Author Interview with Brian Byrom
- Vicky Peplow
- Nov 8, 2023
- 4 min read
Today we are going to interview Brian who was born and raised in Southeast Texas where he nurtured (and continues to nurture) his lifelong passion for world mythology, philosophy, theology, and folklore. Let's dive in and find out a little more about him and what he has in store for his future books.
Book Description
In short, this is Demons and their minions vs. Angels and their human allies, primarily the kids at St. Alexis. The Devil wiped out these kids’ families and they want revenge. But they are kids and are going to need some help. Their parents’ old friends, some demons looking for redemption, and a pile of mythical weapons just might do the trick. It's fun, scary, philosophical, and enlightening.
In Hell, Lucy’s been plotting her revenge for centuries. It’s almost time for her to make her play for the throne, but she has a few loose ends to tie up before she can strike. Step one is eliminating the kids at St. Alexis.
Once the fighting begins, the kids will discover that their greatest weapons are their faith in and love for each other.
Author Name: Brian Byrom
Author Website: https://www.thesecondeight.com/
Author Email: brian.byrom@gmail.com
Author’s social media links (Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brian- Byrom/author/B0C4V7DQ7T?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true (Amazon author)
Authors Series and list of books.
The name of the Series is Second Eight, and book one is called The Three Rings. Book two is in production
Tell me a little about yourself, where you live, family, hobbies!
I was born and raised in Southeast Texas where I nurtured (and continue to nurture) a lifelong passion for world mythology, philosophy, theology, and folklore. This, along with my love of nature and reading, led me to create my own universe that I could fill with characters and relics, mystery, and lore. Writing has become one of the most enjoyable parts of my life, and I sincerely hope that you get a sense of that as you dive into my stories.
I have an amazing, supportive family and two sons that I absolutely live for. Hobbies would include hunting, fishing, cooking, and service - including work with Operation Red Wing Foundation, Cole Gordon Helping Hand Foundation and maintaining four Little Free Libraries around town.
What got you into writing?
This sounds ugly, but the lack of decent, well-written content around 2019 (particularly in film) motivated me to see if I could do better.
What’s the main thing you love and hate about writing?
I love getting lost in my story, and hate having to come back to reality!
How do you select the names of your characters? First, I determine their lineage and heritage. Then I research names that would be common or make sense for someone of that ethnicity, gender, and background.
What is next on your list to write/publish?
Book two is about halfway done, and I am developing two spinoffs from the series. I am also working on an update to the medieval bestiaries.
What is your favorite childhood book? I loved the Hardy Boys. Read every one of them.
Who is your favorite author, and why?
H.P. Lovecraft. His style is unlike anyone I’ve ever read. His stories are the only ones that can actually scare me as an adult.
Who encouraged you the most to write?
Emily Harris and John Yearwood. My high school English teachers. They taught me how to write, and more importantly how to think.
Are you as avid a reader as a writer?
I read much more than I write. I think that is a good thing though. Bouncing between worlds keeps the blood pumping in our brains.
What’s your favorite genre? Fantasy/Sci-fi. But I love everything but smut.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what type? Or can’t you stand background noise when writing?
Never. I need quiet when I write. I don’t even like it when the air conditioner comes on.
What is your writing Kryptonite? A new show or video game that I can’t pass up. It will shut me down. Luckily I am pretty picky on both of those, so getting shut down is pretty rare.
Tell me a secret that none of your fans know! Do you like to cook or perhaps only wear a certain color sock?
I love to cook. Particularly BBQ, which shows up early in The Three Rings!
Tell me what your main character would say about you!
He’d probably tell me to be still. He is the guy I wish I was, in control of his emotions and actions, clearly focused on the matter at hand.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? 2.5. Lol. The Bestiary will take the rest of my life.
What is your motto in life?
Most things I worry about never happen anyway – Tom Petty
Does your family support your career as a writer? I think if I made it a career now they would kick my butt since I have only lost money in the process so far. But they would completely support it as long as it was capable of supporting my household.
Finally, any words of advice?
Yep - don’t let social pressure neuter your creativity. If people don’t like your work or get offended, they can read something else. The greatest art in history was oftentimes offensive to the culture of its time.
Thank you Brian for a great interview. Make sure to check out Brian's book, The Three Rings which is the first book in the Second Eight series. Make sure to support him by leaving a review once you finish reading.
Great job Vicky! Thanks for taking the time and for the oportunity