The Ebon Knight received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author James Wood.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Ebon Knight was published on Nov 13th, 2023.
What’s the book’s first line?
“Don’t worry, this will be fun!” enthused Miriam for the fifth time.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Two adversaries on opposite sides of the Eternal Conflict meet by chance and become allied against a new and sinister third power that has entered the fray.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I was inspired to write this book (and series) because I had the same recurring dream pretty regularly for almost a decade. I dreamed that an outcasted Knight of the Light (carrying a sentient and cursed sword) meets the beautiful, dangerous, and exiled youngest Princess of the Dark unexpectedly at a diner (of all places). What happens then? What happens after? I didn’t know, and no one could tell me, so I had to write about it to find out.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The action, dialogue, and story are all top notch. I believe that, and the reviews back it up. Then, stir in an unexpected romance, shake well with a compelling and ruthless antagonist, and garnish with a little quirky humor. Perfect! In all seriousness, though, many reviewers have appreciated that my book (and series) explores “the grey”. Not all heroes are completely good, not all villains are completely evil. There is a vast landscape between the Dark and the Light… and that is where the story of the Grim Knight and his Dark Princess takes place.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The two main characters are both flawed. The Knight is withdrawn, depressed, and yearns for death at series start. Similarly, the Princess is hunted, reckless, and haunted when they first meet, so she has her own problems. Part of the beauty of the story is how each helps the other to heal and become whole. I think my male character is a cross between Robert Jordan’s Lan, and Stephen King’s Roland. My female character is very unique and I can’t really compare her to anyone off the top of my head… and I think she is probably most female readers favorite character overall. My series might be compared to Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas series in some ways because there is some humor to be found in madness and danger – and many readers love that about my books, just like I loved that about Koontz’s.
When did you first decide to become an author?
It was always a “bucket list” type of desire. A health scare was the “kick in the pants” I needed to actually start. Almost three books and a short story later, I’m still going even though the health scare is now history.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am the Membership Director for several boat clubs where I live.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
It’s an everyday process, unless I hit a wall. Typically I try to write for a few hours and/or at least 2000 words daily.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part is I can write what I want when I want. The worst part is the editing process. Ugh.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Do your research and have a “war chest” of some sort to spend on a good cover & editor with some saved up for advertising. It doesn’t matter how great your book is if no one knows about it.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
No. Not unless a completely ridiculous payout was part of the plan.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I would eventually like to be well known enough to write full time. I would love to see my work as a Netflix/Amazon/Hulu series, perhaps.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Hmm, Stephen King one day, Dean Koontz the next. I love them both so I can’t pick. In the Urban Fantasy genre, though, it’s Jim Butcher (of course).
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Still mine, but ten years earlier.