Interview with J. Scott Savage
October 13th, 2008 by --KALEB NATION--
A long while back, I heard of a new author from Shadow Mountain Press named J. Scott Savage. Having followed along with him on his blog, I enjoyed the premise of his soon-to-be-released book called FARWORLD: WATER KEEP and was sent an advance copy to read.
If you are a fan of Erec Rex or The Thirteenth Reality, you should honestly check out this new series — and especially, its awesome website at ReadFarworld.com. And to help speed your way along to the bookshops, I managed to nab a special interview with the author himself!
And not only that: five randomly selected people who comment will receive a FREE copy of FARWORLD: WATER KEEP! So without further ado, the author himself:
1. Hi Scott, thanks for coming on! First off, there is a tradition on my site for authors to describe themselves in ten words or less: the closer you get to exactly ten, the more points!
Can I use the points for a toaster once we finish? (note: ten words exactly)
Scott Savage used to cut school to read books. Irony?
2. Of all the 60+ odd jobs you have had, which one was your favorite (besides being an author)?
I really liked being a French chef. Mostly because I always ate well.
3. When did you realize that being an author was your dream job?
I think it was shortly after I had published my second regional novel. I didn’t make any money with those, and the distribution was tiny, but I really loved everything about writing and publishing fiction. I always hoped I would be able to write fulltime one day, and it has definitely been worth the wait.
4. How did the original inspiration for Farworld come to you?
Over a number of years. This was one of those stories that didn’t make it onto paper (or hard drive) until it had developed for a long time inside my head. Mostly because I didn’t think I could write fantasy. But I loved the idea of two heroes that seem like such unlikely heroes. There are a lot of books that start out with an outcast as a hero, but usually they find out they are really the greatest magician, or have amazing superpowers, or something like that. I wanted heroes that still have their weaknesses even after they discover their destinies.
5. Are there any characters that you feel were (intentionally or unintentionally) based off of someone you know?
Not completely. There were bits and pieces of people I know or have known, but I’m very cautious about making real people into characters unless it is a cameo. I don’t want to feel that I am limited in what the characters may grow into or do.
6. If you could have one creature from Farworld (Ishkabiddles, Summoners, etc) which would it be?
Definitely not a Summoner. That’s too much like trying to cage King Kong. Hard to imagine a “tame” Summoner. I think maybe a Mist Steed.
7. When you write your book, do you have a rigid process (outlining, plotting, etc) or do you write freely and let the story grow as you go along (or, a mixture of both)?
A little of both. I can’t write with a rigid outline. I don’t know if it limits my writing style, but it feels like it does, and sometimes that’s all that matters. But I have to know the beginning, the end, and at least a little of the middle before I can start. I want to know where the story is headed.
8. A lot of kids and teenagers want to be authors one day. What is the best piece of advice that you have for them?
I’d have to say, don’t try to write a masterpiece right out of the gate. Learn to write the same way that kids learn to draw. A little here, a little there. Give yourself the freedom to try new things, different voices, unusual characters. If you tell yourself you are writing something that has to be good enough to publish, it can really freeze up your creative juices.
9. Your first book signing was very recent. How did it feel at the event and signing your autograph to your first novel?
Signing books is weird and cool at the same time. It’s incredible that someone values your book enough to pay for it in the first place. Then to want you to sign it is just icing on the cake. But especially with kids, they look at you like some kind of rock star. You want to say, “I’m just the guy who takes out the trash, and tucks my kids into bed at night.” But it is fun to see their eyes light up.
10. What can we be expecting for the upcoming second book?
I’m a strong believer that the second book of a series makes or breaks the whole thing. Clearly if you are buying the second book, you liked the first book at least somewhat. If you loved the first book, you are hoping it wasn’t just a fluke. You want to see that the author can keep it going. If you only liked the first book, you are buying book two with the hopes that the story is going to improve now that we are past the introduction/world building stage. I want people who read book two, “Land Keep,” to be completely blown away by the power of the story.
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Enter for the giveaway by leaving a comment below!
(ADDED: This contest has ended.)
Posted in Authors, Interviews
October 13th, 2008 at 12:49 am
[...] author J. Scott Savage of the Farworld series, and he is giving away five copies of his new book to people who comment on the post! So if you want a chance to get a free book, head on over and check him out digg_url = [...]
October 13th, 2008 at 5:56 am
I think Mr. Savage is completely right in saying that if you want to be a writer, just write. People confuse wanting to be a writer with being published so often. You should write for you (and maybe for your best friend or neighbour). Only after that a writer should think about maybe being published.
