Whirl of Birds is a collection of short stories that are each distinct yet interconnected by threads of surrealism, deep introspection, and the intricacies of human experience.What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection of short stories?
Every story in this collection was based on something that preoccupied me around the time when I wrote it, such as time and aging, betrayal and forgiveness, misuses of religion, judgment and prejudice, love and relationships, escapism through art, lies and truth, dream logic. Some of them were written while I was going through various personal crises, so the shadows that haunt the stories reflect my own struggles or those of people close to me. After moving to the US, I struggled for a long time not to feel or act like a stranger, and the slight alienated feeling sometimes returns; I had a health scare that, interestingly, made me more prolific, so I poured my heart out into stories; more than anything, I still struggle on a human level to “pass” for a well-adjusted individual, but I’m not always that great at it, so readers may glimpse at some of my less than stellar moments through my characters. But each story contains triumphs as well: if not a triumph of the story’s character, they are triumphs of the human spirit. I hope, in the end, whether they are happy or sad, the stories uplift or inspire in their own way.
What things do you find interesting about the human condition that makes for great fiction?
I see humans like the water of a river: you put an obstacle in front of a river, and it finds ways around it. You put a dam there, and the water finds cracks, or creates little streams, like branches, to sneak out and keep going. Water always wants to go somewhere—even lakes and seas have their inner currents, inner movement. For us, humans, our greatest instinct is to keep moving. We may carry the debris of the past with us, sometimes floating like garbage and sometimes like precious garlands that we treat with reverence. But we keep flowing. The best fictional stories are the ones that capture that flow. If something limits us or darkens us, we make ourselves smaller and our river trickles sideways and around the stones and keeps going. That’s what humans do: a tragedy is just a way to learn to bend and twist, and find another way forward, or another way to be free. Great fiction is what captures the movement, the struggle, and the moment when something is overcome and put in the past. It’s all in the movement forward.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am working on a novel set in Romania and in the United States. This will take me at least a year to finish, and probably another to edit and finalize. In the meantime, I have also been working on a middle grade fantasy book, which is closer to being done. It may become a series.
Journey of Seven Circles follows a soul warden who has devoted his life to the wellbeing of others who, in a desperate bid to save lives he uses magic, causing the course of his life to be altered. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
There were several notions which came together when planning Journey of Seven Circles. If the fantasy genre has a superpower, it’s the ability to examine complicated subjects through a layer of abstraction.
Travel to, say, Dune or Middle-earth, and we can discuss how easy it is for the mighty to fall prey to their own greatness or examine the corruptive nature of power in the form of a magic ring. By taking one step away from the real world, we enjoy a new perspective and perhaps learn something important about ourselves along the way.
In Journey of Seven Circles, I wanted to create a genuinely good-hearted character then hurl him into a complicated world and force him to make some gut-wrenching decisions. While Kryn never loses his sense of moral purpose, he has to navigate some murky waters and pay full price for the choices he makes.
I asked myself, what would such a life look like? What sacrifices would Kryn need to make? How would he change through his journey? Those questions guided me through the course of the book.
What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters?
Over time I’ve developed a personal method I call the “character cake.” There are several layers to the cake, including the candles, frosting, sprinkles, and the fundamental “cake” layer.
For the cake layer, I define the character’s three (give or take) deepest motivations or goals. For Kryn these were compassion, loyalty to the teachings of his church, and love for his family, most notably for the plot, his brother, Adro.
Whenever a character makes an important decision, I always return to that character’s cake traits. I ask myself, which of the character’s traits are in jeopardy? How would these traits influence the character’s decision? Can the character act in such a way that all the cake traits are satisfied?
Of course, the most interesting decisions take place when the answer is “no.” When characters are forced to choose between two cherished desires, that’s when we see who they are in truth, or, who they are becoming.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
That answer is likely different depending on the novel in question. For Journey of Seven Circles, I made the deliberate decision not to share more of the magic system than was strictly necessary to explain the plot. Because of that, we never go into great detail regarding the exact mechanics of Kryn’s magic or how he casts his spells.
