working on it every week, between my blogging, writing, and editing.
Shameless Self-Promotion time!
In Solitude’s Shadow: Empire of Ruin (Book 1)
The tides of fate are shifting.
The Banished have returned, and they have set their eyes on the walls of Solitude.
Zanna Alpenwood, a powerful mage, and two hundred aged and forgotten Sparkers are all that stand between the Banished and the nation of Haltveldt. With time running out and the world at stake, Zanna is forced to reach out to her estranged daughter, Calene, and set her on an impossible quest.
Calene quickly learns that enemies make unlikely allies as she teams up with both friend and foe on her journey to save her mother and Haltveldt. Forging their way over land and sea, uncovering dark plots and secret societies, Calene is forced to decide between her masters and her own conscience.
Will they arrive in time to save the fortress of Solitude from destruction? Only one thing is certain; Ruin is assured if Solitude falls.
Book two is releasing July 15th!
Path of War : Empire of Ruin (Book 2)
The Banished have made their move, now Haltveldt answers back.
Reeling from the events at Solitude, Calene Alpenwood embarks on a journey to find meaning in all that she’s seen, and discover the answers she so desperately seeks. Finding herself more alone than ever, Calene is trapped between doing what’s right, and doing what needs to be done.
Meanwhile, Kade Besem continues his search for his son, Arlo, and the strange warrior-monk Tilo. His hunt takes him deep into Banished territory and into the jaws of danger.
Revelations are revealed, ancient secrets are uncovered and those who stand in the Empire’s way can’t hope to win when Haltveldt walks the Path of War.
The Devil Walks In Blood (Nick Holleran: Books 1&2)
Hell is real. We’re all living it.
Nick Holleran learned that truth the hard way the day he took three bullets to the chest and bled out in an alleyway. Only death didn’t stick, and it’s been five long years working among the ghosts and monsters, demons and fallen angels, hoping that next time he’ll make it to heaven. But things are never that simple, are they?
After a night from Hell, private investigator Nick Holleran finds himself face to face with Diana, the mystery ghost from his office, and a job that he can’t say no to. With unseen evils on his heels, and a dead girl at his side, Nick uncovers horrific truths that put him at odds with the Haven Police Department, and even closer to death than ever before.
Nick will soon realize the Devil isn’t the only one that walks in blood.
WRITING TIPS & WRITERLY MUSINGS 
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