His first series, “The Tapestry”, is a five-volume epic that follows the life and adventures of Max McDaniels. Its books have been translated into nineteen languages and were finalists for the Texas Bluebonnet, Missouri Truman Award, and Northern California Book of the Year.
Impyrium is Henry’s second series. You’ll find him working away in Montclair, New Jersey, where he lives with his wife and two children.
Taken from Amazon. Click the link below to go to his website.
A: IMPYRIUM's story and lore is built upon a foundation I created in my first series, The Tapestry. When I'd completed The Tapestry, I was happy with how I'd wrapped up the story of its hero, Max McDaniels, but I was curious how the world might change and evolve in the aftermath of its events. As a former history teacher I'm interested in how civilizations change over time and the life cycle of empires. These are central themes in IMPYRIUM where issues of power, class, and justice rise to the forefront.
Q: How did you get published?
A: It was fairly straightforward. I wrote a manuscript for my first novel, The Hound of Rowan, and pitched it as the first book in a fantasy trilogy. A publisher made an offer and The Tapestry was born. In retrospect, I was forunate that my manuscript got in front of the right people at the right time. While I tend to think that talented writers will get published eventually, there's a great deal of luck and timing involved with any particular project.
Q: What was your favorite subject in school?
A: History. Knowing a bit of history gives one perspective and a fascinating lens through which to view the world.
Q: What's your favorite book and why?
A: I have too many to name, and often depend on my favorites to satisfy a particular craving or mood. Some that pop to mind include Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Moby Dick, Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, John Dos Passos's USA, Ursula LeGuin's Earthsea stories, The Wind in the Willows, Watership Down, Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series, and Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising and The Grey King.
Q: Who is your favorite character in IMPYRIUM and why?
A: Probably Hazel Faeregine, one of the two protagonists and the overlooked "ugly duckling" of the royal family. She begins the story as a naive little girl and really comes into her own as the story unfolds. It sounds strange, but I'm proud of Hazel's courage, integrity, and compassion in the face of some pretty daunting challenges.
Q: What advice do you have for people who want to become published writers?
A: To be professional, positive, and persistent. Those traits will serve you well in any field, but I think they're absolutely essential in the publishing world. Many people want to publish a book; few have the professionalism, positive attitude, and persistence to complete their stories and navigate the inevitable challenges and pitfalls that come with trying to get published. It's a tough and fickle industry, but I'm always willing to bet on those who can maintain a positive attitude while they refine their craft and keep at it. Those who can't are in for a tough ride.
Q: What do you think of the cover of IMPYRIUM?
A: I love it! The artist's name is Antonio Caparo. He did a fantastic job of creating an iconic image that works at a distance but also rewards closer viewing with all the cool little details and monsters on the vault door. I'm really pleased with it.
Q: Did someone or something inspire you while you were writing IMPYRIUM?
A: I find inspiration from all sorts of places — current events, favorite books and myths, even my children. I think most writers have a little corner of their brain that's constantly observing the world around them and stashing things away for future stories.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Bye,
Vi