I’m excited to post my review of The Thorn, the debut novel of author Daron D. Fraley. But before I do, I thought it would be fun to share an interview I recently had with Daron.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
The realization hit me in high school, my creative writing class, I think in the 10th grade. Might be 11th grade. My 25th reunion is this summer, so I will use that as my excuse for why I can’t remember the year.
Your first book, “The Thorn,” was released last month. Tell us a little about it?
Old Testament on another planet…
I love that tagline. 
Yeah – that is a good one. I’m familiar with the belief that Christ’s atonement is not only for this world, but people living on other worlds as well. How did you decide to use that as the basis for your novel?
The basic idea for the story came from this quote by Neil A. Maxwell: “How many planets are there in the universe with people on them? We don’t know, but we are not alone in the universe! God is not the God of only one planet! I testify that Jesus is truly the Lord of the universe, ‘that by [Christ], and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God’ D&C 76:24″ — Neal A. Maxwell His testimony made me wonder about what it might be like on another creation. Since I have no spaceship… imagination will have to do for now.
Imagination is a wonderful thing. I’m imagining a slice of chocolate coconut cream pie. Mmmm. Oops, sorry. Ahem.
I also found it interesting that you chose to populate the planet Gan with plants and animals identical to those found on Earth. Why did you decide to go that route, rather than use the alien flora and fauna typically found in SFF?
Excellent question! The answer to this question is given in book two, “Heaven’s Garden”. I can tell you that the choice to make the plants and animals exactly the same was absolutely intentional. I am sorry I can’t elaborate more at the moment.
I figured it had to be intentional, and now I’m even more curious to know the story.
Back in March, you were part of a large and, from the looks of it, successful book launch party hosted by your publisher, Valor. Tell us a little about what went into that.
My job was pretty easy. Spread the word by Facebook, Twitter, email. Show up. Smile. Bring a pen (I did help carry in books and setup tables). But Valor Publishing did a fantastic job in arranging for the location, the entertainment (Shaun Borrowes), and everything else behind the scenes. I don’t have permission to give names, but just let it be said that published authors who know what Valor is doing in the regional and national markets are stunned by what they are accomplishing. I look forward to the day when Valor is a household name like Random House, Penguin, Tor, etc.
Valor is a new player in the publishing game, having just released their first book less than a year ago. What has it been like working with them?
So far: Awesome. I wish I could elaborate on this one too, but Valor has been great in taking ideas from all sides (authors, publishers, editors, publicist folks), and turning those ideas into huge contracts which will help to get the Valor name out there. As they make formal announcements about some of these partnerships, I hope to see them carry all of the Valor authors into the national spotlight. Fingers crossed!
In addition to your Launch Party and Blog Tour, what marketing plans do you have for “The Thorn?”
I am currently in the middle of a month long Virtual Book Tour on book reviewer blogs. There will soon be a load of book signings (I can kiss my Saturdays goodbye), and there are media / promotional things happening behind the scenes at Valor right now. I would encourage writers, currently published authors, and readers to all watch the Valor website for news about the big things coming down the pike. Of course anything directly related to “The Thorn” will be advertised and promoted on my own website, http://www.daronfraley.com
Was this your first story, or do you have manuscripts hidden under the bed that you will never let see the light of day?
I have two manuscripts underway, but “The Thorn” is my first. I am currently about 25,000 words into the sequel, “Heaven’s Garden”, and have another work at about the same word count which I hope to finish by year end. Just because my first manuscript is now in print, doesn’t mean I consider myself to be extraordinarily gifted as a writer… Rather, I was just lucky. I was in the right place, at the right time.
What should readers expect to see from you in the future, both near and long-term?
Well, as I said before, the sequel will come out next spring, if I can hit my deadline for completion. My fabulous editor, Darth Editus, will teach me the pain associated with the dark side if I don’t. There will be a third book in the series, “The Chronicles of Gan”. I also hope to get my other manuscript ready. It is also speculative fiction, but in a modern day setting.
It sounds like you will be busy. But that’s a good thing, right?
What advice would you give to other writers and would-be authors?
Never give up! Write what you love. Be who you are. And most importantly: NETWORK. I would not be a published author today had I not gotten to know authors and publishers and agents who had blogs. I read their posts. I learned. I got to know them. I went to the LDStorymakers conference. My success as a first time author, with my FIRST manuscript being picked up by a super cool publisher, happened because I networked with people.
I absolutely agree. I have often said that the best part of being a writer is the cool people it allows me to meet – present company included.
Thanks for including me on your blog tour, and taking the time to answer these questions. Hopefully I’ve given you enough time to answer them!
Don, Thank you so much for hosting this interview on your blog, and for taking the time to read “The Thorn”. I look forward to your review!
