Fantasy author Benjamin Patterson joins me to chat about this new medieval novel, The Mark of the Unseen God: Book Three of the Markulian Prophecies.
During his virtual book tour, Benjamin will be giving away a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn participant. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit his other tour stops and enter there, too!
Bio:
Award winning author, Benjamin Patterson lives in North Queensland, Australia with his wife and four children. When not writing, he works as an Air Traffic Controller, then quickly returns home to write again. Check out all the reviews for all three books of the Markulian Prophecies. They are rave!
Welcome, Benjamin. Please tell us about your current release.
The Mark of the Unseen God draws to a conclusion an epic quest to defend the Realm from an evil horde. It was released in November 2024.
New readers should start at book one (The Shadow of His Hand) where they’ll be introduced to an ensemble cast of reluctant soldiers, petulant kings, daring princesses and jaded outcasts.
What inspired you to write this book?
I began writing because I could not find anymore fantasy read that I really liked. I’m a fan of old-school, clean, good vs evil stories. This trilogy typifies that.
Excerpt from The Mark of the Unseen God:
The matching dark cloaks of these young risk-takers looked impressive but were a childish indulgence. They caught the eye, marked them as rebels. It would be better to dress plainly than to advertise how organised they were. If anyone saw them gathered so, they would know immediately they were more than a few disobedient scallywags out for a midnight adventure, but the ambassador kept his judgements to himself. Their fate was not his concern.
Instead, he turned, pretending he was hesitant to be split from his men. The truth was he was counting on it. After a pause, ensuring the youths noticed his reticence, he nodded. Taking their cue, his crew pushed the dandy back into the water and floated away. Six black-cloaked rebels led the ambassador up the beach, three in front, three behind. From there, a winding path appeared, cut into the mountainside. Stray fronds flicked against his ears. Loose rocks skittered over stone. As they ascended, the coastal air lost its heaviness,
but the bugs became more relentless about his ears. The ambassador flicked them away. Such discomforts were familiar to Andreans, particularly those from Mourilyan.
At the top of the hill, he looked back. His boat was a darkened shadow amidst darker waters. If he did not know the boat was there, he would not have been able to make it out. All was quiet in the bay, for now.
‘Your dark clothing is a good choice. It will help conceal you as we traverse the ridges.’ The youth nearest him pointed to the ambassador’s cowl. ‘Is that how officials dress where you are from?’
The ambassador glanced his way to acknowledge the question but did not reply. Idle conversation would not benefit his cause. The less he said, the better.
What exciting project are you working on next?
I have a WIP that I’m marketing as The Princess Bride meets The Count of Monte Cristo, but I can’t say much about it. I’m completing the first draft as a gift to my wife. I don’t want her scouring this blog for clues.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
The first book took ten years to write and publish because I gave up many times. I was continually comparing my drafts with other people’s finished work. It was not until book one was published that I felt like a writer.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I do not write full-time. I am an Air Traffic Controller and a parent to four boisterous children. When I’m not writing, husbanding, parenting, or working, I’m usually at church or watching sports.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
That’s a tough question. People tell me my writing is descriptive, but I don’t really feel it. I’m continually telling myself to slow the pace when writing each scene.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A sport superstar. Any sport.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Thank you for supporting Indie Authors. If you do decide to take a chance on my books, please let me know.
Links:
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Great interview! This looks really good.
Great interview. Sounds inspired!