Next up on our Indie Author Spotlight: Epic Rural Fantasy Author Mikel Melwasul. Like so many indie authors (including myself,) Mikel finds it hard to balance his writing career with his other responsibilities. Of all my experiences in this profession that is the common thread. Blood, sweat, and most importantly lack of sleep is our price to pay. But it’s worth it!
Author’s Name: Mikel Melwasul
Website: https://linktr.ee/MikelMelwasul
Book Title: Paragon Exordium
Indie Author Mikel Melwasul’s “Paragon Exordium” Now Available!
Book Genre: Epic Rural Fantasy
What’s the audience for this book? Adult
Where can I get this book? https://a.co/d/bNzexVl
What inspired you to write your latest book?
A dream I had as a kid after watching Red Dawn while reading Lord of the Rings. And, the desire to see if I could.
How do you think your book stands out in its genre?
Paragon Exordium is a genre bending book, I don’t think there are a lot of books out there like it and of them I think it’s at the top.
Can you share a memorable moment or challenge you faced while writing your book?
When I first started writing my main villain a hawk landed on my back porch and began killing a snake. Struck me as a very cool moment.
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
A new sense of love for the joy of reading.
Who are your biggest literary influences, and how have they shaped your writing?
Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis, both of whom have seriously influenced my love of fantasy and my feelings on its value as an adult and not just a child.
What is your approach to world-building in your narratives?
Years of notes and conversations with my coauthor. At the start very much building a car while driving, now, leaning out the window and polishing it while driving.
How do you balance writing with other responsibilities in your life?
Poorly. I get most of my writing done laying in bed close to midnight when I should be sleeping.
What has been your experience with self-publishing, and what advice would you offer to aspiring indie authors?
I’ve put no money into marketing and I’ve sold 175+ copies of my book. However I’m still deep in the red. Do your research before publishing, find ways to save money there are lots of great resources I discovered too late. Also, be personable and genuine, it goes a long way.
Can you describe a character from your book that you feel particularly connected to?
One of the main POVs, Peter Blair, had a bit of a martyr complex, I relate to his desire to help anyone I can at the cost of myself.
What are your future writing projects, and how do they build upon your previous work?
Book 2! Paragon Attrition. It’s a direct sequel and book 2 of 3.
What is your book’s blurb?
In Paragon, Georgia, the battle for survival has begun.
After the Shattering, everything changes. When technology falters, the remnants of humanity must unite against an onslaught of creatures beyond their wildest imaginings. Basilisk, orcs, elves, dwarves, and other terrifying creatures now populate the planet.
With the creatures causing havoc, strangers are forced to join forces. Private military officer Peter Blair grapples with enigmatic dreams brought on by a black sword, and his inability to save everyone. While journalism student Sarah Young discovers newfound magical powers and the responsibility they bring. With refugees flooding in and danger on the rise, Peter and Sarah must embrace their new reality or risk surrendering Earth to the Fae – losing everything they hold dear.
Fans of The Walking Dead and Lord of the Rings will be enticed by this genre-bending epic that rings with themes of survival, sacrifice, and self-discovery.