However, we do focus a great deal on the cost of Kryn’s magic. As we learn through the story, his power does not come for free. By making sure the costs of Kryn’s power service the overarching plot, the story avoids becoming lost in the supernatural forest.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Journey of Seven Circles is a stand-alone fantasy novel, and so Kryn’s story is completed. If I ever revisit this world again, it will be through another character’s eyes.
However, I do have more novels planned. My next book, Dreams of the Old Explorer, is in final draft form and is currently being proofread. I plan to publish it early in 2025.
The story follows two old tricksters engaging in their final battle of wits. We begin with Mikhail the Horizon Seeker, a man famed for his far-ranging travels and nigh legendary cleverness. However, for years Mikhail has felt as though a piece of his soul is missing. His old moniker of “Horizon Seeker” may as well have belonged to another man.
Afflicted with a deadly illness, Mikhail knows his days are drawing to an end. He wishes only to leave behind a legacy of good to those he cared about, and perhaps, to fill the hole in his heart, to become the Horizon Seeker once again.
Then he hears word of an ancient artifact resurfacing, one greater than any treasure he has ever known. It holds the potential to fulfill all his dying wishes if only he can lay hold of it. Of course, he isn’t the only man to have noticed the prize in play. Mikhail’s old rival, a man he’s never beaten, is also on the trail.
When Mikhail learns that the life of his dear friend’s son hangs in the balance, there’s no turning back. And for all his cleverness, even Mikhail has no idea how he is supposed to win.
For anyone interested, head over to the blog on my website: russellpikebooks.com. Information regarding the upcoming release will be posted there.
In a world chained by ancient lies, one man holds the key to its salvation — at the cost of his own life.
Kryn Darien, a wizard of unparalleled ability, stands poised to unleash a spell of unimaginable magnitude, a desperate gambit to reshape the very fabric of existence. Centuries of preparation have honed his skills and forged tools of devastating arcane might. Yet, as the moment approaches, doubt gnaws at him.
Will his sacrifices, his relentless pursuit of power, prove futile in the face of such overwhelming odds?
Once a humble priest, Kryn never sought such profound responsibility. His aspirations were simple — to serve and protect those he held dear. But fate thrusts him into a maelstrom of war, treachery, and ancient mysteries that challenge his resolve. Every step forward demands a toll more exorbitant than he ever imagined.
Across treacherous battlefields and against foes wielding deadly magic, Kryn’s journey unveils a conspiracy older than memory itself.
Amidst adversaries wielding godlike powers, he must navigate a labyrinth of impossible choices.
Yet, his unwavering commitment to aid the helpless propels him ever forward, even as the cost escalates to encompass all he holds dear.
Zipline: Aftermath follows a rookie cop about to become a father who starts having strange, vivid dreams. The line between reality and fantasy blurs, leading him to wonder if something sinister is at play. Where did the idea for this novel come from, and how did it develop over time?
The story idea came from a YouTube book talker named Murphy Naipier, a married mother of two. She had a segment called Dear Author, where her followers explained what they hated in a series. The readers didn’t want a five—to ten-year gap in the story but rather wanted to know what happened after the first book. I was dumbfoundedly struck by that. So, I had to craft a story about what happened after the mountain trip. It was, at first, easy. I already knew what each character would do because they said so in the first book. Make Gail pregnant with twins and have Neal be a rookie in his second year. (I asked a traffic officer how long a newbie would be considered a rookie and was told two years) Then, bring in the SUV back that was mentioned in the first book, and I have the basis for a thriller mystery. The ending needed work but presented a new problem because a character who should die lived. That created a new storyline.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
Competition is the green-eyed devil to an established person. I had to ensure that whatever the antagonist/protagonist said or did sounded justifiable to the reader. It was a punch and counter punch as one had authority by rank while the other exuded authority by nature. Again, there is a delicate balance in the creation of that story.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
What I had to do was that when he was on the job, it was at a faster pace; however, when he was at home, it was at a slower pace. I needed him to have a pause, just like the reader needs a pause after some excitement. I wanted the reader to see and feel the hunt as he pursued his prey, but it was all about the family when he was home. Neal loves his wife and would do anything for her and his friends.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
The next two books are already going through the editorial process. They’re a two-part story. One is called HYBRID and should be out by November. Still working on that blurb. I can tell you all the questions about that mountain will be answered in the following two books. Remember Marcus? He lived in Aftermath, so he gets a story of his journey that ties back to the gang.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Gail and her friends may have escaped the mountain, but now they all have to deal with the AFTERMATH.
