Hello readers!
This week’s Indie Interview features an epic fantasy indie author, Mike Cahoon, alongside his story, The Scion Conspiracy. Check out information about Mike and his books (and his upcoming work) below!
“Mike Cahoon is a husband, dad, firefighter and a brand new indie author with a deep love of stories across many genres and mediums, but he always holds a special place in his heart for the holy trinity of fantasy, science fiction and horror. Growing up, he was a poor student despite his teachers and parents best attempts to get him to apply himself. Despite this, he had a passion for reading and writing which has stubbornly stuck with him throughout his entire life. Now, he is finally embarking on his own literary journey and getting the stories out of his head that have been knocking around in there for decades.”
THE INTERVIEW
What inspired your novel, THE SCION CONSPIRACY?
The Scion Conspiracy is the result of several of my interests coming together and melding into a unique idea. I have long been a lover of fantasy and its detailed worldbuilding, epic scope and explorations of complex characters. But I am also a big history buff and am fascinated by the long and complex road it took to get to our modern society. At some point, the idea of a fantasy novel set during an Age of Exploration formed in my head and wouldn’t go away, so I had to get it down on paper.
What is your favorite object in the novel and why?
This is a question I’ve never been asked before and certainly an interesting one. Were this about the series as a whole, I would have a definite answer, but the object I’m thinking of doesn’t show up until later. As far as this book, I would have to say Holton’s compass. In the book, it is shown to be able to point the way to individuals who are within a certain distance. It is a mysterious item that adds to the depth of the world and offers some interesting insight into just how much possibility there is behind this world’s magic system.
Did you always want to be an author? What first inspired you to take up writing?
I’ve been writing since I was a kid, scribbling stories and doodles in my notebooks instead of working on my schoolwork. I’ve always loved stories, especially genre fiction, since I was little and I was first introduced to it via my dad. He was and is a big fan of all things classically nerdy, from Star Trek to Lord of the Rings. Writing fantasy was just a natural progression from reading it for me.
Deciding to publish came later though. After the birth of our first child, I decided I wanted to try writing seriously and see if I could actually publish a book. It was an idea that had sat germinating in the back of my mind for years, and once I became a dad I thought it was important to be able to tell my kids I had pursued my passions.
What was the most challenging chapter to write in your novel, and why?
The most challenging chapters were most certainly in the middle. I started writing my book with a strong hook and a strong conclusion in mind, but the middle took a bit of work. As I was writing, I realized I had a lot of plot, worldbuilding and character development that needed to happen in a relatively short period of time. It was the classic “soggy middle” problem that many authors speak about. But through working with early readers I’d like to think it did a pretty good job of getting it straightened out!
What is one thing about this book that most readers may not realize just by reading it?
Many readers have commented on how dark this book is, especially the subject material. And while I certainly intended for my series to be darker in tone and style, I think it’s important to note that this is the first in a series. I hope that people recognize the through lines of a story that is about more than simply a grim story about grim people. This story is about the importance of each persons individual choices and how what we do makes a difference. Ultimately, it’s about how we create the world we live in.
How many versions of the book did you go through before landing on the one that got published?
So many. In a lot of ways, I’ve been writing this series since I was a kid. Echoes of these characters and plot lines can certainly be found in some of my old story scribbling and rough drafts. But if you’re talking true drafts? At least four or five. I cut POVs and added them, changed events and even played around with where to end this book in reference to the greater story.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? How do you go about writing your novel?
I aspire to be a plotter, but it is in my nature to be pantser. I try to write outlines and do take detailed notes, but I always end up deviating from them once I get into the actual writing. I’ve found the best method for me personally is a “sign post” type of outlining. Figuring out major character beats and plot points that need to happen, but giving myself the freedom to get there however I feel works the best in the moment, is an effective hybrid of the plotter vs pantser schools of writing that works for me personally.
Have you ever had writer’s block with this novel? How did you overcome it?
I am happy to say I don’t suffer from writers block so much as I do a lack of time dedicated to writing. Between work, family and other obligations, my writing often gets shoved into the little corners of my life and I don’t have the time to truly flesh out my ideas like I need to. This usually results with me frustrated as I try to speed through writing, ending up with an inferior product.
The best way I’ve found to deal with this issue is to slow down and focus on one thing at a time. Rather than getting frustrated that I don’t have time to write out a whole chapter, I try to just make sure I can get one paragraph or one scene perfect. By just focusing on finishing one small piece of the project at a time, I end up making far more progress than if I try to rush through the whole thing.
Who is your favorite character in THE SCION CONSPIRACY and why?
Choosing a favorite character is a bit like choosing a favorite meal. I enjoy different ones all for different reasons. But if I had to choose I would say Cassius. As a reader, I am absolutely a sucker for a traditional hero. I also love reading stories that serve as dissections and analysis of the heroic archetype. Without giving too much away, the story of the glory seeking disgraced Prince certainly fits that mold.
What are you working on now/next?
I just finished the prequel novella to The Scion Conspiracy, which is with Beta Readers and in the hands of editors now. I have one more collaborative project I am wrapping up, then my plan is to be spend the next several months locking in exclusively on Book 2 of the Crucible of Legacy series, which I hope to have done by the fall of this year.
FOLLOW MIKE & WHERE TO BUY HIS BOOKS
You can find Mike’s socials and bookish information on his website, here. Be sure to check it out for his most recent publications and updates!
THE EPILOGUE
I absolutely love doing these author interviews, and I hope you are enjoying them as well! Indie authors don’t often get a lot of attention compared to traditional authors, so my mission is to help build them up. Authors like Mike have some phenomenal works, and I hope many of you check him out!
Until the next one,
—Mylee J. Miller
INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED?
Hello readers! If you’re interested in being featured on The Literature Lunatic, you’re in luck! Email themanuscriptmaniac@gmail.com to inquire about an interview, a book cover reveal, or a book review (the lattermost of which would be featured on SFF Insiders!)
I look forward to hearing from you, and to talking to you in the next newsletter!
Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me!