Author Interview With R.E. Graham

Today, we have author R.E. Graham taking the time to answer some questions.  So, let’s get started. 

Who is R.E. Graham? What inspired you to start writing?

The ability to tell stories that impact the world. At least, that is what it is today. Back when I was 18, I first started getting ideas for stories, but I wasn’t sure how to actually start so they all got shelved. Fast forward to November of 2017 and I decided that if I don’t try then I will always regret it.

What’s your favorite book you’ve written and why?

My favorite is probably the short story that later became “Rise of the Inquisitor”. It was my first short story in the Revelations universe and I was so proud of myself for finally taking the steps to become an author.

What are the best and worst aspects of writing?

The best is hearing from people that they actually enjoyed something that you put so much of your effort into. It is also very stressful to put your work out on the market because you know that there will be plenty of people who don’t enjoy it too.

I honestly don’t like editing as is the case with many authors. However, it is obviously very necessary. I would say that the worst aspect of writing is trying to get people to give you a chance. Here you are with this product that you spent so many hours pulling together and you have to find a way to convince a reader to spend time and possibly money. It is not easy nor enjoyable, but you are a hobbyist without readers.

How do you balance marketing one book and writing the next?

I subscribe to the mentality that you have to have an assortment of novels in order to make a living. This has led me to set goals where I will have 10 additional novels written by November of 2019. So far I already have one novel entering its beta phase (it is book 1 of a new series set in Revelations) and am writing another one right now.

It is difficult to learn the marketing side of things because as authors we are so focused on creating the novel itself. However, we have to market in order to get sales so that we can continue this endeavor. In another year I will have a totally different perspective on this question and would be able to give you better insight because right now I am still figuring out my own way.

Are you an Indie Author or are you part of a publishing house?

Indie all the way!

What do you enjoy most about being an author?

Being able to build a universe where so many pieces click together.

Do you read books in the genre you write?

Yes. My favorite series is the Battletech/ Mechwarrior stories.

When you’re not writing, what do you do to recharge?

I am a bit of a nerd (started back before it was cool) and I enjoy games of all types. Card games, video games, etc. However, I really enjoy miniature games that you play on a table with terrain. Those are the games where you build your armies and paint each piece. It has been one thing that has kept my imagination around for all this time and I plan to continue until I am dead.

Besides being an author, do you have a second job?

Oh yes haha! My goal is to see Revelations become a very big brand and where it is my major focus, but in the meantime, you have to keep the lights on. I own my own media company where I freelance video work and have a client that I am a project manager for.

What makes you laugh?

I have learned to laugh at a lot of things. For example, this last Christmas I was driving my family to go and attend the annual Christmas gathering at my Aunt’s house. We had stopped at a red light behind a car with another vehicle waiting to turn across the street. When the light turned green I noticed that both vehicles seemed like they were waiting for one another to turn even though they obviously wouldn’t hinder each other. No other cars were around, it was just the three of us.

Anyhow, I politely tapped (you can ask my wife, it was just a little honk) my horn to encourage the car in front to continue on her way and she ever so kindly flipped us off. On Christmas no less. Instead of being upset I thought it was hilarious. Not because of the gesture so much that a polite tap of the horn would generate such a response on one of the only days of the year most of us strive to be our better selves.

By nature, I can be a very stressful and high-strung person. I have had to learn to let things go and be more relaxed. We can’t take so much personally. Being able to laugh at minor inconveniences instead of losing ourselves to anger is such a better way to live.

What (not who) would you take to a lonely island?

Hmm…this is such a hard question. I very easily overanalyze things and this is by far one of the worst questions anyone could ask me haha. First, I start thinking if I am stuck on the island or just visiting. If I’m stuck, then a satellite phone so I can get off the island! If I am there to relax then a notebook and a pen so I can do some creative work while getting my mind in a better place.

Who would you like to invite for dinner?

If I could choose anyone alive, I would choose George Lucas. Love his work or not, he has created a universe that has completely changed the entertainment industry. Yes, he wasn’t the only one involved, but he lit the match.

It’s time to meet one of your characters. Which book is your character from?

I will choose the main character from “Rise of the Inquisitor”.

Who are you and what is your name?

Inquisitor Damien Varius of the Corre Republic.

Are you a fictional or historical figure?

To me I’m real, but in your universe, I would be considered fictional.

What should we know about you?

My job is to investigate crimes or pursue justice when local authorities are overwhelmed. I dispense judgement and maintain order in the chaos of space.

Tell us about your story. When and where is your tale set?

After the death of my family I became a lawman of the Republic, otherwise known as an inquisitor. It has been a difficult journey, but life without laws leads to anarchy. My job is vital in keeping the Corre Republic together so that we can one day unify all worlds for the next golden age.

This story takes place in cycle 412 on the planet Eden. I am investigating a terrorist group that may have connection to a mysterious weapon smuggler only known as the “Shadow Man”. If I don’t stop him then dozens of worlds could end up in civil war.

What is your personal goal? What do you ultimately want?

To bring the Shadow Man to justice. Ultimately, I just want to do the best job I can for the Republic and her citizens, but the more I dig into this mission the more I discover everything is not what it seems.

What is standing in your way? What conflict(s) do your face?

Unfortunately, I have been labelled as a fugitive myself and now I have to team up with the terrorist’s leader, Eva Primus, to clear my name and discover the truth. This assignment started out very straight forward, but it didn’t end that way. No matter who is involved, justice will prevail!

R.E., thank you so much for taking the time to talk today.  How do my readers get a copy of your book?

I currently have “Rise of the Inquisitor” available on Amazon (as e-book and physical) and Kindle Unlimited. Click here to check it out:

How do my readers connect with you?

Anyone who would like to connect with me there are a number of ways:

Email: rick(at)whitelightmedia.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revelationsuniverse

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3xatGpzRNtD2EipzEaJPOg

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/R.-E.-Graham/e/B07GY2DNM8/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1