This week I had a chance to interview fantasy author Daniel Willers about his new book Heir of Chaos (Blake Heira Book 1). Daniel Willers is a fellow member of the Des Moines Writer’s Workshop.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Daniel Willers – I started thinking about it when I was in college. People liked my roleplaying game, so I thought of writing it all up and publishing that. Novels might have been part of it, but I was more focused on the world building and source books. I’m still planning on putting some of that out on my website for free.The novel was part of my bucket list. I finally decided to do it during National Novel Writing Month in 2012. I had so much fun I decided to do it again. Some of my friends told me I should look at publishing it, so here I am.
I love the Blake Heira series that you’re writing. I want to know where you came up with the idea for this fantasy/mystery/detective genre mashup?
Daniel Willers – It came to me during one of our roleplaying sessions in college. I was running a game with two of my friends in a city ruled by thieves. They were taking down the various guilds for the local lord and cleaning up the town. I was amazed at how much certain spells really screwed up my plot. While we all had a great time, it hit me. Why would there ever be crime in a world like this? If there were people who could detect lies, read minds, and even ask the gods who did what, how could anyone get away with anything?
So, I thought about what happens in the real world. After all, the police can spy on us. They have technology that can tell if you’ve been in a particular location or not. I thought it would be interesting to run a game with a similar theme. No one wanted to play it! It wouldn’t leave me alone, though. So, when I decided to try publishing, this was the first thing I wanted to write.
Blake Heira the protagonist in your novel Heir of Chaos (Blake Heira Series Book 1) is one of the most genuinely good and principled characters I’ve read. Where did you find the inspiration for him? Does he have any faults?
Daniel Willers – Blake is an amalgamation of several characters I like from movies, books, and TV. He’s Gibbs from NCIS mixed with Harry Dresden, seasoned with Perry Mason, and served with a heaping helping of Aragorn and a side of Temperance Brennan (the book version) with Lincoln Rhyme and Kathryn Dance for desert.He has many faults. One thing is he doesn’t believe people. Dealing with liars, murderers, thieves, and the other criminals tends to jade a person. He is also pretty prejudiced against certain people. For example, in Heir of Chaos, he really hates Muriel at the beginning because of who she is. He is also blindingly tenacious. It is something that gets him into trouble. Zealotry is a real problem. He won’t quit, no matter who gets hurt. If he has to tear down the whole country to find the truth, he will.He is also someone who bottles everything up. Sometimes, that means he explodes. It’s rare, but when it happens, look out.Everyone has foibles, too. Blake loves gourmet food, but can’t cook. If something doesn’t taste right, he won’t eat it. He’d honestly rather starve.
What’s your favorite thing about writing?
Daniel Willers – I love the visualizations. I love creating characters and worlds. The hardest part is figuring out what the characters are doing in the world!
I know you are a meticulous plotter but has there been a time when a character you’re writing has totally blown up your outline and taken you down a path you didn’t expect?
Daniel Willers – Oh, yes. But, I don’t want to give any spoilers. We’ll just say I didn’t see the bad guy coming, either.
Why did you choose to self-publish your novel?
Daniel Willers – Lack of patience. I believe we live in the most amazing time in history. I love reading indie novels, watching YouTube videos that are self-produced, the whole thing. I never even considered going the traditional route. This way, I can write what I want and release them on my schedule.
What hobby or activity do you do entirely for the benefit of your writing?
Daniel Willers – I read non-fiction. I read/watch fiction for fun and rarely to learn things about story or characterization. I read/watch non-fiction entirely for ideas to put in my world.
Tell me how you became involved with the Des Moines Writer’s Workshop?
Daniel Willers – I started going to a group called the Saturday Writers. I met Cheryl Corbin, AR Miller, and Rachel Elliason. They suggested that I could learn a lot about writing by joining a critique group. Rachel beta read Heir of Chaos, and I’ve beta read a couple of her books. When she asked if I would be interested in joining, I jumped at the chance.
Is there a particular genre or genres that you won’t read?(tell me what you hate)
Daniel Willers – I hate reimaginings of other people’s works. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was awful. I despised Wicked. I even hate it when good authors do it, like Carte Blanche by Jeffrey Deaver. I like Ian Fleming’s Bond books, and Deaver is an inspiration. Carte Blanche is Jeffrey Deaver writing Bond! You’d think it was a slam dunk. I barely finished it and swore half the time.
What was fifteen-year-old Daniel Willers reading?
Daniel Willers – D&D books, Lord of the Rings, Perry Mason books by Earl Stanley Gardner, and every Doctor Who novelization I could lay my hands on.
Who is your favorite author?
Daniel Willers – Oh, that’s a tough one. Jeffrey Deaver, Kathy Reichs, Jim Butcher, Agatha Christie, JRR Tolkien, and Brent Weeks are all so good. I’d have to say Steig Larrson with the Millennium Trilogy. That was the first time I literally cheered when the good guys won.
What is the best piece of writing knowledge or advice you’ve acquired?
Daniel Willers – Steven King said that in order to write well you have to do two things: read a lot and write a lot.
If you could spend a few hours with an author living or deceased who would it be and what would you want to talk about?
Daniel Willers – Jim Butcher, and I would like to talk roleplaying war stories. Every gamer has them, and they are usually hilarious. Either that or actually play a session.
What are you working on right now?
Daniel Willers – My next book is called Illusion of Truth, which is Book 2 of the Blake Heira series. It will be out this fall. I’m also planning Corruption of Blood, which is Book 3. I’m hoping for that to be out next spring.
Buy Daniel Willers’ book Heir of Chaos at Amazon or anywhere ebooks are sold. You can find Daniel on the web at danielwillers.com and follow him on twitter @DanielWillers.