Today we’re shining the speculative spotlight on author J.R. Rasmussen, writer of A Dream of Fire, an epic fantasy novel entered into this year’s Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off. A Dream of Fire was also one of our semi-finalists for the SPFBO competition this year!
Welcome to the Fantasy Inn, J.R.! How are you and how have you been?
“How have you been” seems like kind of a trick question. I’ve been all the ways, I would say, except for “Olympic level at luge,” which I have never been. I think I’m handling that disappointment with as much grace as can be expected.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what types of stories you write?
I’m a more or less full-time writer, as well as a mom, reader, druid, cook, whiskey drinker (but not whisky drinker, although I’m learning), and semi-pro kitchen lip syncer. I write traditional fantasy, mainly, with some supernatural suspense and cozy mystery in the mix.
Pick three books: One that is the most memorable to you as a reader, one that had the greatest influence on your writing career, and one that you just love.
Most memorable: The Dark is Rising, by Susan Cooper. This one fits into all three categories, but since I first read it at 9 or 10, and can still quote it with perfect accuracy, I think this is the best place for it.
Biggest influence: I’m going with Lord of the Rings, even though I don’t write anything like Tolkien, because it’s just what fantasy IS.
Love: Jane Eyre. I reread it every year.
How did you first fall in love with the fantasy genre?
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at age 6. I’m still knocking on the backs of closets. One day, it will finally work, and then, at long last … I will die, because I would be 100% useless in a sword fight.
What made you want to become a writer?
I’ve loved escaping into other worlds since I was a small child, and making worlds of my own was a natural extension of that. Also you get to work in your pajamas and there’s unlimited tea.
Do you have any fun hobbies you’d like to share?
I’ve been playing Word of Warcraft on and off for 15 years. Infer what you will.
A fun fact about yourself?
I know the lyrics to every 80’s song. Yes, all of them.
Are you writing under a pen name? If so, why? If not, would you ever consider writing under one?
J.R. Rasmussen is my real name, but obviously I’m using initials there, mainly because I’d already used my first name for a different genre. The readers in the genres I write rarely cross over, so I like to keep the names separate.
Care to share a photo of your writing space?
Tell us about the book you entered into SPFBO this year!
I entered A Dream of Fire this year. It’s the first in a trilogy called The Dragon Queen, about a magic school teacher who has no magic himself, and a number of unruly dragons, some nice, some not.
Check this out if you’re a fan of Jeff Wheeler, Michael Wisehart, or AC Cobble.
How did you acquire the cover art for your book?
Shayne at Wicked Good Book Covers has done all of my fantasy covers, and she is the very most awesome. http://wickedgoodbookcovers.com/
Why this particular story, of all the stories you could have written?
I mean. There’s a magic school. And dragons. Where else would I want to hang out?
What key takeaways do you hope readers walk away from your book with?
I’m an escapist reader writing escapist books for other escapist readers. I just want to take people somewhere fun where they can enjoy themselves for a while.
Why did you enter SPFBO? What are you hoping to get out of the competition?
I just find SPFBO fun, whether I have a book in the competition or not. I enjoy being part of it. If I get an insightful review, or some new eyeballs on my books, that’s obviously great, too.
Which do you enjoy most: outlining, drafting, or editing?
Whichever stage I’m currently in is always my least favorite, and I yearn for the others.
What does your writing process look like?
It looks like if a Monty Python sketch were a writing process. Silly walks and burning witches everywhere, and none of it makes sense, and nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.
What does a typical writing day look like for you?
I pretty much alternate between typing time at the keyboard and thinking time out walking the dog.
What are you working on right now?
I’m just doing the final pass on book 2 in The Dragon Queen trilogy, also known as the cry-tears-of-blood-and-eat-many-donuts stage.
What other projects can we expect from you in the future?
I’ll be working on this trilogy through the first part of 2021. I have a few ideas brewing for after that, but I haven’t picked one to outline yet.
Thank you for stopping by the Inn, J.R.!
About J.R. Rasmussen
Writer, reader, tireless champion of the Oxford comma. Casual gamer and hardcore pie enthusiast. Author of The Last Prince and The Dragon Queen trilogies.
Website: jrrasmussen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cairdarin/