This interview has me intrigued
Hope the first real comment brings me luck.
October 13th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Another great interview! Far World has an amazing web site. I can’t wait to hear more about this series!
(Does this mean I won a book?)
Kaza Kingsley
Author of the Erec Rex series
http://www.erecrex.com
October 13th, 2008 at 8:47 am
I think your series look very interesting I am looking forward to read your novels. Just a theory are you going to make four books? One for each element?
October 13th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Great interview Kaleb
October 13th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Wow, this is definitley a book my brother and I would definiltey love to read!!! It would be awesome if i could get a free book to give to my brother to read!!!
lol
October 13th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Sounds like it’s going to be a good read. I loved the Leven Thumps series by Obert Skye, who’s also published with Shadow Mountain. And, as a plus, the accept unsolicited manuscripts, which are a blessing for unknown writers like myself.
October 13th, 2008 at 11:13 am
love reading. sounds like a fun book, I’ll check it out!
October 13th, 2008 at 11:21 am
It clearly shows that the author knows wat he is doing and that he loves to write. To be honest I have never heard of this book until now so when a new fantasy author comes out i start searching websites. I read the summary 4 this book and its really good. Cant wait 2 read it! =)
October 13th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
The cover looks really cool. ^_^
October 13th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
This books sounds like a great book. I love the cover design and the story sounds excellent.
October 13th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I loved the response to the first question. How long did it take him to reply I wonder.
October 13th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Did someone say free book? Free fantasy book! Do I get extra points if I also used to skip school to read (well, actually more to sleep after reading all night). Even if I don’t win, I’ll be checking this out, it sounds intriguing.
October 13th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Wow, this is a great interview! I love fantasy books i am really going to have to read his book
and that was great advice for people who want to be authors, i am one of those people and i am going to keep that in mind next time i attempt to write a book.
October 13th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Did somebody say free book?
This is a really good interview, and I will most certainly be looking into the Farworld series.
October 13th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Wow. Awesome interveiw. I’m definatly reading this
October 13th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
book. Woops forgot to add that.
October 13th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Extremely interesting. I had been looking at this on Amazon but ended up not getting it. I should get around to it as soon as is metaphysically possible if I can get the book.
October 13th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Whoa! The website is cool! Great interview.
October 13th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Seems super cool. I’ll have to check it out.
October 13th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
My friend also interviewed him. This book sounds awesome!
October 13th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
thanks 4 the great interview kaleb!
it’s really cool 2 see into different authors unique writing processes.
the book does look interesting; i can’t wait 2 check it out!
October 13th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
a chance to win a free book ? Sign me up! It sounds really great
October 13th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Sounds like a good book. I’ll add it to my reading list! ^^
October 13th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
“Scott Savage used to cut school to read books. Irony?”
Lmfao, that’s great. He’s funny
I’ll check out his book.
October 13th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
October 13th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I’m ALWAYS up for a new book! And this one looks pretty good!
October 13th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Great questions, and great answers. And you’re right–he has an awesome website.
October 13th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
ooo! i like the cover! lol and “can i use the points for a toaster once we finish” is 11 words XD lol. ill check out his book :]
October 13th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I love reading, and this book looks so amazing, I can’t wait - it is definitely going on my reading list! The website is very impressive as well.
October 13th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
This sounds neat! I’ll have to check out the book… hey, maybe I’ll win a copy *wink*.
October 13th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I think the advice to not try to write a masterpiece right off the bat perfect. I’m looking forward to read Far World!
October 13th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
That was probably my favourite ten-word summary any of the people you’ve interviewed has done. just so you know. :]
I will most definitely check out his book when I finish my current book [Kaleb! read The Blind Assassin. it's very good so far...]. His book looks super duper!
Corinne!
October 13th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
It is always nice to find out about new authors. Now, just to add Far World to the long list of books to buy at Borders!
October 13th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Great Post.
Kaleb you are the best.
Great Interview.
October 13th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Ooooh. Awesome interview. It looks like a good book!
October 13th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
The interveiw was nice, the book looks good!
October 13th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
^^ 10 words (last post)
October 13th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Ha, a toaster! That is awesome. *runs over to list of books to read*
I don’t really agree with the whole “second-book” thing, as nearly all the book-twos in a series have been my least favorite (except for the Twilight series!).
October 13th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Really great interview, i will add this book to my incredibly long list of books to read! =]
October 13th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Now I have to read this!
October 13th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
wow, great cover art!
