Warwick Gleeson’s new fantasy novel takes one of America’s favorite tales and transforms it into a dark and epic landscape. Imagine Potter meets Avengers in Emerald city and you’re getting close. We caught up with the author to ask him a number of questions about his new novel.
Apart from Piper Robbin and the American Oz Maker what else is on the horizon?
Well, pretty much a Piper series, beginning with a prequel that will be launched in early June entitled, World Maker – The Rise of Romanova. The third book in the series will be Thunder Children of Oz.
You’re a bestselling author, and I am sure you have a lot of fans. What was the most interesting feedback or question you have received from a reader?
Good question. Let’s see… pretty much a variation on the same question, from tactful to snarky: where in hell did that come from? My answer: it’s all been building for a long, long time.
Downtime is necessary for many writers and artists to get their creative mojo going. What do you do when it’s time for you to relax and unwind?
Apart from the usual outdoorsy things like pontooning on the lake come dusk with a bottle of fine red, my wife and I love to just let go and watch the kind of TV programming that is unique and surprising-our favs being Bob’s Burgers, The Tick, Orville, Gotham, Umbrella Academy, and just about anything on Britbox, and that includes Doctor Who reruns.
Piper Robbin and the American Oz Maker, what does this book mean to you as a novelist personally?
Everything. It is the culmination of many years of stylistic struggle and experimentation, but more importantly, it serves as a vehicle to express thematic elements and arcs I find important-the secret in the sauce, if you will. You just can’t layer it too thick or spread it too thin.
If you can pick one word that best describes Piper Robbin and the American Oz Maker what would it be and why?
One word? Tough one. I suppose, AUDACITY. I intended the work to bravely and stubbornly intrude on the reader’s emotions and thought process, to be an awesome irritant in their minds, and dare to be even more. If sleep is lost, that is like a standing ovation.
Piper Robbin and the American Oz Maker is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KfF1re