Being in numerous book related Facebook groups, I learn about new books on a weekly basis. After seeing the eye-catching cover art for an upcoming fantasy novel called Land of the Free, I reached out to the author, Mike Huard, to learn more. Read on to learn more about the author and his upcoming book.
Tell us a little about your upbringing.
I am from Maine; have been all my life. I find the state to be very beautiful with its four seasonal times of the year. My mom and dad have always been kind people, so I tend to seek kindness in the world over harshness. My motto is “A rising tide lifts all boats” so to speak!
We know you’re a Martial Arts instructor, tell us how that came about.
Yes, a second generation artist. My father started in the air force in the 60’s where he studied judo and jiu-jitsu there. I took to it and have been going since the early 70’s training in Muay Thai, karate, jiu-jitsu, and judo.
Tell us a little about your non-fiction books based on Martial Arts.
I have written a women’s self-defence guide and also a family bull prevention book. Both were important for me to send into the world as to all my training in the arts.
When was the first time you knew you wanted to be a writer?
I have always loved words and wise quotes throughout my life, so when I finally found time, here I am and loving it.
Where would you say most of your inspirations come from as a writer?
There’s this wild imagination in me that comes out very easily. I have been an avid dungeons and dragons player and story teller for over 30 years so that helps too.
Tell us about your upcoming book Land of the Free and how you came up with the idea.
It’s been a very exciting project for me and is about to go on pre-release in November. Two themes that have grabbed my attention my entire life are fantasy and sci-fi, so I put them together to make this novel about how America could be 1,000 years from now.
The cover art for Land of the Free really caught my attention and made me want to read it immediately. Was it difficult conveying the visuals you needed to the designer?
The cover rocks! It tells a good story in its own right. That which conveys I think the book quite well. The sisterhood are patriotic in the old ways of USA, and this is how the attire came about in the story.
What are the main challenges you’ve faced with self-publishing your titles?
A self- publisher has to basically do it all. I love writing and can do it with ease. The marketing and business part is tough. But anyone thinking about trying, I say do it, but be prepared to work very hard.
Have you already started planning the sequel for the Mystical Slayers series?
I have just written two novellas that work into the series that are releasing as well coming write up. One is a prequel to the main novel. As to a sequel, oh yes, already writing that too.
Be sure to follow Mike’s work using the links below:
