Interview with James Coyle, Author of The Adventures of Mad Gad the Bard

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Adventures of Mad Gad the Bard?

I’ve always been a storyteller, especially funny ones. But later in life, I started writing as a means of therapy and I sat down one day and began writing about Mad Gad, this fun, confident, almost-coward, part-time criminal. And I was off. It was Mad Gad and his best buddy Shanks and they were getting into trouble.

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

I enjoy reading urban fantasy, fantasy, and science fiction, so kind of? I think mine is adventure fantasy? I’m learning more about these subgenres – mine might be flintlock fantasy? Though not very strictly.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

OH! Jim Butcher’s Olympian Affair and Warriorborn! Also James Butcher’s Long Past Dues.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There’s a line in this book. It was 2 or 3 in the morning. I’m up and typing away and it pops into my head and I chuckle. I type it out and I laugh again. I read it like how I imagine Gad is saying it and I laugh hard. And believe me, first, it is dumb. But in the middle of the book the group is running and Gad is doing his ‘I can’t really fight so I’ll scream insults and distract’ thing. And he’s sliding towards the back of an enemy and all he shouts is “IS THAT A FANNY? OH NO THAT’S A CRANNY!” And I lost it. I lose it. I chuckled right now.

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

Hmm, I don’t think so. Maybe the quirkiest thing is that I’ll write in the middle of the night?

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

I do actually – “Never underestimate the power of a good wink”… think about it.

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

That there’s always room for good. You’re never out of options to do good things, just easier ones. Gadriel isn’t a fighter, he’s in fights throughout this whole book. He doesn’t even have a weapon- but he tries to help anyway, even if he’s kind of a thief.

James Coyle is the author of the new book The Adventures of Mad Gad the Bard

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