Featured Interview With Peter Last
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in the state of Wisconsin though at the age of 6 my family moved to Alabama. I was 1 of 10 children (I Am Number 6) who were all home schooled K-12. I am currently going to college for a degree in Civil Engineering and am a huge fantasy and sci-fi nut.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I loved books since before I can remember. Being in a large, home schooled family the stereotype would say that we didn’t watch TV, and it would be correct. Reading was (and still is) my favorite form of entertainment. As I grew up reading, I guess I became a bit of a critic because I would always re-write the stories in my head to what was a “better” ending than the one written down. That was the first indication that I would be a writer. I started writing at age 11.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Frank E Peretti, and countless others who I’ve read over the years. I love books and love reading. The big problem, of course, is that a good author only comes along every once in a blue moon. I hope that I’m that kind of author (fingers crossed!)
As you could probably tell from my favorite authors, my favorite genre is fantasy/sci-fi. I just can’t get enough of these books as long as they’re well written; however, there’s nothing worse than a bad fantasy or sci-fi. Part of that is because there’s really no excuse to be boring with the subject matter you have to work with!
I pull inspiration for my writing from a lot of sources including my family and friends, authors I’ve read, and movies I’ve seen. The funny thing about what I read inspiring me is that I learn at least as much about what I don’t want to right like as what I want to emulate. It doesn’t matter how bad the book, you can always learn something.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest (first) book is called “Guardians of Magessa” and is the first in the “Birthright Chronicles.” The book is set in the mythical land of Magessa and follows some young military cadets who find themselves in the unlikely and unfortunate situation of being the last line of defense against the mortal enemy of the country. Basically the story is meant to introduce the characters and the story of the rest of the series but does it in an action-packed and interesting way.
At its core, the book is about realistic characters portrayed in a fantasy setting. You can really relate to them as they battle against the enemy army while struggling with self doubt and other physical and mental issues. What makes them really easy to relate to though is that not all of their problems are of the epic variety. Sometimes they just don’t like other people who they have to work and train with. Because even people in epic situations have normal problems!
There are several memorable characters in the story including an incredibly patriotic soldier, an orphan struggling with the loss of her father, a few magicians with checkered pasts, and a host of other people, all of whom must band together to defend the country. I won’t say too much about them or it would spoil a lot of the book. Suffice it to say that there is a character here for just about everyone.
As to writing the book, it took me something like 11 years in total. I started my first draft at age 11 and am currently 22 at the time of publication. It’s been a long, hard, tiring road with a lot of re-writes and editing, and cover art decisions, and map making pow-ows and so many other things you would think of. Thankfully it’s finally done and I can introduce the world to my world, the land of Magessa.
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