Of course, as any fan of fantasy and science fiction would say, I love J. R. R. Tolkien. He set the stage for so much that is now commonplace and I have been a Middle Earth fanatic for most of my life.
-C.R. Leverette – 24 march 2018
The Back Flap
Movian Jenks is a man haunted by his past.
On the world of Antridi, the Peaceful Haven settlement was established as a throwback to simpler times, modeled after the ideals of the Old West ways on Earth. But as the town was being built, a duo of bandits showed up and changed Movian’s life forever.
Two years later, the town has thrived and life has continued, but Movian is haunted by his demons. And when troublemaker Darin shows up, things become even more complicated for all the townspeople of Peaceful Haven.
Set against the backdrop of an alien world, this sci-fi western offers a story of revenge, adversity, and, ultimately, forgiveness.
About the book
What is the book about?
Movian Jenks lives on an alien world, the first to be reached by humans. He lives in a small settlement, Peaceful Haven, that is modeled after the old West on Earth. Movian is constantly haunted by his past, and a man connected to that past shows up in town seeking retribution.
When did you start writing the book?
I began writing the book in early 2015.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me the better part of a year from start to finish.
Where did you get the idea from?
I’ve loved science fiction my entire life. I’ve also always been intrigued by western stories and novels. I thought that blending the two together could be great.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I think blending the sci-fi elements with the western elements was the most difficult. I wanted to make sure that neither completely overshadowed the other.
What came easily?
The world-building. I love dreaming up planets, alien life, and everything that comes along with it. I had a blast forming the world of Antridi.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
They are entirely fictitious, thought I do tend to insert very small nods to people that 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?
So so many. I love Robert Jordan because his attention to detail and characterization pull you so deeply into the story. Of course, as any fan of fantasy and science fiction would say, I love J. R. R. Tolkien. He set the stage for so much that is now commonplace and I have been a Middle Earth fanatic for most of my life.
Do you have a target reader?
Anyone who enjoys sci-fi, westerns, and good storytelling.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I generally start with some outlining and character profiles. This is usually pretty light and not overly in-depth. After that, I begin writing and the story forms as I go. I like some planning, but not too much.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I do outline, but it is very basic. I like to allow the story to grow in the telling.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Both. I don’t like to give too much time to editing until I feel that I am far enough along.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I have never hired an editor so far.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I generally listed to instrumental music. I like to listen to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit soundtracks. I also enjoy listening to instrumental black metal.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
As of now, I do not.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
Just a gradual process. I felt that I wanted to do it on my terms for now.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
A friend of mine is a great graphic artist, so I hired him to do the cover art.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Winging it. It’s kind of what I do best.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Get a Facebook author page and just do your best to get the word out any way you can. It’s not easy, but if you stick with it, you can make it happen.
About You
Where do you live now?
Tennessee
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a sequel to Trouble in Peaceful Haven.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Trouble in Peaceful Haven from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
