The Sword and Laser discussion

Hey next Tuesday we'll be interviewing author Brian McClellan. What should we ask him?

In a recent Patreon update, Brian was showing rough map sketches and off-handedly mentioned they were for a second trilogy in the same universe. With all the novellas and now a second trilogy, what is the scope of the powder mage series/universe as he currently envisions it?

Was there a specific real-world incident that sparked the idea for Promise of Blood or did the plot grow from the magic system?

Or perhaps the magic system grew from the plot?

Any recent nonfiction or historical reads he really loved/ would like to recommend?

Eventually spring will be here, what will you be planting in the garden?

The Powder Mage series is much closer to our world (in terms of technology) than most fantasy books. Does Brian have plans - concrete or not - to take the series into their near future and show off powder mages with machine guns?

EDIT: Aha, yet another poor soul has mispronounced my name and has been recorded doing so! Veronica, I am the Slavic Lex Luthor to your female Superman!

I know you're a fan of Star Wars and you've written how The Empire Strikes Back helped you finish The Crimson Campaign and The Autumn Republic. In what other ways has your love of Star Wars impacted your writing?

Do you try and visualize your characters in any specific way when writing? For example, do you picture Tamas as an older version of Richard Sharpe from the British TV series - in other words as Sean Bean? Have you imagined which actors might play the roles of different characters from your books?

As indicated in an earlier question, you've recently started using Patreon and currently have 35 patrons supporting you. What do you hope to achieve, support wise, from a patronage perspective? How will that impact you? What does having a connection with your patrons mean to you as a writer?

How many more novels, novellas, and short stories do you see writing in your current Crimson Campaign world? What might be the next big series you undertake?

You have one of the strongest fanbases I've seen for a relatively new author. What are some things you learned along the away that you could recommend to other new authors? Resources? Approach? What might be a waste of time versus something well worth doing?

Bees! Will bees make it into future stories? Are there any observations from being a beekeeper that have made it into your writing so far?

What materials did you find particularly useful when writing the Powder Mage Trilogy (books, documentaries, etc.)?

I have two very important questions:

1. When will you conquer the world with your bee army?

2. What plans, if any, do you have for after the second Powder Mage trilogy? Hopefully not retirement.

Mihali is one of my favorite characters of all time. (view spoiler)[ Is this a spoiler? Can we ask spoilery questions? How did you think up a mad chef god character, he is so great. (hide spoiler)]

Powder mages are fairly unique, as most authors don't seem to blend technology with magic in classical fantasy. What inspired you to create them? Did it come out if a desire to break with the norm?

Here's the link for the hangout!

https://plus.google.com/b/10797292475...

Is it just me or does the guy from the Promise of Blood book trailer look like Jeremy Irons? Could you elaborate?

For me the Powder Mage book covers look like they belong on a Bernard Cornwell Napoleonic historical novel. They don't really indicate that there is a fantasy element and might get passed up at first glance. I know most authors don't usually get much input on their covers, but does Brian think this is an issue?

What inspired you to set up your own store on your website for short stories/novellas and mailing out signed books to readers? Does the amount of work involved make you regret this decision, or would you do it again?
I know that Kevin Hearne has recently set up a similar system on his site; did he consult with you, ask for pointers, etc.?

Brian's doing an AMA on reddit today if you have any new questions.

http://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comme...