October 13th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Haha I love the thing about the toaster. Anyways, this sounds really cool! And I, too, will have to add this to my to-read stack of books ;D
October 13th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
I’ve not read a lot of interviews from authors before. Interesting the comment about kids “look at you like some kind of rock star”.
Is it just me or has the profession of author been made a lot more sexy lately? Amazing how much interest, hype and discussion books/series such as Harry Potter, Twilight, Da Vinci Code, Eragon, etc have created.
Great to know that with the advent of YouTube, MySpace, etc, the one thing that is maintaining and even increasing in popularity in some age groups is books!
October 13th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
i lik the advice bit he gave to young writers!!! i think its true sometimes u just need to wait for the rite story to tell to express itself to u! haha.the toaster pt was funny….the “a” didnt count rite?
October 13th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
The cover I think is what stands out for me the most …
I love fantasy like the next fanataic, but if the cover leaves any sort of clue, I must admit I have never read a fantasy involving water or creatures of the sea.
After reading the character descriptions and the basic idea of the story, this makes me eager to read it.
I look forward to reading this, whether I get a chance at winning or not. Definitely a book that I would have picked up eventually. But, better now than later! XD
October 13th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Cutting school to read, that’s great. Sounds like something I’d do, only it’s a bit hard to cut when your homeroom is your living room…
The cover of your book is beautiful!
October 14th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Ooh! Free book!
Outline or no outline, the hardest writing is taking poorly written story that has a great idea, and making it into an amazingly written story with a better idea.
Cutting school to read? No, ’cause that’s practically illegal. Cutting sleep to read? Yes.
October 14th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Cutting school to read? Sounds like something I’d do! Except, usually, I was staying up late to read, then sleeping through class the next day!
I can’t wait to actually read this, though! I love fantasy of any kind!
October 14th, 2008 at 1:23 am
This is so sad, I can’t find out what this is about. And I love stories! But I can’t find the story or a synopsis or anything for it. His website isn’t working on my computer, and his blog doesn’t say, not that I have found yet. And wikipedia has nothing on it that I can find. And barnesandnoble.com has the book, but not what it is about. So frustrating! I want to know what it is about! It’s such a cool title.
Am I just being dumb by not being able to find it? …that happens from time to time…
October 14th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Awesome interview!! Sounds like a very interesting series (although I tend to love all fantasy haha!!). Must check it out ^^
w/<3 frm NZ =)
October 14th, 2008 at 3:03 am
the first thing i noticed was the beautiful cover and i’m always up for discovering another great book. i was also surprised to hear about what a funny, down to earth guy the author is. great interview!
October 14th, 2008 at 4:36 am
That book looks really good, I hope it can deliver a good storyline
And thanks Mr. Savage, for the advice on writing, us little writers can always use the help!
October 14th, 2008 at 8:36 am
This book sounds great! I want a free copy!
October 14th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Nice interview. This book seems like a good read, I’m going to have to check it out!
October 14th, 2008 at 11:59 am
One of the things I have most enjoyed about finding you, Kaleb Nation, is the exposure I have had to new music, new literature and new computer geek speak for chat rooms. I enjoy sci fi and fantasy genre and even though I have no friends (in my age group) who also share my love of these books, I can find kindred spirits in your fans and with your blogs. Thanks for the tip on something new to read!
Who knows? Maybe I’ll win the book and ease my stretched budget? How was I to know that sending a kid to college didn’t teminate the never-ending financial support they need? At least mine doesn’t need endless supplies of lasagna!
JanetH
October 14th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Your posts are always amazing!
But, seriously. This sounds really interesting. I’m gonna have to get this book. XD
October 14th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Wow, that book sounds beyond amazing! I can’t wait to read it! I can tell J. Scott Savage has a way with words just from this interveiw. Thanks for the wonderful advice, I’mm be sure to remember that.
October 14th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I loved his advice to young writers. I competely agree. I started seriously writing about 4 or 5 years ago when I was about 13 and I was terrible. But as I took classes and began reading a lot of different novels, I learned how to write better and how to try new styles. I agree with J. Scott Savage… sometimes outlines just mess up your style. I only figure out the beginning and the end and then I watch as the middle forms and grows to where I need it to be at the end.
Thanks for this post. It was great to hear the thoughts of an author. His book sounds really interesting…different from other stuff out there I think.
October 14th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Great interview, Kaleb! This series looks really interesting, I’ll definitely be reading it when it comes out!
