R.A. Denny Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. I have an exuberance for life and learning. I like to create, invent, and to play. I have a heart for the downtrodden, and although I’ve had my share of setbacks, I never give up. My faith and family are very important to me. I grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, graduated from University of Maryland, and received my law degree from Duke University. As a lawyer, I prosecuted criminals for more than 20 years. During that time, I pioneered bullying prevention programs and wrote a screenplay about bullying. My favorite color is purple, and my favorite food is the pomegranate.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. Ever since I wrote my first story at age 6, I have loved to write. In fact, I love almost any creative endeavor. But the stories and poems I wrote were for the personal enjoyment of my family and friends. Somehow I never realized that I wanted to be a writer, until one of my sons challenged me and other family members to a contest to see who could write and publish the most successful fantasy novel. Once I started writing, I realized how much I loved it. My son said, “Do what you love.” So I left my job as a criminal prosecutor. I’ve never looked back.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?
A. What an exciting journey! I published my first novel in the Tales of Tzoladia series in 2017, and not quite a year later I completed the 5 book series. I didn’t know what the response would be, but I worked hard and hoped for the best. The response was wonderful! I am so thankful to all the many book review bloggers and other readers who have taken the time to read and review my books. People often underestimate the power of their reviews, but for authors they mean all the world!

Q: Would you tell us about your most recent book release The Emperor’s Doom?
A: The Emperor’s Doom is the grand finale to the Tales of Tzoladia series! The characters come together in unexpected ways with perilous and even fatal outcomes for some. Readers should start with Book 1, The Emperor’s Harvest and read straight through to Book 5. The series is an utterly foreign yet eerily familiar epic tale about three clueless heroes who are chosen to save the world. But they aren’t ready. On the surface, the characters are unlike any you have ever met or read about, but inside they are very much like us. Along their journey, their faith is constantly challenged. They must learn to adapt or die trying. The Emperor’s Harvest is currently free for a limited time on Amazon and Smashwords.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Tales of Tzoladia?
A: I was inspired by C.S. Lewis and Tolkien’s group called the Inklings, and then my own group of Inklings.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: Never stop believing.

Q: What inspires you to write?
A. I’m inspired by pretty much everything and everyone around me. I love to read about “random useless information,” or listen to lectures from “The Great Courses.” I draw from everything I have experienced in life. I still feel that childlike wonder when I discover old or new things for the first time. Anything that causes me to wonder inspires me.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. I’m currently working on a time travel, historical fiction novel that involves pirates, puritans, and alchemists. I traveled to Morocco and Martha’s Vineyard as part of my research. Have you ever heard of the Salle Rovers and the Republic of Bou Regreg? I hadn’t until I started writing this book. Now, I’m learning so many fascinating things!

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?
A. On the perfect day, I might go horseback riding with a friend, then hang out with my family inventing a new game, followed by joining in cooking and eating a super healthy dinner, and then spend some time drawing. I’m an adventurous and creative person. I love outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, and cycling. I’m happy when I’m playing almost any type of game, either outdoors or on a tabletop.