IndieView with David Kummer, author of Enden

The best part of it all is that you get to write what you want to. There’s no limits.

David Kummer – 2 February 2017

The Back Flap

They have grown strong in the shadows, the kingdom of Oldon. The land is void of hope and of strength against them. The human kingdoms grow corrupt everyday, so that the lines between good and evil are slurred.

One young man from a small village in the valley could change all of that. He fights with the passion of a warrior and the luck of a magician. And when the barbarians force him out of his home, the journey begins.

Trained by a knight, shadowed with secrets, and against the kingdom he once called home, Jonathan is an outcast, a rebel. But more than anything, he is a leader.

Enden is a world filled with wars, famine, sieges, torture, and death. But the greatest battle of all is to survive. Only one thing is certain. Something is rising, in the distance near the edge of the world where forgotten secrets brew. Something has risen. And it is coming.

It is coming.

About the book

What is the book about?

The book is about a world I created and the events that take place inside of it. Much like the Middle Ages in Europe, there are wars, loyalty, chivalry, and battles. The main character in the book is Jonathan, a young man from a village who is forced to flee his hometown because of barbarians. He is taught by a knight to start a revolution, both against the enemy countries and the corrupt government of his own.

When did you start writing the book?

I’ve actually tried many, many times over the last 8 years to write a book like this. Finally, now, I was able to complete that goal and start a series of Fantasy novels.

How long did it take you to write it?

This book took about 6 months to write, and then another 3 to edit. So nine months total.

Where did you get the idea from?

I got the ideas of this book from a collection of other Fantasy novels, such as Lord of the Rings, the Inheritance Series, and similar books. I also came up with some of it on my own, especially the battle scenes and the later three-fourths of the book.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Battle scenes were especially hard, but I did my best and am happy with the outcome.

What came easily?

Dialogue, especially, was easy for me to write in this book, and the characters all seemed to have a mind of their own.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

My characters are all fake, although I’m sure they were influenced some by people I know.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Christopher Paolini is a big one, as I love his books. J.K. Rowling with the dialogue, J.R.R. Tolkien with the worldbuilding, and C.S. Lewis with the overall descriptions of the world. There are numerous other authors that taught me what not to do, but I won’t mention those!

Do you have a target reader?

I’d like to appeal to young men the same age as me, who enjoy battle scenes and lots of plot in their Fantasy novels.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I spend about a week plotting the story, a couple of months writing, and about that same amount editing and running through my beta readers. For this book, though, I took two months before all that to build the world!

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Yes I do outline, and it depends on the chapter. I try to get all the main plot outlines, and sometimes my outlines are up to a thousand words total. It can get deep at times.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit at the end and get all my other author friends and some editors to help me as well.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I don’t hire one, but I do have one that helps me, along with a collection of others.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I do listen to music. For this book, most of it was movie soundtracks from Lord of the Rings and Braveheart, but there was also some Airborne Toxic Event songs, and anything that I felt was right for the mood.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did not. For now, I’m an indie author and proud to be it.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I pretty much knew from the beginning I wanted to go indie, even if it means less sales sometimes. I’m still young, and I think I have time to build a good audience so that I can make a living when I am older. I don’t think I’ll need a major company for that.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I did my book myself, and tried to make it simple but unique from other Fantasy novels.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I have a marketing plan, and that includes setting it up for pre-order. I’m trying to get as many reviews as possible, and get an audience before it releases.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

You have to be prepared to work hard at everything, and to spend lots of nights staying up much later than you anticipated. The best part of it all is that you get to write what you want to. There’s no limits. And if you work hard, you will succeed. It’s simple.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Hanover, Indiana. It’s a nice rivertown with some history and some creepiness. I like the old town feel of it all, and Madison, just a few miles away, is really beautiful.

Where do you live now?

I still live in Hanover.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I love meeting you all, and I’m always willing to offer free copies for you to review! If you want, email me at davidkummer7@gmail.com and check out my books on Amazon. I’m sure you can find something you like, all for a cheap price!

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a sequel to my horror novel She right now, and after that it’s back to Fantasy!

End of Interview:

For more from David visit his website.

Get your copy of Enden from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

Comments are closed.