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Bryan Thomas Schmidt, do you know him?
Well if you have not already heard of this Sci-Fi author, you will soon! The Worker Prince is an epic tale that is not
only interesting in concept, but, WOW! it is beautifully written. Bryan's writing has an easy flow to it that makes
you forget you are reading a book. Instead, you become part of the story, and you feel compelled to finish, because
you MUST know what happens. THAT, is great writing my friends. When you invest time and emotion in characters,
it is a rewarding experience, and one you won't forget, when the author remains true to his story and the natural development
of those characters. Bryan is a
sincere human being. He is not pretentious when it comes to his writing. He truly wants to share with his readers
and always... ALWAYS.. encourages other writers to persevere through their challenges and not give up on their writing.
Writing is not something he "just picked up". Writing is a way of life for him. It is a necessity.
A live energy that flows through every fiber of his being learn. Any writer, or creative person, will understand what I am
talking about. Here is a small excerpt of what Bryan says in the Acknowledgments of his book, The Worker Prince:
"The idea for
this story came to me when I was a young, fifteen-year-old science
fiction fan living in a small Kansas town where
it sometimes felt like dreaming
was the only way out. Over the years, I lost my original notes, but the idea
in
my head and the names Xalivar and Sol stayed with me.
It took me twenty-five years to start writing
it and I wrote daily through
some of the toughest trials I’ve experienced in my life. So this book you
hold
in your hand is a victory in many ways, and I’m very excited and proud of it
and hope you’ll
enjoy it and share it with others." Here at SilverthornPress we are proud and
THANKFUL that this talented author, Bryan Thomas Schmidt, has taken time out of his busy life to share some of his inspiration
and knowledge with us. Thank you again Bryan. Oh and Harold and the gang send their regards! Thank YOU dear reader for joining us once again and helping
us celebrate an awesome writer! Enjoy!
What inspires/influences you
to write?
I get my inspiration in
many ways-from tv or movies, other books, from ideas or themes, from songs, or from observing people. My steampunk novel idea
came from being at a Con around steampunk fans and wondering what if a couple Bill & Ted like steampunk fans recreated
Wells' time machine and it worked and took them back to the Victorian age? BINGO! I have a novel idea. Have to write it
but it sure sounds fun in concept. Beyond the idea generation, I write because I have to. I feel compelled to get the words
out-whether it's telling stories, sharing ideas or concepts, teaching or whatever. I have the urge to connect with other
people through communication of the written word and it won't be satisfied until I write it down.
What is most challenging for
you in your writing?
Well,
discipline has been a problem of late but my life went through quite the topsy-turvy mess the past two years with unemployment,
medical crises for my wife multiple times and then a divorce. And amidst all that, it's hard to write. So I do need to
get back to my writing routine badly. But beyond that I'd say craft-wise, descriptions and emotional language challenge
me the most. I learn every day but it's still a handicap from learning story first as a screenwriter that sticks with
me. And that part of the journey isn't complete yet.
Who is your favorite author and what strikes you about their
work?
Robert Silverberg is
a favorite. His work is so vivid and descriptive and just rich. I wish I could even get half that good. But he's written
hundreds of books over his 40 plus year career, and I'm just getting started. All I know is that his voice and characters
capture me and hold on, and I really enjoy the ride.
How did you come up with the title for The Working Prince?
Well, I knew the slave-born prince was the main character. Since
the workers lead lifestyles cushier than what we typically envision slaves leading, since our concept generally comes from
pre-Civil War slave history, I thought a different term would be more interesting: https://onfy.de/artikel/01580241/bepanthen-wund-und-heilsalbe. The Vertullian workers really are enslaved
for that purpose-to work, to labor and to do labor of particular kinds that the Boralians either lack skills or desires to
do. So Worker Prince was derived from the combination.
Which of your characters is
your favorite and why?
Oh yes,
ask me to choose a child and show favoritism. Gees.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Nothing beyond the belief that a person who believes in themselves
and doing what's right can still make a difference in this world.
What kind of research did you do and how long
did it take you to write The Working Prince?
It
took 4 months first draft then 2 years to sell, during which I did another 17 drafts, some complete, some partial.
What
was the most interesting thing you learned from writing your book?
That I can do this. Before this I made one failed attempt at a novel and then just stopped and studied
craft, fearing I might not have it in me. I'd come out of film school and screenwriting as I mentioned. But here's
proof I was wrong, and for once, I'm pretty damn proud of that.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Write, send it out, rewrite and repeat. You're not a writer
because you have ideas. You're a writer when you work them out on paper. It's a process and that process is part of
a journey. Concert pianists don't get to the top of their game with no practice, neither will you. So write and write
again if you want to go from aspiring to published. There is no short cut. It's the only way.
Are you working on a new project, and can you
share a little of your current work with us?
I am finishing "The Returning," Book 2 in the Saga of Davi Rhii. Then will either polish my 1st
novel in an epic fantasy series or start an urban fantasy series. I also have a steampunk novel and future steampunk novel
idea as well.
You can check out more of Bryan's work at: BryanThomasSchmidt.net
Also, follow him on Twitter @BryanThomasS
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