Author Spotlight with Kevin Villegas




Hello and welcome to the blog. I am very excited to have you here. Why don’t we start off with a small introduction? Tell us a little about yourself. 
Thank you for having me. My name is Kevin Villegas and “The Sunwright Chronicles – Empire at War” is my first novel. I am currently working on the second novel in the series. Besides wearing the hat of an author I work in the banking industry. I have an awesome wife and two children whom I enjoy spending time with. I also enjoy computer gaming and various other games.
Any interesting writing quirks or stories you would like to share with my readers?
I need music to write! I have my play list all set on Itunes, I’ve found if I try to write without music the material I produce is not of the quality I like. Music also helps get me motivated and I lose myself in the writing much faster with something playing in the background.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer? What sparked the desire to pen your first novel?
I’ve always had the notion that I wanted to become a writer for as long as I can remember. Previously I had trouble staying on one story. After about fifteen years of tweaking the world of Tera and writing a lot of short stories my wife motivated me to get my idea’s down on paper. So my first novel was born.
What genre do you write?
Right now I am writing in the Epic Fantasy Genre.  
What would you say has inspired you most in your writing career? Or, who is your favorite author and why?
My wife inspired me to start writing the novel. If it wasn’t for her I believe I would still be writing short stories and piddling around.
What does your family think of your writing?
They love it, they are very proud of me and look forward to the second book.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned while creating your book?
I would say my ability to write eight to ten pages a day when I’m really motivated. The actual writing process for EMPIRE AT WAR only took me a month and half. I was churning out eight to ten pages a day. Things are going a little slower on the next novel since I am doing a lot of marketing for EMPIRE AT WAR, in spite of this I am still averaging six pages a day.  
What inspired you to write your novel?
Though the genre is fantasy I would have to say my love of history. I love anything that has to do with the Roman or Eastern Roman Empire. I also loved the elves of J.R.R. Tolkien. I took those inspirations mixed them up and created the world of Tera.
Can you tell us a little about your novel? 

I would actually like to provide a 5 star review from Amazon that I think sums up the book very well.

"This is a classically stylized book with a multi-character cast, set in a Romanesque backdrop of Emperors, Commanders and Legates. The fantasy element of magic and elves is effortlessly drawn and there are a surprising amount of strong female characters. The plot-lines intertwine with an even pace that allows you to feel connected to the characters portrayed. Political intrigue, romance and murder sit side by side with the main plot, which draws the reader into a world where honor and dignity are being regained in a kingdom being overrun by invaders and tyrannized from within.
The Sunwright's are a family positioned at the very heart of this epic tale, their influence filtering throughout this troubled kingdom. Tobias the elder brother, struggles to bring the kingdom back to its former glory, while his sister, Calia brings the gift of medical advancement to the kingdom at the cost of her own personal life. All the while, Pershing Sunwright, the younger brother, plots from the sidelines, as an advisor to the next potential heir to the throne.
Strength and honor, my friends, enjoy the ride." - 5 Star Review from Fable66

Where can we find your novel?
I would suggest Amazon.
Do you have a website, fan site, or Blog that we can visit?
I keep a blog that is updated daily.
I post some interesting tidbits on the world of Tera that you will not find in the books. I also post all appearances and book signings I make.
Do you have any closing advice to aspiring writers?
Just keep at it! Writing is a marathon not a sprint.  


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

"epic fantasy genre" yup. having just attempted fantasy in flash form for my blogstreak, I can honestly say, "Wow. You go!" tough tough genre and my hat's off to you Kevin.

Your book cover is beautiful too.

About The Author

Katie Salidas is a USA Today bestselling author and RONE award winner known for her unique genre-blending style.

Since 2010 she's penned five bestselling book series: the Immortalis, Olde Town Pack, Little Werewolf, Chronicles of the Uprising, and the all-new Agents of A.S.S.E.T. series. As her not-so-secret alter ego, Rozlyn Sparks, she is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with a naughty side.

In her spare time Katie also produces and hosts a YouTube talk show; Spilling Ink. She also has a regular column on First Comics News where she explores writing from a nerdy perspective.