Christian Freed Interview
The Indie Book Butler Interview.
Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already aware of you and your work.
Christian Freed: I use my degree in military history, my personal combat experience and over 20 years in the active-duty Army, and a love for all things fantasy and sci-fi to create worlds and settings where the impossible can happen.
IBB: You’ve got twenty words to tempt us to read your book(s). What would you say?
CF: Support the troops? Seriously, I’ve been compared to Game of Thrones and the Malazan Book of the Fallen. Read them.
IBB: Where do you like to write?
CF: Anywhere that has peace and quiet. As long as there is silence- or controlled noise of my choosing I can crack the knuckles and hit it.
IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?
CF: Nope. I’ve written books during my time in Afghanistan and Iraq and I’ve written books in the comfort of my living room. Give me a pen and piece of paper and I can make the magic.
IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?
CF: I am a huge fan of Steven Erickson. His books are amazingly complex and interconnected on a level I can’t even reach…yet. Growing up I went to see the original Star Wars (I know, it’s a movie) and the animated Lord of the Rings. After seeing these movies I was hooked and started sneaking into my father’s library to devour whatever he had.
IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?
CF: Mistakes. Plain and simple. The more mistakes you make the better your craft will be. That and having real-world experience. I have worked with people from all walks of life, been exposed to soldiers and diplomats from 30 nations, and have 3 combat tours and 2 years spent on the Korean DMZ. Getting out and experiencing the world is invaluable.
IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?
CF: I just want people to reach out and say, “hey I just read your book. Damn! That was a hell of a ride!” Is that too much to ask?
IBB: Have you received a favorite review of your work?
CF: I am a man of very little favorites. I’ve had tons of reviews. Some great, some terrible. Ultimately, reviews are for readers, not the authors.
IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?
CF: Publishing? All of it. I have gone through several small publishers, tried doing it on my own through Amazon and have finally gotten my act together to start Warfighter Books. Now I’m getting into physical stores, the Library of Congress, and so much more.
IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?
CF: Research and trial and error. I try to make my stories as lifelike as possible- even though it is fantasy and sci-fi.
IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?
CF: I love my editor when she’s not working on my books. Then it turns to more of simmering despise when I see what she’s done to it!
IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?
CF: Easy: what do you like/dislike about it and why? Help me get better or keep me on the right track.
IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
CF: Take the time to invest in your writing. So many people come out the gate dejected, no sense of business acumen, nothing more than a child’s dream of being published. This is a business. Treat it as such. As an author, you are the CEO of your brand. Take charge and act like an adult. You’d be surprised where you wind up.
IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?
CF: I have no idea. What I would like is books in stores in every state, overseas, and cross-pollinating on the internet. After that….we’ll see?
IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?
CF: I am of the rare breed. I almost always know the title before I start writing and I have gotten to the point where I see images or ideas before the book is finished. After that, it’s a quick email to my designer and we’re off.
IBB: How often do you read? What genre?
CF: I try to read every day. I am a sucker for a good fantasy or sci-fi book and I have a penchant for history books- especially the Crusade era.
IBB: Before we let you escape, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…
CF: There are so many talented writers out there. I don’t even know where to begin. Darran Handshaw is a great guy and very talented. I’ve also seen a lot of Rick Partlow. Can’t go wrong with a fellow vet.
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.
For more on Christian and his work, please visit:
