Interview with Hammer Trollkin, Author of Battle for Earth: Journal One

What can you tell us about your new release, Battle for Earth: Journal One?

The book is an exciting mix of Science Fiction and Fantasy with plenty of twists and turns along the way. I tried very hard to add some new concepts and storytelling techniques to make the book just a little unique.

This first book in the series has a young adult feel, though the storyline in general should be compelling to a broad age range. The principal narrator and the main characters are teenagers at the time of the alien invasion. As the series progresses and the characters age, the young adult feel will shift a bit.

I made sure to incorporate plenty of action as the Shockwave world-building develops. Come, explore the worlds of Hammer Trollkin. 🙂

What or who inspired you to become an author?

The inspiration comes from my grandchildren and many years observing the general state of planet Earth.

As a child, it was easy to daydream, to become immersed in make-believe worlds of my own construct. Perceptive grownups no-doubt thought, that child has an overactive imagination. Alas, the dreams all faded away as the realities of life settled in. I’m sure something like that happens to most people. Responsibilities. But, no kidding, my grandchildren reignited the spark. All those imaginary worlds rattling around in my head had to find a way out. What better way than to become an author? There are so many worlds to explore, and what fun, my readers can come along if they want.

Then, there’s the state of the world around us. The world can be a wonderful place. It can also be lousy. We all face our share of heartache and trouble. It’s nice to catch glimpses of hope in the midst of hardships.

Somewhere along the line I felt a nudge to write a book series that would shine a little light at the darkness. We all want good to triumph over evil, right? Throughout the book series there is plenty of conflict, at every level. Just like in the real world. Conflict usually does have a way of resolution. And moving along through such an experience, even in a book, can bring actual encouragement. It can bring hope. I hope.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

That’s a hard question. Only five? I’ll focus on works of fiction. The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. The Stormlight Archives by Brandon Sanderson has been good so far. Let’s include Ender’s Game; 1984; The Puppet Masters. Ughhh, it really is a hard question.

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask

I’m probably not allowed to use a time machine? Then, let’s talk to Brandon Sanderson. I’d ask about his technique for world building.

Do you formulate your worlds ahead of time, in intricate detail?  Or, do the worlds form even as you are writing about them?

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Writing, for me, is fun, and it’s liberating. I suppose it’s cathartic. I can sit at the keyboard, and, just write. Most often a book scene will flow without the need for any sort of concentration. It just happens. I’m set free. That doesn’t necessarily mean what pours out from the keyboard is good writing. I hope it is, most of the time.

What is a typical day like for you?

These days, writing is my business as well as my hobby. I get up fairly early; have breakfast while going through emails and such. Then I write throughout the day. I do take breaks in order to stretch and take in some exercise. Our dog is kind enough to take my wife and I on a good long walk most days. I’ll usually have opportunity to write into the late afternoon. By that time my imagination supply is exhausted and it’s time for some chores; a bit of gardening perhaps. There are opportunities for some civic minded work too, such as being involved in our local youth center. It’s good to stay a little busy. I think I might have a type-A personality.

What scene from Battle for Earth: Journal One was your favorite to write?

The alien invaders have finally figured out there is one special operations team that is threatening their entire invasion plan. Shockwave. The High Queen of the Invasion orders a commando raid to take out the team. I had opportunity in the scene to focus on one team member in a desperate fight to save one of his friends. There is despair as the rest of the team returns to find their base of operations destroyed with no chance of anyone surviving. Not even Para could have survived that! Are they actually dead and gone? The scene also provides a focal point from which we learn that not all of the invaders are evil monsters. Some had actually tried to help us.

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

Yes, though it may be a little more try-to-live-by than always-live-by.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

The Golden Rule. It’s remarkable in that it is so action oriented. Do to others. The philosophy of Jesus is like that. Action oriented love. Love one another…

Hammer Trollkin is the author of the new book Battle for Earth: Journal One.

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