Interview with R B Wood

Today we're chatting with author R B Wood. Richard is a technology consultant and a writer of urban fantasy, science fiction and quite frankly anything else that strikes his fancy.  His first novel, The Prodigal's Foole, the first installment of The Arcana Chronicles, is available now from Pfoxchase Publishing.

Welcome to We Do Write, Richard. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My 'day life' is extrodinarily mechanical and detail-oriented. For my entire life, I've loved (and needed)  creative outlets. I was an artist when I was younger, earned my bachelors degree in mathematics by playing in bands and by being good enough for music scholarships. But mostly, I love to tell stories, and writing lets me do that.

How long have you been writing?

Been doing it off and on since the eighties. The final push to really produce a novel began in 2007. My kids told me I 'Should write my stories down,' and my partner was fully behind it. Never underestimate the support from those closest to you!

Tell us about The Arcana Chronicles. What¹s the story about?

The Prodigal's Foole is an Urban Fantasy novel—the first of The Arcana Chronicles. The premise is simple: 'What if religions were created, not for the salvation of the masses, but to control magic?'
I often thought, if magic existed, would the general public be completely clueless as the muggles are in Harry Potter? Or would magic be an asset—a power to be controlled? And who would control that power?

How did the idea of the story come to you?

Quite frankly, the idea came about because all the 'magic stories' out there had a similar throw-away  comment—something to the effect of  'Normal people can't know about magic' or 'Normal people aren't observant enough to see magic.' The whole premise of the series (along with it being a good old-fashioned 'good vs. evil') is what would happen if normal folk started paying attention? All that power, who would control it (Religions, in my book) initially? What would the impact of the last 50 years of technology do to a magical world? This will be explored throughout the series.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

Oh I have crit partners, who are my 'alpha' readers. I use a fantastic editor and have a group of 'Betas' as  well. I'm not confident enough in my writing yet to go it all alone, and I LOVE the feedback I get.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

Planner with pantser tendencies. :-)

What's the hardest part of writing for you?

Letting the book sit for a while between the first draft and the second. Absolutely necessary, but I hate the time it takes.

Me too. Let's get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

My partner Tina, my music and my MacBook.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Super-memory. That would be very helpful!

What's the weirdest thing you've ever googled?

Heh. "Demonic possession Orchids and Koi." Don't ask.

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: hedgehog, uncloak, and overattentive.

The hedgehog-shaped star cruiser uncloaked above the repair depot orbiting Titan where overattentive maintenance 'bots immediately swarmed around the craft to assess the battle damage...

Here's the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

Oh dear. There are SO many. Leah Petersen, Bill Kirton, Steve Umstead (in fact the ENTIRE #pubwrite crew), my publisher, Diane Nelson, my editor Charlie Wood, good lord. I should make a list some day. My family, friends and my partner Tina.

And finally, where can people find you online?

Loads of places!


My blog: http://www.rbwood.com
My Amazon Page:
http://www.amazon.com/R.B.-Wood/e/B005X0IAF4/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
My Goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5025975.R_B_Wood
My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/rbwoodwriter


And of course The Prodigal's Foole can be found on Amazon, B&N, iBookstore, Smashwords and Omnilit All these links can be found on the 'my novels' page.


Richard, thanks so much for chatting with us. I wish you lots of success with your books!