A few words with fantasy author, Michael K. Falciani
1) Let’s get to know you! What is your Author name; use your Pen name if you have one.
My Pen name is Michael K. Falciani
2) What is your genre and what drew you to it?
I write epic fantasy. I began reading in this genre when I was a child of 6-7. My parents bought me an illustrated version of, “The Hobbit,” and I have been hooked ever since.
3) Which character of yours is your favorite and why?
There are so many to choose from, but I would have to say Kildare, who is one of my main characters. He says all the things that I want to say to other people, especially those that are difficult to deal with. He is also a troubled man, an outcast in society and he carries that noble shame with him wherever he goes.
4) Which character of yours was the most challenging to write and why?
I am currently writing about a character who has turrets, though the book takes place in what most would call ancient to medieval times. The difficulty comes not wanting to portray this character incorrectly. I have don’t a mountain of research on turrets, but I want to get it right, make it believable, and show that it is something we all can handle with class and humility.
5) What is the hardest challenge in being a writer?
I would say marketing your product once it is finished. I was lucky enough to find a great publisher at Three Ravens Publishing who have worked with me every step of the way. I feel quite lucky to be with such great folks. When it comes to marketing, I have learned a lot about how to sell your book and which platforms to promote it on.
6) What is the most important bit of information you would want to tell a person interested in publishing a book?
I believe the most important thing you need to publish is a book is work ethic. You are going to hear others tell you your work is not good enough and that is fine, but don’t give up on yourself. No one I know just sits down and writes a bestseller the first time they try. That stuff is for the movies. KEEP AT IT no matter what!
7) What is your favorite character from any book you have ever read?
It is hard to top Jaim Grymauch from David Gemmell’s Ravenheart. What an irascible, big hearted, wonderful character he created. I’m not sure anyone will ever top him for me.
8) What is you preferred method of reading a book? (Audio, paperback, hardcover, or eBook)
I prefer book in hand, though I’m fine with it on my phone/kindle as well.
9) Villain, hero or “show steeling” side character? Which would you be?
This all depends on who you ask. Many more people than I’m comfortable with see me as a villain. I’m not sure what their issue with me is, but my best guess is they dislike me because I beat them at things. Whether it is basketball, or cards, folks are sore losers. I’m not sorry I didn’t lose so you could feel better. That’s not in my DNA. I think of myself as a side character. I pretty good with the one liners, but I don’t crave the spotlight.
10) Name one of your favorite authors.
David Gemmell, hands down is my favorite author of all time.
11) What is the name of your book/series? Tell me a little bit about them.
My book series is titled, “The Raven and the Crow.” The first book, “Dark Storm Rising,” sets us off with the following synopsis.
Two brothers struggling to find their place in the world. For the elder sibling Kildare, every morning begins with the memory of betrayal. Once governed by the principles of morality, Kildare has become an instrument of blood and steel—where the speed of his sword arm metes out his own brand of justice. Only the strength and resolve of his brother Zedaine keeps him from succumbing to the ever-present rage that burns behind his dark eyes. While employed by the mysterious sage Blade, the pair stumble upon Chameleon, a runaway tribeswoman displaying extraordinary psychic powers. Their meeting, however, is no chance encounter. A riddle Chameleon carries will change not only the future of the three, but the fate of the entire world. Hundreds of miles away, Macklore, a powerful wizard of Brisbane, has been dispatched to the volatile city of Gallanse. Smitten at the sight of princess Lydia, Macklore defies his orders and finds himself thrust into the middle of a bloody succession. When he openly supports Lydia’s family, he is marked for death by a cult of magi working to raise the psychotic prince Dragomir to the throne. With few allies, Macklore must use his wits and innate magical powers to keep Dragomir from the crown and himself alive. Racing towards Gallanse, Kildare and Zedaine are torn between saving Macklore’s life, extracting terrible vengeance upon the man responsible for their betrayal.
I’m thilled to say my first book is up for Imadjinn’s best audiobook of the year!
My second book in the series is titled, “The Gray Throne,” and was released this past winter. Reviews have been wonderfully positive and the audiobook is fantastic.
My next book should be out this fall. It is a dwarven steampunk novel titled, “The Dwarves of Rahm: Omens of War.” I simply cannot wait to see it in print. It has always been a dream of mine to write a dwarven novel and that dream is only a few months away from fruition.
12) Do you have a website? If so, what is it?
I do have a website. It is About Michael - Michael K. Falciani (michaelkfalciani.com)
14) Where can we find and follow you? (Name your social media platforms.)
I am on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
16) If there anything important that you would want my readers to know about you?
I was 48 years old when my first novel was published. It is never too late to start!
