Windsong & Requiem - Of a Great Deep by Chad Hunter (VBT, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT ADULT title

I have the pleasure of sharing a guest post by author Chad Hunter, who answers my question...





ELF: What was the most difficult thing to overcome on your path to becoming a published author and how did you conquer it?

CH:  There seems to always be several difficulties to overcome.  I think to be a writer is to be a creator.  Creating anything is not easy and there will always be some level of pushback.  Some people view it as life knocking you around but others see it as the test.  Like “how bad do you want this?”  I think that trial by fire is a great chance to move past the obstacles and into the opportunities. 

Time-management has always been a challenge.  I have a family, additional job duties and a life that all need time and attention.  I remember, right around the time my son was born, people were telling me I would never have time to write again.  I took those words of negativity as a collective chance to say “Oh yeah?  Watch this!”  In addition to having a busy life, I also do a lot of public speaking, especially to children, about the importance of creativity.  So, for Of a Great Deep, finding the time to do the research, formulate the plot and get the book done was challenging.  I write a lot in the morning, at night, at lunch and wherever I can.  Even five minutes of writing is better than none.  I am a writer and to not write is like not breathing.  I need oxygen.  I need to write.  So, I find the time even if its waiting for an oil change or at the doctor’s office, etc.  Even if it’s with a pocket journal, I write.

I’d say another challenge is dealing with the voice of doubt that I believe every creative person has to deal with.  “You’re not good enough.”  “This isn’t good enough.”  “No one wants to read this.”  All of these emotions and more run through my mind when I’m striking out on another literary voyage.  I think we all have to dance with self-doubt, fear, worry to some degree.  But, I remind myself of my past accomplishments, I surround myself with positive people and items (I love daily inspirational quotes.) Ultimately, I feel a connection and responsibility to the story, its characters and the need to see their tale told.

Last but not least is the difficult truth that I have a finite amount of energy!  I know my peak times to write.  I know the moments when my body and mind are ready to crank out stories.  I am learning to accept those moments when it’s time to get some sleep.  It’s about balance I think.  Give my body the rest it needs and it will provide me with the focus and energy to achieve what I want.  Funny thing is that there are times when I am beyond tired and I do keep writing.  My Beta Readers will know these moments because as they read my drafts, there will be random ellipses on a page that go nowhere.  LOL!  It’s a signature move now! 

Plus, when I’m tired I am reminded that the Good Lord made coffee!  God bless that goat (look up the discovery of coffee and you’ll thank the goat too!)

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Windsong & Requiem - Of a Great Deep

by Chad Hunter

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GENRE:   Pirate fantasy, Mature

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BLURB:

The year is 1716. The world is in the Golden Age of Piracy and fabled ships sail the seven seas. One such vessel is the Requiem, captained by the young but wise, brave but dubious Nabopolassar “Bo” Travis. Alongside his first mate Ghassan, quartermaster Winter Burke and navigator Glover, Travis seeks treasure, female company and good drink. The Requiem’s legendary adventures are filled with tales of monsters and myths - all of which are true. Now, someone or something is sailing the seas in search for a treasure chest – a chest that holds unknown riches which only promise to change the world forever. Captain Travis, his crew and a beautiful young map reader must brave the dark and the deep to find the treasure. Will the Requiem find the X on the spot before the infamous Captain George “Bloody-Face” Fiddick does? Will Travis uncover the secret behind the cursed black ship which changed his young life forever? And will the treasure chest truly be full of riches or does something far more insidious lie in wait? Ready your flintlock. Sharpen your sword. The Requiem awaits.

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EXCERPT

"I was wondering when I would hear from you again," Bloody Face began.  He spoke to the

skull as if he expected it to return the conversation. And it did.

"Captain Fiddick," the jaw-less skull began.  The words came from the skull, more so from

around it somehow.  It was hollowed and beyond characterization.  It was both male and

female voices overlapped.  There was no accent or hint of particular dialect.  "Your preliminary voyages and excavations have proven useful.  You have eliminated possible locations of that which I seek.  I trust you received your payment?"

"Aye," the pirate answered, "I've been hired before.  Been a privateer a time or two yet no

one ever paid me in full advance."

"That is because gold is not the true goal of the legendary Bloody Face Fiddick."

"And what is, specter?"

"I am no specter, Captain.  Merely someone who can communicate through means long forgotten.  I know that you desire something more than riches.  Something everlasting."

The pirate looked at the possessed bone on his desk.  

"Speak your peace, enigma."

"CAPTAIN!" the navigator called out.  "THERE'S WOOD!  WOOD IN THE WATER!"

Windsong & Requiem

Bo cursed repeatedly.  "Damn, damn, damn, no, no--!"  Ghassan moved quickly alongside

the man.  

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Chad Hunter was born in East Chicago, Indiana. Raised by a single mother in the city's Harbor section, he is the youngest of four. Growing up in the Midwest and a proudly self-proclaimed "Region Rat," Hunter has written and published several books and novels. He has written for magazines and newspapers throughout North America and has been published in several languages. His writings have been called sophisticated yet humorous, sharp witted and unrelenting.
 
Most often, Hunter's writings have been considered so wide and diverse that they span a scale that would include multiple writers with multiple forms.  In addition to being a published author and journalist, Hunter is also a professional speaker.  Having presented to high schools, colleges and various other audiences, his talks and discussions center around the positive impact of literary and creative presences in one’s life.  A large portion of Hunter’s focus is on the uncanny strength of human connectedness which is emphasized via the lens of writing and creativity.
 
Working in genres including dark fantasy, memoirs, science-fiction and anecdotal collections, Hunter weaves tales of monsters, heroes, zombies, wedding planning, technology, pirates and even black parakeets.  With over ten books under his belt, If anything binds his varied styles, it is Hunter's theme of the human condition, humor and family closeness - all to the backdrop of romantic love, vibrant remembrance and even monsters themselves.

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