1. What inspired you to write this book? I wanted to give my readers the courage and confidence to decide what is right for them and to act on their choices.
2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for? Dark magic terrorizing the Realm; magic duels from the backs of gryphons and dragons; and a snarky Cat commenting on your every choice--a fairly typical day for the wizard Mythral. However, being forced to take on an apprentice, and a girl at that, would ruin any wizard's day. He had foreseen his own death, and the Law of Equilibrium would always manipulate his free will choices to keep the future and his death unchanged. He'd have to break that Law to survive and save the Realms.
Those who abuse others, like dark wizards and bullies, create dangerous and often impossible choices for those who would do the right thing. Navigating those hard, if not impossible, choices will define and shape our heroes.
It is a long-standing prophecy that “Mythral’s Choice will doom or save the Realms.” But which choice is that: the initial spell creating the Three Realms; the unorthodox selection of a girl apprentice; or the desperate casting of an insanely dangerous Spell?
Wishes and Choices: Mythral’s Wish is filled with moral dilemmas and mental puzzles to engage and challenge the reader. The quest to alter Mythral’s foreseen death leads them to all three Realms. Within these Realms, the reader will encounter gryphons, dragons, wizards with unique talents and even stranger dwellings, myths and mysteries. As they confront dark magic and betrayal, they must face their own flaws. Surviving the final confrontation compels both of them to fundamentally alter themselves in unforeseen ways. The book is primarily written for MG readers, but hopefully it will appeal to others as well.
3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? See answer 1 above. In addition, the book and the webpage offer new ideas and innovative ways to deal with life's impossible choices and challenges.
4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? A snarky Cat is narrating this story and the next two in the series. Cat's own story is incomplete, so he tells his readers about a very good wizard, a very bad wizard, and a young apprentice caught between them. Wishes lead to choices which lead to ripple effects and that is the point of the stories. The title in each book refers to one of the main characters and their primary wish.
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? I am writing to convey a story and a message. I have no desire (or likely chance) to make money. I actually give copies to schools, used book stores and others. I would tell first time authors not to expect financial success.
6. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? I enjoy creative problem solving (See "Extras" on the webpage.), mental puzzles, and physics. Resisting pressure to compromise on what is right was a recurring experience.
7. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? I prefer action over descriptions and mystery and challenges over violence and conflict. I always have chosen books for their content (story, plot, adventure, and good winning in the end) and not for style. I am not sure with whom my style might be similar.
8. How do you feel your book compares to others in your genre? I enjoyed the Harry Potter novels, Lord of the Rings, and many other complex series such as those by Terry Brooks. However, I intentionally wrote a story that is not as dark and complex. I am uncertain how my effort will compare with other MG books of a similar magical realism/sci fi nature.
9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? I started it while working full-time and with many other distractions. Book One was written over a 15-year-period. I had the usual constant query rejections until I found St. Pete Press.
10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? Besides being free on BookSiren (See webpage link.), I hope it will not just entertain but challenge the reader's mind with puzzles (old and new) and support them in choosing to do what is right for them.
About The Author: I grew up reading the sci-fi classics. Later
I ventured into fantasy and magical realism. That background and several
physics classes led me to include in this story many strange things about our
Universe and the mysteries of time and space. My interests include a wide
variety of games: physical and intellectual. I favor brain
teasers, as well as tweaking the minds and assumptions of others. The reader
will discover me as a part of each character--just the good ones. My
"Wish" is that everyone gets what they deserve--the good and the bad.
What does that mean? Turn to the book's beginning and Cat will enlighten you.
My "Choice" was to write this book. The ripples it creates will be
your choice. Perhaps when you have finished, you may know your true
"Wish" and "Choice." Please see: snarky-cat.com
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About Brian Feinblum
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For
the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He
formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the
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director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many
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and The Washington Post. His first published book was The
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Born
and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids,
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