5 Minutes with…BT Roberston
Let’s give him a big Naughty little welcome. (psst, he is a handsome devil isn’t he)
So, what project are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a new trilogy set in the Planar universe established in the first trilogy, Chronicles of the Planeswalkers. This trilogy will focus on an entirely new cast of characters and will take place on a different Plane in the cosmos…primarily. I’m very excited to begin working on the writing, since I’ve been hard at work developing the outline, characters, locations, unique magic system items, etc.
What is your favorite snack?
Dark chocolate…the higher the cocoa content, the better. I’m partial to 75% and higher concentrations.
Will electronic readers ever take the place of the humble paperback?
This was debated repeatedly in some of my college courses (I’m a systems engineer by trade). I’m a tech-head, so I believe technology marches on without regard to personal tastes. In the case of books, I seriously doubt that e-readers will fully replace printed copies. Instead, a marriage of the two will balance out.
If you could be one of your characters – Who would you be? And why?
Aeligon, the wizard. At first, I channeled myself through Aerinas more often than not, but as the first trilogy matured, I definitely identified more with the older, wiser, and more stable Aeligon. Aeligon is a wizard with loads of experience and prowess, and I’ve always been drawn to magical characters like this in my reading, especially as a young adult.
Who or what influences you when you write?
Probably the vast amount of science fiction and fantasy literature I’ve read over the years. I can’t imagine not being influenced by greats such as Terry Brooks, George R.R. Martin, David Farland, Isaac Asimov, Brandon Sanderson, etc. It’s important for a writer to find his/her own voice, of course, so I strive to maintain a balance between reading and writing. Some writers shy away from reading, but influences come from life experiences more than they do books you read. Many times, I need to read books many times in order to digest the wealth of information present.
Who is your perfect hero? And why?
I don’t know who is my perfect hero, but the important feature of any hero is fallibility. Flaws define humanity, define our strength, courage, and resolve. Without the ability to fail, humans would never excel. It’s this quality that attracts us to heroes, yet failure is what society tries to drive away from the human spirit daily. Humans only succeed because of the ability to fail.
What do you do for inspiration?
Video games were, and still remain my first love, even at age 32. I fell in love with epic stories in the role-playing genre as a small boy and it’s been an ongoing affair ever since. That and reading are my two main sources of inspiration. Music also helps, especially when I write battle scenes.
What kind of research do you do for your books? Do you enjoy the research process?
My research process isn’t very robust because I write fantasy fiction, but that’s not to say it’s not valuable. Researching fiction is loose because I make most everything up as I go.
What is your favorite movie of all time? The one where you can watch it and still get affected at the same spots each and every time?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy, especially the third movie, Return of the King. Still makes me tear up at the end and gives me a profound sense of loss.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 5 things would you have with you? *mind you, you do have a strong hunky man to help you with things* *grins*
OR
Who would you want to be tied/handcuffed to for 24hours?
That’s more like it. Question 13 caused beads of sweat to form on my brow. Handcuff me to Vanessa Marcil any day of the week and twice on Sundays.
What is your favorite way to relax after a hard day working and writing?
Depends on the mood of my wife. *grins*
What is the one era you would love to go visit and why?
Middle Ages, Medieval period(s). I write this type of fantasy fiction (loosely) and love castles.
Have you ever faked sick?
No. In fact I rarely call off sick with the days I’m given in the first place. I enjoy my career. As a child, I’m sure I tried it a few times, but my parents were savvy.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
In fiction, sure, but in reality, absolutely not.
Have you ever been nervous over reader reaction when a new book comes out?
To me, if you’re a writer who isn’t nervous over reader reaction, something’s the matter. Arrogance crushes people eventually, and nervousness is a side effect of hope that the book lives up to the reader’s expectations. I think it’s perfectly natural, but should get a bit easier to deal with as more books are released.
How much does reader response mean to you over your books?
A great deal. I pride myself in being accessible to readers, and their reaction means a lot, both positive and negative. I used to have thin skin during the first book’s review cycle, but if there’s any advice I can give, it’s to get a thick skin and quick because no matter what you do, you will always have hecklers. J
What do you hope readers get from your books after they read them?
A sense of wonder and awe, and a sense of escape from the grinds of the real world.
Who is your favorite author?
David Farland
What is your favorite color besides YELLOW?
Blue.
Red Pill or Blue Pill?
Red.
Thank you, Mr. Robertson for taking the time to hang with us today. BT Robertson can be found at his website www.btroberston.com
Booklist:
CHRONICLES of the PLANESWALKERS
Part ZeroIn a world that is being plagued by an unseen evil and growing chaos, one Krayn elf will go searching for his destiny.
Aerinas, son of Tristandor, will journey to lands far beyond those he has ever been. While uncovering the mystery locked within the secrets of the planes, he and a group of elves, giants, men, and other beings will face challenges that will affect them physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Ultimately, they will face an enemy that taunts them from beyond the borders of the physical realm.
CHRONICLES of the PLANESWALKERS
Part One: Alliances
In Part Zero, an unlikely band of elves, led by Aeligon, a wizard formerly of the Order of Light, has trekked across foreign lands a discovered a mysterious mirror hidden within the ruins of El-Caras, the place where the final battle between good and evil took place during the Calaridis Wars many years before. They found great evil stirring and a plan to shatter the fragile peace unfolding with every step they take.
Now, alliances will be formed and battle lines drawn across the plane of Vaalüna. Aerinas, a rebellious Krayn elf, continues to discover the power of the magic inside him, but after finding an ancient text penned by a long-dead wizard it becomes clear that he must grow up and face his worst fears, or perish.
There is something alive beyond the boundaries of their world. Something old, forgotten, evil, and angry for revenge. Ripples in time, bleeding trees, and unwelcome visitors are growing common. Questions are surfacing in Aerinas’ mind about his parents, and the tension between him and his father, Tristandor, is increasing. Can they keep their alliance intact long enough to make a stand against the hidden evil?
Return to the world of the Planeswalkers, where pirates roam the raging Arthean Ocean, power can be ignited with the speed of thought, and death awaits the wary explorer at every turn.
CHRONICLES of the PLANESWALKERS
Part Final: Alignment
The Planar Alignment is at hand and a powerful being named Hydrais awaits his return from banishment on the Dark Plane of Zamas. Meanwhile, on the Plane of Vaalüna, Aerinas, along with his friends and allies, struggle to prevent Hydrais’ return. To do so, they must battle the forces of evil while Aerinas confronts truths about himself and the cold, calculating intelligence that dominates all life and destiny.
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