13 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day Two!


Today we have Dan Wright, Author of Trapped on Draconica! He’s decided to let us pick his brain for a few minutes and bombard him with questions! He’s also giving away something really cool and unique, A signed copy of Trapped on Draconica along with a signed Omake by Artist Alexis M Centeno. And, and, he’s going to add each of those items into the Grand Prize Giveaway Pot!
Welcome Dan! Can you tell us a bit about yourself? How about in five words or less.
I create fantasy worlds J
Now why don’t you tell us a bit about Trapped in Draconica? In five words or less, of course J
It’s awesome! Buy it! lol
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Many sources really. I’m a huge fan of medieval fantasy and greek mythology so that plays a key part. But I also like the comedy element and tongue in cheek feel that manga has so I try to combine those two elements to create something that I feel is unique to me. I like to write scenes that bring out a special feeling, whether it be sadness, happiness, or just getting pumped to watch a fight between two characters. The artwork that my artist does also helps this.
Say you want a can of soda, right now, what flavour would it be?
Mmmmmm, well I drink a lot of cola (and I mean A LOT! It’s my energy drink) so it would have to be that.
You’ve been given the chance to raid a bookstore however you are only allowed to pick 2 novels, what would they be and why?
Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy (because that’s one of my favourite book of all time) and Lord of the Rings (do I need to even say it?)
If you could pick movie stars to play the characters of Trapped in Draconica in a movie, who would they be?
To be honest, given that the artwork is very heavily based in manga/anime style, I think it would have to be an animation film to do it justice. The actors I’d pick are voice actors so they may not mean anything to some people, but hopefully those that follow voice actors and video games might mean something. The actors I’d mainly choose would be Steven Jay Blum, Peter Cullen, Cam Clarke, Wendee Lee, Phil Lamar  and John DiMaggio (as a start)
The cover art is amazing, I love it! Can you tell us a bit more about it and the artist?
The cover is done by Alexis M Centeno – an American artist – who also does all the artwork within the novel. I met her whilst putting on an advertisement for an artist and her work was perfect! Her artwork really helps brings the characters to life and gives the book something special. Some have said the novel would stand alone without the artwork but I disagree. I think the artwork brings a lot of power to the novel and really brings it to life.
Finally, do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring authors? Maybe a lesson that you’ve learned that you’d like to share?
Firstly, never write a novel purely on the basis that you think it is commercial and in line with current trends. Because then you’ll end up creating something that you possibly will hate. The best authors (in my opinion) write stuff because they enjoy writing and tell stories that are personal to them. Writing should be about expressing creativity, not about pandering to trends. Therefore, if you want to write, write a story that YOU would enjoy reading and would love to write. Because if you enjoy writing it, the readers will see this and also enjoy reading it. Bottom line, write a story that you want to tell – not what’s popular at the moment.
Secondly, don’t give up! You’ll receive a lot of knocks along the way and no doubt feel like giving up, but all the best authors suffered a number of setbacks. Stick with it, if you believe in your book then you should do what you can to get it out there. Just keep at it and never lose hope!
Thirdly, make sure you always get someone to proofread your work before you send it out! There is nothing worst that trying to promote a book that’s full of typo’s or grammatical mistakes as people will pick up on this. Whether it’s a friend, family member or (if you can afford it) a professional proofreader, make sure it’s all spell checked and readable. I know this is common sense, but you’d be surprised the number of books I’ve read where I’ve noticed this!

Here's the blurb and cover art for Dan Wright's awesome book!
Ben’s your typical teenager – loud, obnoxious and always getting himself into hot water. Coming from a troubled household, it’s no wonder Ben’s been on the wrong side of the tracks lately. Little does he realise his problems are about to get a lot worse...

Soon after being mysteriously teleported to the world of Draconica, Ben gets caught up in a Baalarian invasion – who are hell-bent on capturing him. But what did Ben ever do to upset them? With no idea how he got here – and with intentions only on getting home, Ben embarks on a fantastical journey.
Joining forces with the Dragonkin sisters Daniar and Erowin, Ben must help them take down the empire before their dark grasp tightens across the land. Little does Ben realise that his role in this battle is far more vital than he realises – and that his coming here was no accident.
You can also find Dan on the web here, on Facebook and Twitter.
Or just go by his book right now--after you enter the contest of course--from Amazon or Smashwords

Thanks so much Dan for stopping by! Now, remember this is the 13 Days of Christmas Giveaways, so don't forget to comment and enter to win a signed copy of Trapped on Draconica and a signed by the artist Omake!

