Author Rick Taylor is taking his latest book, Ballad of the Blacksmith’s Son on tour – a Virtual Book Tour, that is, with Outskirts Press! Technology has created a wide variety of ways to reach audiences all over the world. All it takes is a little thinking outside the box, and nowadays you can market a self-published book in a variety of affordable and impactful ways. Virtual book tours, for example, are a great way to connect with readers from all corners of the globe, all from the comfort of your own home. Join Rick Taylor and Ballad of the Blacksmith’s Son as they appear in features and interviews (such as the one below) in the weeks and months ahead!
Luckily for us, Rick Taylor was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of Ballad of the Blacksmith’s Son.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Ballad of the Blacksmith’s Son. What is it about?
Rick Taylor: It is about Viking/Slav/Finn teens coming of age as fledging Russia faces Turk invasion. They crash head long into girls, Christianity, Russian winter, and unnatural wolf pack trying to prevent them from reaching their king.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
Rick Taylor: It is based on an idea I had while training soldiers and teaching high school. It matured from a short story to a book.
OP: How did you get your book published?
Rick Taylor: I got impatient with the agent/publisher-hunting rituals, especially after Covid-19 hit. I self-published through Outskirts Press.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
Rick Taylor: It has a touch of historical fiction and a dose of Christianity, but primarily it is an adventure. I am finding both teens and adults enjoy it and want to see the sequel.
OP: What is special about your book?
Rick Taylor: Everyone knows that the Vikings went West, but few are writing about what they did in the East. It has Viking heritage expressing itself in Russia. It reflects ideas from several Christian and secular authors. It draws off what I learned about teens during my 14 years as a teacher.
OP: What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
Rick Taylor: This is a coming-of-age adventure first, with faith as part of the challenge. Though some will classify this as a “Christian” book, there are no pat “faith” answers. Heroes fail, people die, questions remain unanswered. God’s plan may not save the day the way they want. I am trying to fill a gap between secular adventure books like the Cornwall Saxon Series and the ethereal imagery of a Ted Dekker story.
OP: Have you published any other books?
Rick Taylor: I have not.
OP: Do you plan to publish more?
Rick Taylor: Yes, the sequel is halfway done. (Lament of the Blacksmith’s Son) There is also a short story anthology in the works.
OP: Thanks for your time, Rick Taylor! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rick Taylor is a retired soldier and high school teacher. He has written for regional and national magazines and penned a column for the local newspaper. He and his wife, Patricia, live near the Puget Sound, where they cruise and race their sailboat.
For more information or to contact the author, visit https://www.outskirtspress.com/balladoftheblacksmithsson
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road.” Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
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