7 Questions With Local Fantasy Author Kevin Hearne [Spotlight]
I’m trying to be better at raising awareness of not only the great things to do in geek culture around here, but the creators and contributors to that culture as well.
Last night I was able to get a hold of the gracious Kevin Hearne and shoot him 7 questions about himself and his Iron Druid novels.
(I should really start doing 8 questions with people – you know, with the whole octopus thing.)
Kevin writes modern fantasy that takes place right here in Arizona. In fact, he made a pretty cool Google Map detailing some of the locations in his stories. (I haven’t read them yet, so I don’t know if the map is spoilery or not.)
I ordered a copy of Hounded (the first book) on Amazon this morning, so hopefully I’ll have the first one read pretty soon.
For now, enjoy 7 Questions with Kevin Hearne:
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So, tell us a little about the books you write.
My books are urban fantasies heavily laced with mythology. The main character is a 2,100-year-old Druid hiding out in Tempe from some Irish gods who want to kill him. Once the gods find him, he decides to fight instead of run as he’s always done before, and that’s where the series picks up.
What kind of personal connection do you have with the Irish Folklore you explore in your books?
A good portion of my background is Irish; there are Sullivans on my father’s side of the family.
Bragging time: Your books seem to get a lot of positive reviews. What aspect of The Iron Druid seems to connect the most with readers?
The answers to that depend on the reader. Local people enjoy recognizing Mill Avenue, Papago Park, and other east valley locations in the books.
Some people really enjoy the mythology and the magic system; others dig the single vampire in the series.
Most everyone seems to like Oberon the Irish wolfhound though.
What do you think is the most important part of telling a compelling story?
Characters are the most important. A good character can carry a recycled plot, but it’s hard to recognize or appreciate a brilliant plot when the characters are either boring or unlikeable.
What have you had to really work on when it comes to writing?
Description, more than anything else. I’ve written four books now, and every single time I turn in a book, my editors ask me to pay a little more attention to describing this character or that setting.
Where do you feel like you fit in best in Geek Culture?
Geeks have a culture?
I remember when being a geek was not cool at all, and I’ve kind of gotten used to not fitting in. But I’m a pretty easy going fella, so I’ll be happy to fit in wherever people let me.
Tony Chu
Salacious Crumb
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A very hounded, hexed, and hammered thanks to Kevin for being spotlighted!
I’m looking forward to reading Houded this weekend.
You can follow Kevin on Twitter and he’ll be signing books at The Poisoned Pen on Dec 11th.
Lord of The Rings Trivia Deathmatch! [LO Event]
True story: In middle school I sat next to a kid in biology who took notes in Elvish.
At least I assume he was taking notes. I suppose he could have been writing Nazgul fan fiction or something.
His over-zealous dedication, however, to the world of Middle-earth would surely do him well next Thursday at Lord of The Rings Trivia Night.
Come by and see me host this thing at Bookmans Mesa, October 6th (Thurs) at 7pm.
I will attempt to take you there-and-back-again with an evening of Tolkien trivia and nerdy banter. I’ll be asking the questions and providing hilarious commentary, but my spot-on Gollum impression will not be making an appearance.
(Yes it wills! No it won’tses!)
The winner will walk away with with tickets to the upcoming Lord of The Rings: In Concert, which is no cheap prize. But even if you’re no hardcore Tolkien-mythology-expert it should be a fun night.
Plus it’s free – although I’m tempted to shout “Speak, friend, and enter!” at those who want to participate.
I made a little event for it on Facebook, so drop an RSVP on me, and learn more about it on Bookmans’ site.
Elen sila lumenn omentilmo!
5 Things For Geeks To Do This Weekend In Arizona [WE 09/04]
This weekend, Arizona bends some circuits, raises a few unicorns, pulls a sword from its chest, and has a SciFi & Fantasy convention.
And if you like this list of Arizona geek events, I post these every Thursday morning.
Come back often to stay on top of the local geek scene!
Thursday, September 1st
Electronic Music Night [Mesa]
- Learn all about circuit-bending while enjoying some electro-tunes.
- HeatSync Labs is hosting an evening on the subject.
- Starts at 7pm at their new place in Downtown Mesa.
- I will be swinging by, at least for a few!
- Learn more at HeatSync’s blog.
*Update – @onlydoniayouknow reminded me that, speaking of Electronica, Deadmou5 is playing in Phoenix.
Unicorn Sparkle Attack [Tempe]
- (Okay, that’s probably not what the event is actually called.)
- A local unicorn farmer will be discussing her latest book.
- Rainbows, cupcakes, glitter, and “precious moments eyes” should abound.
- Includes a performance by the improv troupe “Unicorn Warpath.”
- At Changing Hands, also starting at 7pm – and I will be swinging by this one too.
- Impale these details.
Friday, September 2nd
CopperCon 31! [Avondale]
- If you love reading SF and/or Fantasy, you may want to check it out.
- Especially if you’re interested in getting your foot in scene yourself.
- Goes all weekend long, and into Monday at the Hilton Garden Inn.
- Learn more from my post about CopperCon.
Scott Pilgrim vs The World [Mesa]
*Update – This show has been sold out. No tickets will be available at the door.
- It’s that wacky Scott Pilgrim with his Canadian 8-bit-generation-hipster charm!
- Fall in lesbian with him all over again on The Royale’s screen.
- Plus everyone there will be entered to win tickets to Devastation.
- Learn more
and get ticketssoonif you want to go.
*Update – 8-bit Art Show [Phoenix]
- Speaking of the NES Generation…
- Jackalope Ranch just posted info on an 8-bit art show this Friday.
- Check out the glorious low-res details.
Saturday, September 3rd
Arizona Browncoats Shindig [Phoenix]
- Get together with your local hardcore Whedon fans and make some friends.
- Starts at 7pm in the Bookman’s Phoenix Community Room.
- Read all about it here.
Will you be able to make it to any of these?
Know of anything else going on?
Let us know!
