An Interaction with the author of Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga
Greg Carter grew up in rural Eastern Kentucky without many modern conveniences. For him, reading has always been a treasured source of endless entertainment which in turn gave him the belief to pen his first novel, Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga
At the age of 11, he began to read Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and a year later he was playing D&D with friends. Greg always had a great imagination and after nearly losing my life in a work accident, he started work on his first fantasy novel, Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga. Little did he know it would take over 12 years of research and that would finally blossom into a 4 volume saga.
His books have a Tolkien like feel to them and it is his fervent hope to instill a passion in people of all ages to read and renew and refresh their imagination. In the author’s own words, “Far too long have we gone without an epic adventure that whisk us away to unknown lands in times past.”
The 2nd book in the Knights Rising series and the sequel to Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga is titled“The Oath Giver” and is due to be released in January, 2013
We at Latest Book Reviews got in touch with the author, Greg Carter (Read our Review Here) and in this candid interview, Greg tells about his interests and his journey into the world of books.
Q. Congratulations on the release of your book; Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga. Tell us a little bit about the book?
Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga introduces us into the epic fantasy world of Carillion. It begins just outside the small city of Lawrence with a fight between our main character Michael and the deadly beast known as Scarious. Then as we are learning about Michael’s past, he meets Holly a barmaid with quite a history.
Readers find out by fast paced action; heartfelt romance, and intrigue about the mystical world filled with captivating and memorable characters.
Q. What inspired you to write Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga?
I began the book shortly after suffering a near fatal brain injury as a way of coping. To me writing was therapy, it was life renewed and thus was born, Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga.
Q. How did you come up with this title? Is there any particular reason for this?
I’ve always had a love of the story of King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table. In book one; we have the rebirth of the Silver Knights kind of like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Q. Is there a message in Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga, that you want readers to grasp?
Yes! my message in my book is: Live, Love, and Laugh with all your heart and soul while you are alive.
Q. Do you have a specific writing style? The style in Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga was something not frequently used by other authors.
The style I crafted is one that I have taken from my love of old stories I’ve loved so much. Beowulf, King Arthur, and old 
bards’ tales that are like poems. Writing should be powerful, move the readers’ heart, and become part of them.
Q. How much of the character sketches in Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga is based on people you know? For example, the lively, wily character of Holly?
Oh I knew this question would come out, lol. All of the characters in my book share traits of the people I have met throughout my life. For example I used my step-father’s name in the book, Arnette. Michael is based a lot on me.
However Holly is a very complex character that is based on several women in my life.
Q. You represent a new breed of authors venturing into the fantasy genre and creating worlds never seen before. What makes fantasy novels tick with the reader?
Fantasy novels allow the readers to experience things that are not possible in the real world. To pick a character and run off to a world filled with magic where anything is possible, become a knight and slay evil hordes all in the safety of their own mind.
Readers can see the visions of the author without having to try to imagine it for themselves.
Q. Did you have any “mentors” in the industry who’ve helped you and motivated you?
I wish I had, but sadly no.
Q. What book are you currently reading now?
Book 2 of the Hunger Games Trilogy, Catching Fire.
Q. Name your 3 favourite books that have left a lasting impact on your life?
1. The Hobbit
2. The Crystal Cave, and
3. The Screwtape Letters.
Q. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga?
I guess all authors have second thoughts about their work, yet in the end you have to let it stand on its own. So no I wouldn’t change anything.
Q. What was the hardest part of writing Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga?
Editing, editing, and more editing! But seriously the hardest part for me in writing Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga was cutting out the things I loved because they didn’t fit into the story or needed to wait until a later book.
Q. Do you have any advice for other budding writers?
Write when you are inspired not because you are trying to hit a preset word count for the day. Goals are great, but they don’t lead you to powerful heartfelt writing.
Your readers will know the difference. Also, try and experience new things as often as you can. That really fuels your creativity.
Q. What about future projects? What about the sequels to Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga?
I am currently working on finishing Book 2 of Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga, which is titled, The Oath Giver and the cover art is on my website. I also hope to put the finishing touched on a murder thriller titled Ashes to Ashes over the summer.
Q. Any special promos or giveaways for our readers?
In celebration of the release of my book, Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga, I am going to be giving away a Kindle Fire! It will be awarded on May 25th 2012. All someone needs to do is like my Facebook Page to enter for a chance to win. Contest will run from now until midnight May 24th and on May 25th I will announce the winner.
So that was Greg Carter, the author of Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga answering questions about his debut fantasy novel. We at Latest Book Reviews, wish him all the very best for his future endeavors and for the success of Knights Rising: The Silver Knights Saga
