It's a late first Monday, but welcome!
It's November, what happened to the year? Only two months left in 2022, so what will 2023 bring?
Well, I don't know, but I know what today brings: Rene Vecka.
Let's hear about him FROM him:
I’ve been a dungeon master since Greyhawk, the precursor to Dungeons & Dragons (now a part of Wizards RPG Team), was first published. What turned me into a dungeon crawler were books like The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien and The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen Donaldson. No matter how dark the circumstance or how outnumbered, there’s always hope with magic around. It helps to have friends, to be a stout-hearted individual, and to never, ever, give up. The keys to whatever success in life I’ve had are, in order, God’s blessings, perseverance, and my wife.
I write to transport the reader into another realm, where one can forget their troubles while rejuvenating their spirit. Hopefully, my books inspire kindness to others and remind readers that good ultimately triumphs, though hard work and prayer are needed.
I live with my wife and youngest son in the foothills between Denver and Colorado Springs. Other members of the household include two dogs and two cats. My other two children and two grandchildren occasionally visit, as do the deer, bobcats, coyotes, and bears.
Contact the Author: WWW.RENEVECKA.COM Renevecka@gmail.com
And on we go!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve had fits and starts over the past twenty years. But I got into it with more intention about five years ago. Then, as I saw the writing on the wall of a coming layoff (just before COVID), I got into it hard–that would be three years ago.
Where do you get your information for your books?
The Mid Dreki Realm is set post Ragnarok. So, I researched Norse Mythology on the Internet, which left me more confused than when I started. Too many versions of the mythos floated about. I knew I wanted to stay away from Marvel’s version, so I went back to the beginning with Snori Sturluson, and bought a scholarly tome. For other items, like clothing, swords, how to mine for gold, etc. I used the internet.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
I try to write five days a week, like it’s a real job. With all five books in the series written, I’m spending my days editing and revising. I’d say I spend about 4 hours a day. Some weekends, I spend a couple of hours working as well. Maybe there’s a target date I’m shooting for to reach some milestone. Sometimes, I take the day off to spend with my family. I’m otherwise retired, so I have flexibility.
Where do you get your ideas for your books?
From my childhood, mostly. I read mysteries, science fiction, and fantasy books starting around 10 years of age. The idea for the Mid Dreki Realm series started with a comment from my then sixteen-year-old son while we were playing D & D. After I made a disparaging statement about kobolts, he gave a convincing retort. A lightbulb went on. It took another ten years before the novel was finished, but I’d started mapping things out in my head that evening.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like to read, hike, walk the dogs, and play chess. Spending time with grandkids and my adult children is also high on the list.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
How rigid the industry appears at times. Genres and word counts are set in concrete for not yet successful authors. My expectations regarding success (chance of) and the amount of time and hard work it takes were set early, when I attended my first writer’s conference.
Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Definitely attend conferences, seminars, or any other venue where they teach the various aspects that make up the craft of writing. Dialogue, voice, pacing, plotting, conflict, structure, editing… I could go on for pages for what it takes to make a good story. I’m still learning. I’m still trying to improve.