Welcome, Readers. Today’s special author guest is Dave Maruszewski and we’re chatting about his new middle grade fantasy, Raven, Romda and Ravai: The Dark Beast.
During his virtual book tour, Dave will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, visit his other tour stops and enter there too!.
The book is on sale for $0.99 during the tour.
Bio:
Dave Maruszewski is blessed with a great family. He was originally inspired to write stories by his son. His son and wife eventually encouraged him to put his bedtime stories on paper.
His stories are created from an accumulation of experiences from careers/backgrounds as a physicist, engineer, teacher, artist, video game designer and software developer. He strives to develop stories with sound moral values that will be enlightening as well as entertaining to youths and adults.
Dave specifically tries to reach Young Adults who don’t like to read but appreciate quality content and deeper themes. From his own experiences, he knows that the hardship of reading doesn’t mean that a person isn’t capable of harder material. It may be due to disorder or anxiety.
In between writing stories and running his own company, Digital Tumult (DigitalTumult.com), Dave enjoys video games, watching internet videos and hanging out with his family.
Welcome, Dave. Please tell us about your current release.
I thought that it would be neat to have a story be made of smaller stories, but all connected. So, I had characters tell stories of the past local legend. The people would then give a composite about our antagonist (The Dark Beast.) Then, our protagonists (Raven, Romda and Ravai) go about these smaller excursions on their way to meet the antagonist. These small stories fill the people in on who the characters are. They also create a parallels of the protagonists’ and antagonist’s experiences in a subtle way.
What inspired you to write this book?
My wife and son inspired me. These stories are modified and edited versions of what I would tell my son at bed time. We enjoyed doing them and my wife encouraged me to take the next step. I then enlisted her as initial editor. That’s why you don’t want to encourage me to do anything. I just ask for help after that.
Overall, the “what” inspired me came from my long time desire to tell stories. Whether I was teaching, making a video game, or something else, I always liked weaving stories into my presentation. I just needed a little shove into the writing regime.
Excerpt from Raven, Romda and Ravai: The Dark Beast:
“Wow, that was crazy,” Ravai practically shouts.
“Crazy, but true,” says the driver. “But you all look like you could fall asleep.”
“Why do you say that?” asks Ravai.
“Well, for one, your friend keeps falling asleep,” he says, and the driver’s friends snicker. “And your female friend hasn’t said a word since we teamed up. Maybe you should rest. We can stop here.”
Ravai doesn’t feel that tired, but he sees the look in Romda’s eyes that it might be a good idea. He acknowledges the stranger’s words, and they stop. It is in the middle of nowhere, trees and small fields all around.
Raven crawls to the nearest log and tries to lie on it. Romda isn’t so easily satisfied. She instead starts to pitch tent and gets out her small bedroll. Her movements are so slow it looks like she won’t be done for an hour.
Ravai continues to talk to the driver. “Turning people into beavers? That’s not possible. You are pulling my leg. How can that be true?”
“It is, I swear,” the driver says.
“How would you know?” Ravai challenges the driver.
“Because my grandfather gave him the rune and spell to do so…and now I serve the master,” the man says coldly.
What exciting story are you working on next?
This book is the first in a series. I have already written the next book and more. I would like to continue giving this world some love. Plus, I kept only to the essentials in the first book, so I’d like to build out what I’ve worked on in this book.
I would like to see each of the trio have a full look into their character and complete their growth journey. I also have some big reveals along the way. So, I’d like to keep this going for many books.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Oddly enough, I’ve started my host of careers as a Physicist and Engineer. So, I had some things published. That made me feel like a writer, I suppose.
However, I still don’t consider myself as a writer. When I think of writers and authors, I think of the greats like Dostoevsky or Chaucer. I’m not sure that I will ever feel like I’m in that class. And to be honest, I’m not. I’m trying to create simpler stories that will try to engage youth to read more.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
No, I’m dysfunctional, so I have a lot of passions. I like to program. My current position is Software Engineer. Sadly, I have hats in other arenas as well. It may sound like I’m super smart and productive, but really I think that I am just restless and unfocused.
As far as finding time to write, I dedicate different days to different tasks that I want done. So, I definitely have a writing day. Writing also fits into a couple of other days as well. During my off periods, when I have no deliverables due, I will spend at least 30 minutes every day purely writing. It doesn’t sound like much but added to the other times I cordon off, it really helps.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I use the word “However” way too much. However, I love the word. I can’t stop. I need help.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was a typical boy. Fireman, Policeman, Athlete, Super-Hero. Too bad that super-hero thing didn’t pan out. That would have been a good gig.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
My son and I want to know why boring times go slower. When you are bored, you are hardly paying attention. Shouldn’t they seem to go faster than fun times where you are actively taking in every moment? We’re just throwing that one out there. Feel free to discuss.
Links:
Website | Facebook | Goodreads | NetGalley | Amazon
The book is on sale for $0.99 during the tour.
Thanks for being here today, Dave.
Thanks for hosting!
Thanks for the interview!
Sounds like a good book.
Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing your interview and book details, I have enjoyed reading about you and your work and think that this is an interesting premise for a series. Since this story is a modified version of stories that you told your son, what age group would you say this book is suitable for?
Thank you for the question! I would say 8-14 would be best.
When writing do you need it to be quite or do you like to have background noise?
Hello! I like to have very low music going. It keeps my anxiety down but is not enough that I focus more on the lyrics than my work 🙂
How about you?
nice interview