Middle grade author S.A. Schneider chats with me about his new fantasy book, Transgression of Magic.
Bio:
S.A. Schneider has a wolf, so of course he writes middle grade fantasy, wouldn’t you? Since his Lego and action figure days, he’s crafted worlds and stories within those worlds. This pursuit continues into his middle grade fantasies.
He doesn’t stop with inspiring kids to write linear stories. Oh no, no. S.A. shows kids how storytelling in video games work and how they can learn to write those. He wants others to join him and delve into creating fantastical worlds.
Enjoy the Adventure!
Welcome, S.A. Please tell us about your current release.
It is Transgression of Magic, book 2 in the Town Magician series. After the changes to Samual’s life at the end of book 1, I wondered what happened to his relationship with his father, the town drunk. That led to this book where Samual find out more about Jhonathin’s past and the consequences of that past.
What inspired you to write this book?
Always had several books in mind as I wrote book 1. Each one is answering questions about things in book 1. I am now working on book 3, which follows directly book 2 and we understand more of the Grand Wizard’s actions in book 1.
Excerpt from Transgression of Magic:
“I give you the Table of Death!” He said it so they heard the capital letters. “Honored magicians of old have passed down this table to new generations for centuries. Only the bravest Town Magicians attempt its horror, because no man has ever survived.”
The reactions pleased Rory. Everyone knew the story, because he told it last month at the pub. The entire town re-told the tale of the ancient magician who performed an escape trick on the mysterious table – but didn’t succeed. Instead, the rock fell and crushed him. Rory spread a rumor about the magician’s spirit still haunting the rock, prepared to smite any unworthy magician. The story turned out to be malarkey, but the anticipation enhanced the trick. Plus, with Samual using magic, the trick would be far beyond what any magician without magic hoped to perform.
“But wait, ladies and gentlemen, what may astonish you is the gnome engineer who created this trap possessed even more devilry within him. A system of gears and pulleys lowers the crushing rock as time slips away.”
A loud clack startled the audience members, and the rock dropped several inches. Their tricks surpassed those of other Town Magicians in the province. Hours were spent to align the gears for this trick.
“Before we proceed, I must warn you. This isn’t for the faint of heart. If you have a young bride with you or impressionable children, shield their eyes, as I cannot be responsible for what may happen – or not happen – next.”
What exciting project are you working on next?
Besides book 3, which is tentatively title Recovery of Magic, I have another series called The Oddish Questors. It’s a group of cryptid hunting siblings. Think X-files meets Scooby-Doo (with maybe some Supernatural).
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Some days I still don’t. The more I write and get it, the more valid I feel about it. Though I’m not where I want to be with my writing.
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 have a day job with computer development and consulting. I try to write in the morning before work, which works some days and not others. I really want to get more comfortable with using a recorder with transcription because I think it will make things smoother.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I try to Bugs Bunny my stories. What I mean – remember watching Bugs Bunny as a kid (the old Bugs Bunny cartoons)? They were funny. Then you saw some as an adult and realized that they are some wink-wink-nudge-nudge jokes for adults. I try to throw in some of those type of Easter Eggs for the adults that may be reading these to kids.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
At one time, a veterinarian. Then play in a rock and roll band.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Check out my website as I have quite a few free short stories. Each Halloween and Christmas I try to write a new holiday story, so those are there also.