Author Interview: Michael K. Falciani

1. Hi! Welcome to my humble blog of all things bookish! I would like for us to start by getting to know you. Give us a short bio, please! 

Hello, I’m Michael K. Falciani.  I was born and raised in upstate New York. I served nine years in the US Army Reserve and the National Guard retiring from the service at the ripe old age of 25. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in education and have been teaching for the last 23 years. An avid reader in my youth, I l turned my hand to writing and have never looked back. I’m currently working on a six-book epic fantasy series titled, The Raven and the Crow. The first book of the series, Dark Storm Rising, was released on June 15th, 2021. The second book in the series is slated to release in January of 2022.  I’m also working on a dwarven steampunk novel, along with trying his hand at urban fantasy. His short story, “Hell Hath No Fury,” has been written for an Anthology for Three Ravens Publishing. When I’m not perseverating on imaginary battles or political intrigue, I enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, running, and doing almost any physical activity that gets his blood pumping. I plan on continuing my passion for writing for as long as I can. 

Ninjas or pirates? 
I have both in my writing, but going with pirates, because I wrote about two pirate daughters l LOVE. 

Plotter or pantser? 
I plot, therefore I pants!

Hero or anti-hero? 
Anti-hero, because who needs a white knight?  I’ll take my emotionally damaged, fly by the seat of their pants hero/heroine all day.

3. When you look for books to read, what trope or type of story will always catch your attention?

I enjoy epic fantasy, but ANY kind of book that is entertaining will do.  I love the underdog stories and tales of strategy and battle.  I also like characters that rise to the occasion and do what must be done.  I’m a sucker for tragedy too.  Mostly though, I love characters that grip my soul and I think about them long after the pages are closed.

4. What do you write? Tell us about your current projects and the latest happenings!

I am currently all over the place.  I have written an epic fantasy and it’s sequel.  They are both part of my, “The Raven and the Crow,” universe.  I just had a short urban horror comedy published in an anthology titled, “It came from the Trailer Park,” which hit #1 on Amazon new releases.  I also just finished a dwarven steampunk, epic fantasy that was so incredibly fun to write!  My second book, “The Raven and the Crow: The Gray Thone,” will be out this winter and the first book in the series, “The Raven and the Crow: Dark Storm Rising,” just came out on audiobook.

5. What is your most recent release? Give us a short presentation, cover, and a link for where to buy it!

My most recent release is my first book, “The Raven and the Crow: Dark Storm Rising.”  The synopsis is as follows. 

Two brothers struggling to find their place in the world.

For the elder sibling Kildare, every morning begins with the memory of betrayal. Once governed by the principles of morality, Kildare has become an instrument of blood and steel—where the speed of his sword arm metes out his own brand of justice. Only the strength and resolve of his brother Zedaine keeps him from succumbing to the ever-present rage that burns behind his dark eyes. While employed by the mysterious sage Blade, the pair stumble upon Chameleon, a runaway tribeswoman displaying extraordinary psychic powers. Their meeting, however, is no chance encounter. A riddle Chameleon carries will change not only the future of the three, but the fate of the entire world.

Hundreds of miles away, Macklore, a powerful wizard of Brisbane, has been dispatched to the volatile city of Gallanse. Smitten at the sight of princess Lydia, Macklore defies his orders and finds himself thrust into the middle of a bloody succession. When he openly supports Lydia’s family, he is marked for death by a cult of magi working to raise the psychotic prince Dragomir to the throne. With few allies, Macklore must use his wits and innate magical powers to keep Dragomir from the crown and himself alive.

Racing towards Gallanse, Kildare and Zedaine are torn between saving Macklore’s life, extracting terrible vengeance upon the man responsible for their betrayal.

The Raven And The Crow: Dark Storm Rising – Kindle edition by Falciani, Michael K.. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com

6. What real-life inspiration do you draw from, and what are your primary fictional sources of inspiration (books, authors, films, music, etc.)? Name a few!

My real life inspiration comes from all around me.  I might hear something at work or get caught up in a discussion and start thinking, “Man, I could use this!”  Places I’ve been in my life also help me when it comes to setting the scenes of my books.  As far as others who have influenced my writings, I’d say David Gemmell is my favourite author, though I’d give Robert Jordan a tip of the cap as well. 

7. What is your writing routine? If you have one, give us the run-down!

As a teacher I generally have to write late at night.  I do try and write 5 days a week, but real life comes up and you have to go from there.  I do get more done in the summer as I have those months more to myself.  Many times I’ll hike in the mountains and think about what I want to write later and go from there.

8. If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice as you started out on the path to becoming an author, what would it be?

Stay focused and try and write every day.  Fantasy football can wait!

9. Last but not least: where can we find you? Drop those links!

Michael K. Falciani | FacebookMichael K Falciani – Three Ravens Publishing