I’m really happy to share with you guys today an interview with Mike Hartner, historical fiction author of I, Walter. I’m currently listening the audiobook version of this book and let me tell you, it’s really good. Before continuing to the interview, let me share with you first about I, Walter and Mike Hartner:
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
I, Walter is the first in a series of books in a saga which will span continents and time to arrive in present day North America.
Each in the series will be connected, though that connection may not be obvious for several more books.
It’s almost like looking at a menorah (sic). Many lines, seemingly individual, connect to center at different points.
Email: assistantk8@gmail.com
And now the interview!
I, Walter started out as an adventure. It quickly morphed into a historical fiction and romance. It is a memoir. It is the life story of Walter Crofter, a boy born in London in 1588, towards the end of Queen Elizabeth’s rule. He spends his teen years, at sea, a merchant marine. With romance, swords, and pirates, how can you not like the book?
The two biggest challenges for this book were: Getting Gerald’s character right…and listening to Walter’s angst and being able to write it.
As a book, I, Walter took ten months to write. But, other information pertaining to this book and the series had two years head start on his story.
I think the best theme I can stress, not just in I, Walter but also in the rest of the books in this series, is that each person’s life is different, and that we can’t judge others until we’ve lived their life.
Walter’s character had its difficult moments. The major reason for this was that some events were like pulling teeth. The general story would fester for several days, and then Walter would say, “ok, I’m ready to tell you what happened, now.” And afterwards, I could understand why it was so difficult.
Why not? Walter was the first character, and I found out later the start of my series. I, Walter is the start of a series that will bring us eventually to present day. So, that early a date necessitates some form of historical fiction.
I’m pretty certain that all of Alexandee Dumas’ books, and Victor Hugo’s books, and Mark Twain’s books have influenced me over the years. But I, Walter and the Eternity Series are very much their own books.
My bucket list includes:
– Continuing to write.
– Taking my son on diving trips to exotic locations.
– Enjoying the company of my wife and child.
– Teaching and tutoring math for my son and all of his friends.
– Seeing all 50 states with my wife and son.
– Seeing all 10 provinces and 3 territories with my wife and son.
– Watching my books become successful.
– Helping other writers become successful.
– Helping others around me to achieve their success.
– Enjoying every minute of a truly blessed life.
I write when I am done everything else. My son is a teenager, and he has commitments: school, sports, parties, and friends. My time is busy taking care of my son and my family. So, I use my writing as my stress relief. Sometimes I write in the evening. Other times I write in the morning. These interview questions I answered at 5 a.m. on a three-day weekend, when my son is with his school performing for his band.
I try not to be. Everyone needs to be for a certain portion of time. But life is too short. And being serious all the time doesn’t make it easy.
Probably Italian, since my stomach loves lasagna, and spaghetti, and cannelloni, and canolli, and … the best combination of meats and cheeses my stomach has ever been blessed by tasting.
I love that there is an audiobook of I, Walter! I am listening to it now too 😉
Mike has a very nice voice 😀
That really helps! 🙂
Awesome post, interview and giveaway!! I'm holding thumbs for the audio book 🙂
Chanzie @ Mean Who You Are.
Good luck, Chanzie!! Chances of winning are looking pretty good 😉