In the end, I felt that a character’s sexuality is such an integral part of who they are it didn’t seem right to shield the reader from it. And besides, half the fun of fiction is that it lets you inside someone else’s head. I plowed ahead and included the scenes.
J. Boyce Gleason – 27 April 2024
The Back Flap
What is the book about?
It’s based on a true story about what happens to the family of Charles Martel when he dies in 741 A.D. Love, power, and faith rip them apart until his three sons war upon each other and his sister flees their court for an enemy’s love.
When did you start writing the book?
The first book Anvil of God was started fourteen years ago. Its two sequels Wheel of the Fates and Crown of a King were in 2020 and 2022 respectively.
How long did it take you to write it?
Anvil of God took three years to research and write. The other two took less time because I had already done the research.
Where did you get the idea from?
I originally wanted to write about the French epic poem The Song of Roland which takes place during Charlemagne’s reign. But when I started doing the research, I couldn’t find a place to start the tale. I kept working my way backward in time until I found the story of Martel’s daughter who fled Martel’s court for the love of an enemy. It was considered the scandal of the eighth century. Once I found that, I began to write.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I initially struggled with scenes of intimacy and violence and whether to show them or “fade to black.” I thought about some of the authors who I admire like Pat Conroy, John Irving, who don’t let the reader look away. In the end, I felt that a character’s sexuality is such an integral part of who they are it didn’t seem right to shield the reader from it. And besides, half the fun of fiction is that it lets you inside someone else’s head. I plowed ahead and included the scenes.
What came easily?
Telling the story. At times, it just flowed out of me. I’d sit down to write and four hours later, I’d come up for air, thinking I’d only been at it for a brief amount of time.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
They aren’t based on people I know, but they aren’t entirely fictitious. We know what happened in history, but we don’t always know why. Rather than see history as a series of events, I see it as a series of choices. I try to understand why the characters made the choices they made. That helps me define them.
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?
Pat Conroy and John Irving for the reasons cited above. James Clavell and Bernard Cornwell for their world-building and storytelling. I also am a fan of George R. R. Martin’s Song of Fire and Ice series. I loved his ability to keep the reader guessing.
Do you have a target reader?
Given the violence of the time and the sexual content, the books are intended for adult readers. Beyond that? Those who love storytelling, history and being taken to another time and place.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I’m what they call in writer’s circles “a pantser.” I write by the “seat of my pants.” Many other writers are “plotters” in that they plot out the whole novel – scene by scene – before they sit down to write. I try to do that, but my characters always take over and foil my attempts.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I don’t really outline, but I do know what happened in history, so that gives me a bit of a guide as a go.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I write until I’m done for the day and the next day I start at the beginning and rewrite until I’m satisfied and can move on to the next scene.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes! Everyone needs editing – even the best writers.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No, I’m all in while I’m writing. If there’s music playing, I won’t hear it.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes.
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 got frustrated. I had an agent who died suddenly and after two years of trying to find another, I decided to self-publish. While I learned a lot it forced me to continue self-publishing as no one will pick up the sequel of a self-published book.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I used an amazing cover designer named Asha Hossain.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a loose plan that involves advertising, social media and reaching out to reviewers.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Hire a good editor and listen to him/her.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Briarcliff Manor, a small town outside NYC.
Where do you live now?
Clifton, Va.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I love storytelling in all its forms.
What are you working on now?
A book on young Ben Franklin.
