One Book Interview #55 – Allan Batchelder (Author)

 

#55 is here.

Actor. Comedian. Teacher. Writer. Author. Curmudgeon.

Good people of the Internet, writing out of Seattle – Allan Batchelder

Name one book:

1 – everyone should read

Everyone? Huh. Everyone. Okay, I’m just gonna pull something outta my…past: Watership Down. Or The Little Prince. Okay, that’s two books. Hey, I’m a writer, not a mathematician.

2 – you would take with you if you were going to be marooned on Mars

The Complete Works of Shakespeare. You’ve got History, Tragedy, Comedy and Romance (Fantasy, sorta). And sonnets and epic poems. Enough to keep you busy for a looooooong time.

3 – you took a chance on and were pleasantly surprised by

The Elfin Ship, by James Blaylock.  It’s his first book, and I read it when it came out, so I don’t know if it still holds up. But I loved his sense of adventure and humor. Now, he’s a leading figure in Steampunk.

4 – you’ve written that is your favourite

I often think the second book in my series – the one that gets the least love – is my favorite. As Flies to Wanton Boys (Immortal Treachery Book 2) As one of my colleagues noted, it sort of combines fantasy with a detective mystery.

5 – that has influenced you most as a person

Conan, by Robert E. Howard. I think I read this when I was 12 or thirteen (filched from my dad’s reading pile).

6 – that has influenced you most as a professional

Man, that is a tough one. It’s either The Black Company by Glen Cook or Malazan Book of the Fallen, by Steven Erikson.

7 – of yours that prospective readers should start with if they want to get to know your work and where they can get it.

That would be Immortal Treachery Book 1: Steel, Blood & Fire

You can find Allan here.

Allan is a professional actor, educator, writer and former stand-up comedian. During his years on stage, he’s gotten to participate in countless battles – some even with other people – involving longswords, rapiers, daggers, staves, pistols, bottles, loaves of French bread and, of course, his grimy little fists. Allan is a lifelong fan of epic fantasy and horror, so you can just imagine how much he loves Grimdark. He’s currently working on the fifth and final book in his series, Immortal Treachery, before he tries his hand at a) steampunk and b) horror. His books are available in paperback and kindle formats on Amazon. Allan lives in Seattle, within a few miles of the two richest men on Earth and can thereby assure you that there’s no such thing as financial osmosis

 

 

 

 

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