Interview with Kevin Nichols, Author of Shadows of Askargaard

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Shadows of Askargaard?

I can’t seem to walk from one place to another without thinking of a story. I see a connected world. The people I meet, the things I’ve seen, they’re all sewn into the fabric of this series. The characters I’ve created feel so personal to me because they’re manifestations of the people that have impacted my life.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Shadows of Askargaard, what would they be?

This one’s easy. For Pug, the MC, it’s a shot at redemption (I like the Dan Vasc cover). Varahallas would be Blinding Lights by the Weeknd. Weasel would be Misery Business by Paramore.

Come to think of it, I’ve subconsciously thought about this question quite a bit.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Fantasy fiction. Followed closely by fantasy fiction and fantasy fiction. Love Abercrombie, Buroker, Sapkowski, and of course Sanderson.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Been feeling JD Rossells Ranger of the Titan Wild Series which NewInBooks turned me on to. I think the second book in the series drops relatively soon.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Ooph. This is literally impossible to answer. Pug in the arena below the rogue city of Askargaard comes to mind just because it has Bos’ni the lion in it who is lowkey my favorite sidekick. Pug in any tavern is also a treat.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Not quirky, but I discuss all my ideas with my brothers, Garrett and Colton, before I write them. Their feedback is really valuable. When they get excited about an idea, I get excited.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

When we go together, we go farther.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

A lot of people go their whole lives thinking they’re not creative. I thought that way myself for the longest time. This notion that some people are creative and some people aren’t is BS. Creativity is something you practice. Whether it’s writing a story, inventing a recipe, or telling your kids a made up fairy tale before bedtime, creativity is something you practice and grow.

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