October 14th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I think it’s really great that you are interviewing other authors. It’s awesome. Also, giving away free stuff, so brilliant.
ps. I hope you feel better Kaleb, being sick is ruining your online playing time.
October 14th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
The book looks really good! My sister’s best friend is J. Scott Savage’s son and so this is really cool that you had an interview with him! It’s gonna be awesome when the actual book comes out!
October 14th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I have never read a book by J. Scott Savage but from what he says he sounds amazing. Plus he has an amazing last name!!
Savage is such a cool last name
He’s so lucky.
I am defanitly going to look him at my school library and find the book to read it, I bet it’ll be awesome. Fantasy books are AMAZING!!!
Congradulations to him on his book signing too
Byebye.
October 14th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
It sounds like a very interesting series. I’ll have to look into it. Thanks for posting the interview Kaleb!
October 14th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
this is a great interview, i am also intrigued by the names of the creatures mentioned…summoners, etc. Sounds like a great read. Keep up the awesome work Kaleb. and all you aspiring authors should keep doing what you love, simply because you love it! and i used to sit on the bench during recess and read…DORK! lol
October 14th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
My son loves the fantasy genre and I am always intrigued by what both he and my daughter are reading - we pass the books back and forth and discuss all along the way - some of our best family time! Skipping school to read … hmm don’t give him any ideas!
October 14th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
That is an awesome website indeed! And who doesn’t love unlikely heroes.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Ah, Kaleb yet again you conducted a superb interview. I really liked the advice the author had to give to young writers.
October 14th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Very interesting interview!
October 14th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
the Farworld site is so cool! Great interview! “FarWorld” is definitely going under my must read books!
October 14th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
I’m so glad you asked him the outline question, whenever we write a story in English we are required to make outlines, I usually write the story then make up an outline for it after
nice to know a author does the same thing as me
October 15th, 2008 at 1:31 am
ohhh i cant wait till its release.. i really love reading and have no books to read…ive read all the ones ive found on your website so im so happy youve got another to recommend for us thanks kaleb
October 15th, 2008 at 8:34 am
I first saw this book at WalMart last week. It was in a big display right as I walked in the doors. I was immediately drawn to it by the awesome cover, and picked it up to read the jacket back and flap. It sounds amazing!! I can’t wait to read it.
Unfortunately I can’t afford to buy all the books I want to, so I always check them out from the library first and if I love them, I buy them as soon as possible. I’ve put this book on hold but it looks like I’ll have to wait a while…all the copies in the entire county library system are checked out and there’s a waiting list!
Thanks for the great interview!
October 15th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I’ll have to check it out sometime. Looks interesting, just by looking at the cover.
Great interview, Kaleb!
October 15th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I need to read this.
October 16th, 2008 at 1:58 am
Cool interview, I’ll totally check out his books sometime. Oh!
October 16th, 2008 at 9:00 am
[...] J. Scott Savage of the Farworld series, and he is giving away five free copies of his new book to people who comment on the post! So if you want a chance to get a free book, head on over and check him [...]
October 16th, 2008 at 9:00 am
[...] J. Scott Savage of the Farworld series, and he is giving away five free copies of his new book to people who comment on the post! So if you want a chance to get a free book, head on over and check him [...]
October 16th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
That’s really cool! I’ll have to check it out. I love fantasy books. Obviously since I read twilight. I have a long list of amazing fantasy books that everyone should read.
October 16th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Ah I just love these kinds of interviews. Mr. Savage seems pretty nice. I love the advice on just writing, because when I do my story writing I really have to tell myself “you are writing for you Liz, not for an aundience”. It is really hard to just focus on making yourself happy…but honestly writing should just be about satisfying yourself first….so I love it that Mr. Savage can be there to give people like me that kind of advice. It really does help to know that “the greats” think the same way we do…although they are just better at the way we think. =D Can’t wait to read his book…I am totally buying it.
October 16th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Ah I just love these kinds of interviews. Mr. Savage seems pretty nice. I love the advice on just writing, because when I do my story writing I really have to tell myself “you are writing for you Liz, not for an aundience”. It is really hard to just focus on making yourself happy…but honestly writing should just be about satisfying yourself first….so I love it that Mr. Savage can be there to give people like me that kind of advice. It really does help to know that “the greats” think the same way we do…although they are just better at the way we think. =D Can’t wait to read his book…I am totally buying it.
October 16th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
This was actually pretty interesting. I’ve never read or even heard of his books, but i might just check them out now.
October 18th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Wow. Sounds like a great book, can’t wait to read it!
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Sounds awesome! Cannot wait to read it!