Two years later, all have entered the workforce. Neal and Gail are contentedly married, and she’s pregnant with twins on the way. But Neal is unsettled as special abilities emerge, which he has to learn to embrace. Worse yet, he’s having strange visions of gruesome murders that actually happened as if he was there. Now Neal, Gail, and friends are wondering if he is truly going rabid. As they dig deeper into the mystery, they find the truth is far worse and more insidious than anyone could imagine.
Aftermath is a mystery suspense continuation to Zip Line that will grip you from beginning until the very end.
Real Spies Don’t Use Rowboats, written by Jeffrey Hope, is an engaging tale of adventure and camaraderie, set in the picturesque town of Cricket Cove, Maine. The story centers on two brothers, Sam and John, who, inspired by their father’s new high-powered fishing boat, dream of becoming professional spies. Their journey, however, is far from smooth as they face challenges from the bully-minded Johnson brothers and grapple with their parents’ concerns for their safety.
Hope’s storytelling is rich and immersive, bringing the setting of Cricket Cove to life with vivid descriptions that transport the reader into the heart of the boys’ adventures. His writing style is both descriptive and visually stimulating, adding layers of intrigue to the plot. The author skillfully navigates the boys’ escapades, weaving in multiple twists and misadventures that keep the reader engaged from start to finish. The narrative begins with the brothers gaining access to their father’s boat, marking the start of their quest to become spies. Despite the various obstacles they encounter, including dealing with bullies and overcoming their parents’ worries, Sam and John remain undeterred. Their resilience and unwavering determination provide a valuable lesson for young readers, encouraging them to stay hopeful and persistent in the face of challenges.
The characters in Real Spies Don’t Use Rowboats are well-developed and likable, with each one possessing depth and background that adds richness to the story. The bond between Sam and John is particularly heartwarming, showcasing the strength of family ties and the importance of supporting one another. In addition to its captivating plot, the book imparts important life lessons, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, resilience, and positivity. It’s a story that not only entertains but also inspires, making it a great read for young audiences. Jeffrey Hope has crafted a memorable adventure that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next twist in Sam and John’s journey.
Hide and Seek Alphabet With American Animals is a delightful journey through the alphabet, introducing young readers to a variety of fascinating animals along the way. From Amy the American Kestrel to Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly, author Anna Finch cleverly blends learning the alphabet with fun facts about wildlife. This engaging approach makes the book a perfect tool for sparking children’s interest in both letters and animals.
Finch’s creativity shines as she not only teaches the ABCs but also enriches the experience with tidbits about each featured animal. The vibrant and colorful illustrations add an extra layer of excitement that makes the pages pop and invites readers to engage in lively discussions. One thing I loved about this children’s book is how Finch involves the reader, encouraging kids to find where the animals are hiding on each page. This interactive element keeps young readers curious and entertained as they explore both letters and creatures. Personally, the Texas Horned Lizard stood out as my favorite, with its unique look beautifully captured in the artwork. But each animal brings its own charm that makes every page a new discovery.
Hide and Seek Alphabet With American Animals is a wonderfully crafted picture book that combines education and entertainment. The blend of playful hide-and-seek challenges with colorful illustrations and fun animal facts makes it an engaging read for young learners.
B.A. Parker brings us around the country to see what access to books is looking like for students in Texas, librarians in Idaho and her own high school English teacher in Pennsylvania.
This Shanghai bookstore, now in D.C., was revived by its owner, who hopes to create a space for open discussions in the diaspora community, where people can sit and read together.
In a new memoir, Chung reflects on the decades she spent covering the news, her marriage to Maury Povich and the prominent figures who acted inappropriately with her — including President Carter.
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