Interview with Cameron C. Porter, Author of The Trail of Swords

by grant

in Author Interviews, eBook, Fantasy & Science Fiction, News

02 Mar 2022

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Trail of Swords: Book One of the Kimorae Rift Trilogy?

As both a father and a son I’ve enjoyed close family relationships. I know what strength I’ve derived from being on both ends of those. I wanted to tell a story that explored the strength and power of a healthy relationship between a father and a son, but that also took place in a world where that strength and power could be brought to bear in more interesting ways. I’ve been a lover of the fantasy genre my entire life and I wanted the magic, creatures, and other fantasy aspects to be a part of the picture.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Trail of Swords: Book One of the Kimorae Rift Trilogy, what would they be?

I write to classical music and soundtracks, both movie and video game. For Timot, his theme song would be the track “The Streets of Whiterun” from the Skyrim soundtrack. For Ezren, it would be “We Are Legends” from the Humanity – Chapter II album by Thomas Bergersen.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Fantasy, epic fantasy, especially. I also enjoy non-fiction about various topics.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Right now I’m working through re-reading the Wheel of Time series. I’m really interested in what Steven Heumann is doing, though, and have “Paper Heroes” on my shortlist.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I probably had the most fun writing the Battle of the Berg, and I think it shows in the level of detail provided in that event compared to everything else that happens in the book.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I always write while listening to instrumental music, usually movie or videogame soundtracks, but also celtic instrumental and classical music. I also often write with a hoodie on and the hood up with noise-cancelling earbuds because I get distracted easily. A grumpy-faced Link plushie guards my desk from anyone who might dare try to interrupt me while writing.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Work as though you will never get anything you don’t bleed for, pray as though you will never get anything God isn’t willing to give.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

We are all born in different circumstances, and face different challenges. Some of us grew up so poor that we had to work to keep our family afloat, and some of us grew up in such wealth that we have never felt needed, important, or valuable. Regardless of how we grew up, the strength to take the steps to fulfill our potential can only come from our support system of family and friends, but every person eventually needs to choose to take those steps on their own.