Feathered Quill Book Reviews

 #Authorinterview with Nathanael Bazzell

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Diana Coyle is talking with Nathanael Bazzell, author of The Binding of the Twelve.

FQ: One of the first things I do when I read a book by an author I’m unfamiliar with is read the author’s bio to get to know them better. Would you please tell us a few things about yourself so that new readers, like myself, can learn about you?

BAZZELL: Sure, I’d be happy to do that. I was born and raised in Kentucky. Growing up, I worked in tobacco and hauled hay during the summers to earn spending money. Went to college and received my master’s degree in history. After that—at one point or another—I worked at my grandpa’s feed mill, played in a rock band, and taught as a professor. Currently, I teach dual credit U.S. History and online for several colleges. With three kids, my wife and I spend a lot of time attending soccer tournaments, track meets, and volleyball matches. When I get a little free time, I enjoy bow fishing.

FQ: Can you please tell our readers a brief synopsis of your book, The Binding of the Twelve, and what specifically makes your book unique?

BAZZELL: In an Age long past, a society called the Builders, destroyed the world in what came to be known as the Cataclysm. Mankind was scattered across the Three Lands and over two millennia are separated into what are become known as the three younger races.

The Binding of the Twelve follows Fife—a Keeper of Wisdom—and three other main characters, who along with eight others are trying to fulfill a prophecy to avert a second Cataclysm for the Three Lands. Their efforts are hampered by internal divisions within the Three Lands, a forgotten empire from the east invading, and an ancient evil stirring.

I think what makes it unique is the magic system. When the Tower of Heaven fell and the Cataclysm happened it scattered what became known as Pieces. That is the vehicle for the magic system in the book. Characters are able to push their will through the Pieces to manipulate the environment around them.

FQ: I loved how well-written The Binding of the Twelve was and how you decided to create the Three Lands, amazingly believable characters and an in-depth storyline into these pages. How long did it take you to write this first book and what was the process like for you?

BAZZELL: Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed the characters! Your question is a tricky one. To complete the first novel it took about a year and a half. I did not work on it consistently due to other obligations and an illness. I suppose if I were able to write daily it would have taken around six months.

FQ: When can your anxious readers expect your next book to be available within this series and can you give us a quick synopsis of it?

BAZZELL: Ah, this is where it gets interesting. I just wanted to see if I could write a book—more on that in an answer to a question further down in the interview—so I wrote one. Then I wrote the second book. Then I started on the third book. So, even though I just published the first book, the second book is going to my editor this month. It is titled The Forging of the Twelve and I hope to have it published in early October. In the meantime, I’m about twenty-five percent done with the third book, titled The Diaspora of the Twelve.

FQ: Where did you look upon for inspiration for writing this book?

BAZZELL: I’ve been an avid reader since I learned how to read. I’ve always enjoyed fantasy, particularly epic fantasy. I draw a great deal of my influences from that. In addition, I teach history and I have tried to incorporate different ancient cultures and customs into my work to give the world an authentic feel. I also drew inspiration from the Bible and the narratives it contains and try to address deeper questions in my work.

FQ: What made you want to be a published author?

BAZZELL: I didn’t want to initially. To be honest, I wasn’t finding the stories that I liked to read as much as I did growing up. One night, I put a book down I was reading and wondered if I could write a story—one that I’d like to read. An epic tale that would take multiple books to tell. So, I gave it a try. I really enjoyed the writing process, and as I mentioned earlier, I just kept writing. At the first of this year my wife asked if I was ever going to let anyone read them. I sent the first book to some beta readers and received positive feedback. At that point I started looking into what was required to get a book published.

FQ: Please tell us what is your writing routine like?

BAZZELL: My routine is write when I can. That’s pretty much it. I don’t have a set time or certain days. I write when the opportunity presents itself. It works out well for me. I have a 45 minute drive to and from work. I spend that time thinking about the story. When I get time to write, I have plenty of ideas stored up—no sitting and staring at the laptop screen.

As for the story . . . I know where a book begins and where it is going to end. I fill in the rest as I go.

FQ: To wrap up our interview, is there anything you would like to add to tell our readers?

BAZZELL: I’d just like to say I have endeavored to write a great story. One with characters that you will relate to and with a world you will believe in. Hopefully I’ve done it in a manner that pays homage to the traditional fantasy genre. If you like your fantasy epic, give The Binding of the Twelve a try. My pledge to you is I will do my utmost to make each book something special that you will eagerly look forward to—no short cuts or cutting corners. Thanks for taking time to read! I hope all is well for each of you!