Interview With Kevin Rau

Kevin Rau

cover to Metamorphisis, H.E.R.O. Book 1

I recently conducted an interview with Superhero writer xtraordinaire: Kevin Rau!  The following is the result of that interview. If you like Superheroes, comic books and graphic novels, you may want to check this guy out...

When did you start writing?
January 2009. After a month of reading through something like 30 novels, I realized that I was tired of one-off novels and trilogies, and wanted an ongoing series with the same group of characters, so I could really get into their heads, learn the world, and experience things with them. Even the longer-running series (such as the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton) take so long for a new book to come out that I realized I needed to craft my own stories. And thus H.E.R.O. was forged.
Why do you write?
I need to create. It's not a desire for me, it's a core part of my personality. I've generally applied that toward software and web development over the last 20+ years, but have shifted all gears to writing in my off time.
What would be your choice for a superpower? Super invention. E.g. the ability to craft nearly anything. It's a cheat power, in some respects, because you can simulate other abilities, weapons, travel options, etc. with it.
Who is your favorite author?
I have few favorites of anything at all, not in movies, genre, books, television, etc. Having said that, I've read more Laurell K. Hamilton novels than just about any other author, so I'll give her props.
What are you reading now? I spend more time reading and re-reading my own novels than anything else lately. I just finished the Shades of Grey trilogy (one of the ladies at work was reading the first one, and I thought I'd find out what she was jabbering about).
Who is your favorite character to write? I'll go with Diva. She's a beautiful "brick" type super with great strength, armored skin/muscles, and flight. However, she is insecure, hates her new muscled state, and has a form of histrionic personality disorder. On the other hand, she's friendly, outgoing, and will react fast to any danger to others, even if she gets hurt.
Do you have a writing process? Before beginning a novel, I write down the core plotlines. From there I make a list of many sub-plots that must occur due to the current time in the H.E.R.O. series, and then write out a rough outline of the first 6-12 chapters. Just a few sentences about each. From there, I get into the writing.
What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Do it, if nothing else than to try. Be aware that writing takes work, it's not like reading. For those desiring standard publishing, be prepared to send out dozens (and more likely hundreds) of queries to agents, and for a rejection from all of them. It can be crushing. For the indies, be aware that you are taking on the role of author, editor (but please hire an outside one as well), promoter, marketer, and possibly the cover designer. It will take up a LOT of time if you want to be successful. You can choose to spend time with your family, or friends, or watch TV ... or to be a successful writer. In many cases, you cannot do most/all of them.
What inspired you to pursue writing? The driving desire to see what happens with my characters. To watch my fictional world grow and take on a life of its own. Soon, to do that with a second world.
Tell us about your books To this point, I've focused on my H.E.R.O. series. It currently has 10 books in it (7 novels, 2 short stories, and 1 illustrated guide), with an 8th novel coming in about a month. Each book in the series is a standalone story, but work like a television series, where some plotlines continue through the books, as do the characters. New characters are introduced at times, and readers get to see from each of the main character's points of view what occurs. In a nutshell, the series are about the superheroes of Metrocity, their interpersonal relationships, problems in the city, and how they work together (or not at times). My next series will work in a similar fashion, but in a fantasy world, and I'll alternate books in each series.

Kevin Rau
http://www.kevinrau.comhttp://www.facebook.com/herobookshttp://www.twitter.com/kevin_rau

This is Kevin's entire Bibliography in case anyone wants to go on over and check them out!

H.E.R.O. – Metamorphosis (1) http://www.amzn.com/B005GM3PV8

H.E.R.O. - New Markets (2) http://www.amzn.com/B005NBLWW6

H.E.R.O. - Rise and Fall (3) http://www.amzn.com/B005QNS4ZY

H.E.R.O. - Dark Research (4) http://www.amzn.com/B006KWAA3O

H.E.R.O. - Horde (5) http://www.amzn.com/B0070UQ5G6

H.E.R.O. - Paragon (6) http://www.amzn.com/B007IGZ7FC

H.E.R.O. - Illustrated Guide http://www.amzn.com/B007TKVQWA

H.E.R.O. Shorts – Gatecrasher (7) http://www.amzn.com/B007WKKA8I

H.E.R.O. Shorts – Silverlash (8) http://www.amzn.com/B0082XHPIC

H.E.R.O. - Gene Front (9) http://www.amzn.com/B008J0Z1Y8


Thanks to Kevin for stopping by to share with us and I hope to have him here again in the near future. Best of luck to you, my friend!