Author Interview: Ahimsa Kerp
Your Name (as it appears on your books):
My name is Ahimsa Kerp. I should say here that I am representing a mosaic novel. It’s made up of three novellas that each tell a different side of one event. Each novella was written by a different person—myself, Craig Comer, and Garrett Calcaterra.
Your Blog or Author Website (no purchase links):
http://obscureclearly.wordpress.com/
Your Twitter (if applicable):
@ahikerp
Your Facebook (if applicable):
I don’t have a fan page, but you can like the book here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Roads-to-Baldairn-Motte/231549793527651
Your GoodReads (if applicable):
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4890677.Ahimsa_Kerp
How would you describe yourself?
I am a historian by education and a traveler by inclination, with a near-debilitating predilection for procrastination.
How would you describe what you write?
If I’m writing fiction it’s (almost) always spec fic. I think there’s no reason not to use creativity in writing, although technical skill is at least as important. Whatever I’m writing, I try to get into the psychology of the characters. I tend to write in a “less is (hopefully) more” style; there’s not too much exposition or world building. As a reader, I prefer good dialogue and clear character motivations—I try to give that to my readers as well.
What inspired you to start writing your first book?
I was thinking about how Lord of the Rings would sound if told by one of the Southern men on Sauron’s side. What did they think about the war? (The ambiguity of George Martin’s characters was definitely influential as well.) Fans of Kurosawa will recognize the influence of Rashomon as well—I am fascinated by the idea of perspective, and how one event can have such different repercussions for so many people.
Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla?
Vanilla all the way. It’s my favorite flavor, bar none. But I also like licorice a lot, so my tastes might be a little suspect.
What authors influence your writing?
Lovecraft, of course. I am astonished by Tim Powers’ ability to weave fact with fantasy. His craftsmanship is off the charts. Graham Greene has prose so amazing that it can be distracting. Knut Hamsun captured the mental state of his protagonists in such a vivid way that his work is more relevant than ever. And Harold Pinter, for me, is the all-time master of dialogue. There is so much subtext in one of his plays that it can be discouraging to even try to have two people have a conversation.
What one writing tip do you have for new authors?
The most important thing to me, more than reading or even writing, is living. Do something interesting with your life and your writing is sure to become more interesting as well.
Did you self or traditionally publish, and why did you choose that route?
Traditionally; though it was a small press. I (and my co-writers) are responsible for the marketing and advertising. I am intrigued by self-publishing, but to my mind even the authors who are making a fair bit of money aren’t exceptionally good. I understand the “eliminate the middleman” mentality, but for now I think the gatekeepers are still ensuring a minimal level of skill and talent.
Do you have a blog, and how has it helped with your promotional efforts?
I do, but it exists more as a platform for me to discuss things that are on my mind or to keep myself accountable rather than be something that anyone reads.
What one thing are you OCD about, in general?
I do realize it’s ultimately arbitrary, but I’m a stickler for good grammar. Even when I’m texting, I don’t abbreviate or say things like “lol.” It’s kind of silly, I know, but we all draw lines in the sand over something.
What is the most creative way you have promoted any of your books?
I wish I had a great answer to this, but I don’t. My inclination is to spam the hell out of everything but I realize this is counter-productive. I’ve put a link to the book in my signature in a couple of forums, but apart from that I’m trying to let people know the book exists without beating them over the head with promotional jetsam.
What would you do differently if you had to start over?
If there is something I am going to learn that makes me redefine how I do things, I haven’t learned it yet. Hopefully there’s still time.
Where do you hope to see yourself in the next five years?
I hope to be doing what I’m doing now—traveling, writing, learning, and having fun.
What was the best thing before sliced bread?
Blood-feuds. I miss the days when you could kill your enemy and then pay his/her price to their family.
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