Write On! Indie Author Interview & Book Launch for Radiant Decay

Today is the release day for Radiant Decay, the second book in indie author Charles Hash's The Goddess of Decay series.

I've had the pleasure of reading and reviewing the first book in the series, Nascent Decay, and loved it so much that I jumped at the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the next in series. And let me be the first to tell you, the second book tops the first.

Fans of space opera and sci-fi horror will want to check this series out. Especially since the first book, Nascent Decay, is currently free as part of a launch day promotion.

I had the opportunity to interview the author regarding some of the darker aspects of his books, as well as the darker aspects of writing in general.  See what he has to say below:

Q: Nascent Decay introduces us to Rhylie, who seems to be the protagonist, but you also get into the heads of several characters. Radiant Decay seems to take the head hopping to the next level. Was it always your intention to have an ensemble cast and how do you keep track of your characters?

A: Absolutely, and it is only going to grow from here. I want as many characters as I can handle, and I don't think I've even come close to what I may ultimately be capable of in the second book. The way I deal with the growing cast it is by writing the draft in chronological order, with a rotation on the characters so you never get the same character two times in a row, weaving their destinies together in key moments of the book, often with catastrophic results. I go ahead and plan out for the most part whose chapter goes where, and then I write that chapter's synopsis. This allows me to guide characters together and separately as the plot develops. It helps that each character is very distinct in my own mind as well, influenced by people I've known, and the events of my own life and throughout human history.

Q: This is a dark series. There are many deaths and there are some scenes that are very uncomfortable to read. How do you deal with going into the dark places that most of us shy away from?

A: I'm not sure I go anywhere. I'm a huge fan of free thought and disciplined action. Think whatever you want, but harm no one. I think I just shine a light on the dark, primitive urges to indulge and celebrate and survive that we all possess, behind locked doors and in the dark cells of our minds. My writing is heavily influenced by the tragedies in my own life, as well as those vicariously experienced through peeling away the layers of scabs that cover up the dark underbelly of human history.

Q: Who is your favorite character and without spoilers, why?

A: A year ago? Rhylie. 6 months ago? Mersi. Right now? Adam. Next book, Tus'mun. :D Or Xavana. She's pretty awesome to write. I look at characters differently than most people, instead of being a fan of the heroes, or the underdogs, I like those that make the story churn. Which character inspires the most emotion? Which character always steals the scene? I'm particularly fond of villains, so perhaps I am a little biased.

Q: You once mentioned that this series will have seven books. Is this still the plan?

A: I'd love to write more, but that's all I have ideas for at this point in time. I'd love to turn Rhylie into a Bond-type character that goes on an endless series of adventures, but as it stands I have a definitive end planned to the series. But there could be other stories to tell about the galaxy once Rhylie's story is finished...

Q: I've noticed that you're a fan of literary quotes. What's your favorite quote about writing and why?

A: “If something is there, you can only see it with your eyes open, but if it isn't there, you can see it just as well with your eyes closed. That's why imaginary things are often easier to see than real ones.”

― Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

Okay, I don't really have a favorite. But that one is as good as any!

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