What inspired your world building process?
The inspiration behind the the world of The Heart of Stone—The
Realm—came largely from war-torn Europe during the 1700s, also known as the
Gunpowder Age. It was a time of constantly moving borders, strife and battle.
The main setting of the story is Hartlund, which is in the strangle-hold of a
civil war, and for this I took a lot of inspiration from the English Civil War,
where countrymen were turned against each other in a brutal fight over
parliament and country. I wanted to portray a vicious environment, where
alliances and battle-lines shift constantly, giving a constant sense of
uncertainty and betrayal. Hartlund has basically been trashed by years of war,
and whatever beauty it once held in its rolling fields and bucolic climes has
been trampled and forgotten. The rest of the Realm was inspired by a classic
struggle between northern and southern ideals, similar to the later Crusades.
Magic doesn’t feature too heavily in my book, nor do other races, so it makes
the main character Task—a 400 year-old golem—truly unique and feared.
Who are you writing for and why?
A very good question! I write because I am obsessed
with writing, and I enjoy crafting worlds and characters. As for who reads it,
of course I care, but I normally write for anyone who might enjoy my stories,
which are normally character-driven, multiple POV fantasies. There is no
defined demographic I’m actively targeting. I’ve had non-fantasy fans say my
books were their introduction to the genre, and so I know to just focus on the
strength of the plot and writing, and let the book appeal to whoever it appeals
to. I try not to write commercially, as I feel it pigeon-holes me too much, and
restricts what I can do with style and structure.
What do you do to recharge your creative energy?
Music is a great source of energy for me, as is
planning. If I know where I’m going, I find the writers’ block doesn’t rear its
head. If I’m lacking focus, I find that a belter of a tune will give me the
inspiration and verve that I need to ignore any doubts or questions. Other than
that, it’s important to get enough sleep and get away from the desk when I can.
I’m an avid gym-goer, which gives me a good physical break from a very mental
and sedentary job.
What reactions do you hope to inspire in others?
Ideally, enjoyment and awe, and maybe some shock
thrown in too. As I write within the genres of grimdark, epic fantasy and weird
west, my fiction is naturally dark and full of graphic action. At the same
time, being very character-led, I want readers to feel thoroughly invested in
my characters and their struggles. I also try to balance the darkness with
humour, and so a laugh here and there is always something I aim for.
Where is your writing taking you?
Hopefully to a stratosphere of fame and riches
previously unheard of… In all seriousness, I am very lucky to have gone
full-time on my writing several years ago, and so my goal is to continue doing
that, churning out book after book and improving my craft all the while. It’s
an incomparable feeling seeing reviews and reader reactions to my books, and
that is a constant inspiration to continue with my writing and to keep
improving. I’m very lucky to have got where I am with my books, and I can’t
wait to see where they lead me next.
Find more from Ben Galley online:
You can find all my books and details at my website, www.bengalley.com, or you can connect with me
on Twitter and YouTube (@BenGalley), or on Facebook and Instagram
(@BenGalleyAuthor).
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