Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Day Nine - Rhiannon Etzweiler






Good morning. Today  we have an interview with Rhiannon Etzweiler.


How long have you been writing?

In earnest, since I was 14. My love affair with story-telling and the written word started earlier than that, mind, but the real adventure began when I was a teenager. That’s when I slowly began my growth as a writer, and my evolution—one might say—into author.

What made you decide that you wanted to put yourself out there to publish?

All the stories I wanted to read were in my head—nobody had written them yet. Or anything even remotely similar. So… it seemed logical to assume others would want to read the stories that I wrote, when they were what I wanted to read.

Before you started, had you done any fanfiction? If so, what fandom?

I did some slashfic of Dominic Toretto and Brian Spilner from the Fast & Furious movies. Those two are like cinnamon and nutmeg. Absolutely divine together. And the first movie had so many homoerotic undertones, it was virtually impossible not to see the possibilities. Brian’s character has very little back-story in the movie, too, so I had fun playing with that some as well.

What is your favorite subgenre to write?

I absolutely love writing military stuff. Dark Edge of Honor was military science fiction—doing a sequel for that, down the road, have another unrelated military sci-fi in the works, and then there’s the military fantasy I’m doing as well.

Your first published book?

Dark Edge of Honor, which I co-wrote with Aleksandr Voinov, is my debut publication. Blacker Than Black is my debut solo, and it’s scheduled for a December release from Riptide.

I’m of the opinion that erotica doesn’t have to be real all the time to make a good story, what are your thoughts?

Readers have their personal preferences for what they like to read—in terms of genre, as well as more specific nuances. There are, as a result, as many varying opinions of what makes a ‘good’ story as there are readers. With one exception—quality writing is genreless. I prefer to focus on that. If erotica finds its way into the story, so be it. There will be writers that love my stories, and just as many who do not. I’m not focused on that. I focus on writing stories that trap the reader, suck them in and get lost. And make them think twice.

Who are the authors that you look up to?

I have great admiration for Aleksandr Voinov. His works are genre-bending, reader-challenging, and have the sorts of dark, gritty depths and sharp edges that I love in a story.

Donald Maas is a literary genius. Not much else to say to that, except that whenever I’m struggling or flailing in my writing, plotting, or anything else, I can usually find an answer or a spark of inspiration in his writings.

What books are you reading at the moment? Its okay to give a fellow author a plug!

I’m currently working my way through Dave Grossman’s nonfiction book titled, “On Killing: the Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War & Society.”  I’ve also been meaning to skim through my copy of the US Army Intelligence & Interrogation Handbook. It’s more of a reference and research piece, but I’ve been meaning to take a more in-depth look at it.

What are you working on now?

The sequel to DEoH is hanging out there, being plotted and schemed. There’s another unrelated military science fiction story that may end up being about novella length, and then I have this massive tome of a military fantasy story that I’ve had around a while and am in the throes of reinventing. Also, the sequel to Blacker Than Black.

When creating your characters, do you have models in mind or are they totally fictional?

Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Usually I get some inspiration from actual people. I’m a people-watcher, after all. Mostly character aspects collate over time and get sparked to life by an image… a soldier’s face, expression, or even a silhouette of a tank can do it. Ambiance brings the pieces to life and congeals them into a character with a story to tell.

Riptide specific questions

Tell me what made you decide to hop on board with this brand new publisher?

“Blacker Than Black” is a story that isn’t exactly an easy marketing task for any press. I wrote it years ago, and even then it was an anachronistic work. Much in the publishing industry has relaxed and expanded in the intervening years, but it’s still years ahead of its time, to be honest. When Riptide Publishing approached me and said they’d be willing to take it, I was ecstatic. I know that Black will receive the best support possible through them.

What is your release that you have coming out with them?

“Blacker Than Black” is a full-length urban fantasy novel about chi-whores and energy vampires. It’s due for release in December of this year.

In your opinion, what is the difference between Riptide and any other publisher that has just started?

Their commitment to quality stories is what stands out most for me. Also, their willingness to engage a writer’s concept of how a story is told, even if it’s unorthodox in the execution.

Where do you see the publisher in the next 5 to 10 years?

To be perfectly honest? I see them picking up some huge names after the first wave or so, and being a reputable source of quality debut authors. It’s going to be quite an experience, being able to be part of it from the inception.

Fun questions pick at least 3

For the men in your books, commando or underwear?

Commando.

Favorite character in one of your books?

Black, from “Blacker Than Black.”

The character you identify with?

Mike, from “Dark Edge of Honor.”

Here's the blurb from Blacker than Black:

Apparently, my twin and I are two of York’s most notorious criminals. We’ve been Nightwalkers in the blue-light district since the vamps took over the world. Don’t know how many years it’s been. Long enough that a stream of fellow ’walkers have come and gone. Most don’t last long selling their chi. End up face-down in the gutter, or worse.
For us, one night and one sale change everything.
Monsieur Garthelle is the first john to hunt me down. He calls me a chi thief in one breath and offers absolution—servitude—in the next. Maybe I’m a sucker, but I like living and breathing. Strange that such a powerful vamp would show leniency to a mere human. And something’s not right with the chi I took from him. It won’t go away.

Neither will he, and he’s forcing us to spy on his peers. Then a vamp turns up dead, and we go from playing eyes and ears to investigating a murder. This isn’t what I signed up for. All I ever wanted was to sell a little chi, maybe steal some in return. I should’ve kept my damn hands to myself.
This is my story. Look through my eyes.
Blacker than Black will be released at Riptide Publishing on December 12. To pre-order, please click this link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/blacker-black
Here's where you can find me:

Email address:
Business contact: rhianon76@gmail.com
Carina buy-link for my latest release includes cover, blurb, and excerpt: “Dark Edge of Honor” http://ebooks.carinapress.com/DD7BCB96-692F-4090-92B2-1D28F7CC458E/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=984CBCC2-F241-4129-87A7-E58097CA3B71

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TY for stopping in. Today's giveaway is backlist choice from Aleksandr Voinov, Rachel Haimowitz, Bryl R. Tyne or Brita Addams.

10 comments:

S.Lira said...

TY for being here

Sarah said...

Really looking forward to this the blurb really draws u in :-D

Sarah S

Sarahs7836(at)gmail(dot)com

The Scarf Princess said...

I'm totally intrigued by your new book. Great storyline with an atmospheric cover. I'm excited to know you're working on a sequel.

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

Debby said...

The blurb is captivating and makes me really want to read your book.
debby236 at gmail dot com

Bookwyrm369 said...

Very entertaining post :-) Thanks for sharing! I can't wait to read Black.

smaccall AT comcast.net

Rhi Etzweiler said...

Thanks to all of you for stopping by to say hi! (And enter the drawing, of course, best of luck to each of you!)

Aija said...

Thank you for the great interview! And congrats on the first solo debut! :)

japoki at inbox dot lv

-Maria- said...

Slashfic of Dominic Toretto and Brian Spilner!! OMG! Now, when I see the movies, I'll only think in this!

-Maria- said...

I forgot my e-mail:
mariaml254 at yahoo dot com

Adara said...

I totally agree with where you think Riptide will be in 5-10 years. =)

adara adaraohare com