If you’ve forgotten the rules—there are only a few, you can find them here. All you have to do is comment for your chance to win. And if you commented on yesterdays giveaway, don’t worry, you can comment on today’s, and tomorrows and the day after and the day after J
Are you coming to the party late? Did you miss yesterday’s giveaway? Have no fear! You can use the linky’s below and enter—you have until Christmas Eve!
Day One- Avery Olive

Up tomorrow we have Clare Marshall! And she’s got a really great giveaway, a copy of her super fun, a little bit scary and a little bit romantic debut novel Within!

20 Response to "13 Days of Christmas Giveaways: Day Two!"

  1. Lena M. Says:

    I really like that cover art, it looks so cool! :)
    Lord of the rings and Hitchhiker´s guide... are great books, everyone should give them a try!

    Lena
    re(dot)komunikace(at)gmail(dot)com

  2. April Plummer Says:

    Wow, that cover art is awesome! and the book sounds like so much fun to read! I look forward to it...putting it on my wish list now! :) Thanks for posting the interview! I always love hearing from other authors and learning about new, awesome books to read.

  3. Steven W Says:

    cool interview! That cover really does rock. Also, I checked out the sample on Amazon and the art inside is really great too. I'm def. going to read this book. Thanks for introducing it to me!

  4. Jennifer Mathis Says:

    i have to agree the cover is awesome
    great interview

    meandi09@Yahoo.com

  5. Anne Says:

    I guess your choice of books makes sense considering the genre you write. I've never acually made it through The Hitchhiker's Guide and I think The LOTR movies were so much better than the books. I read them all, but found them tedious...not a good sign.


    acm05atjuno.com

  6. Erin Says:

    Great interview! Your cover art is awesome and your book sounds very interesting! I'm adding your book to my list of books to read!

  7. Lindsay K Says:

    I also think the cover art is very good. The book definetly sounds like a good read as well. Great interview as well.

  8. Just Another Face Says:

    I so want to read Dan's book! I loved the interview! TY so much for this great giveaway!

  9. Angela Drake Says:

    Hey Dan! Thanks for letting in your creative brain a bit. I think the voice actors you'd choose are the best in the business. Kudos! And your advice to authors about writing the story you want to tell is the most important. If you're writing the story you want to tell, all the other advice passed around will follow.
    Christmas Blessings! ~ Angela

  10. Dan Wright Says:

    Hi Guys. Thanks for all the wonderful comments. And also to Avery for giving me this opportunity. It was great fun and it's great to be able to answer a few questions about my writing.

    It was a real pleasure. Thanks again for all your wonderful comments. Merry Christmas to you all!

  11. Carol Haller Says:

    I also like fantasy type books, so would love to win this! Or even better, the Grand Prize!

    Great job to your artist as well :)

  12. Michelle Brack Says:

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  13. miki Says:

    Seems like a great book thanks you for the opportunity to win

    isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com

  14. Unknown Says:

    Wooo the cover looks so cool!!!! <3

  15. Aik Says:

    Dan's book sounds awesome! I'd love to read it.

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

  16. ArtemisG Says:

    The cover is awesome and the story of book of course. Thank you for the giveaway!

    artgiote at gmail dot com

  17. sweety Says:

    Thanks for the international giveaway!!

    Happy holidays and Have a great day :)

    sweety225(at)rocketmail(dot)com

  18. tammy ramey Says:

    dang it! i didn't realize i missed this day. i hope i didn't miss any others. :( at least i can still go and leave a comment. :)

    trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com

  19. SJune Says:

    The artwork is great. My students would pick it up I'm sure. Thanks for the giveaway. Happy Holidays!

    Sarah
    sjune2721(@)gmail(.)com

  20. Linda Henderson Says:

    I enjoyed getting to know something about you and your book. I really like the cover. I think a good cover does sell books. While I don't buy exclusively for the cover, it does make a difference. I enjoy reading fantasy and I would love to read your book.

    seriousreader at live dot com