In Conversation With: B.L. Escobar
Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author B.L. Escobar. Thanks for dropping by. Can I offer you anything to drink?
Usually I’d say a flat white, but my first book is out so let’s pop the bubbly!
According to your last newsletter, you spent some time in Argentina. Any highlights to share?
Oh boy, where to start. The food, the views, the people… They were all fantastic. We spent a week
driving around Lago Nahuel Huapi, a ginormous lake surrounded by mountains. I saw so many different landscapes under so many weathers that I got inspired to write an epic fantasy inspired by that place. I still wonder how Bariloche is not much more touristy than it is.
Your bio says you are a software engineer, play Dungeons and Dragons, and write science fiction. So, basically, are you a nerd?
Yup! Through and through. I was raised on a steady diet of David Eddings books, The Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars, and to this day we still rewatch one of the two franchises every Christmas. Needless to say, I’m delighted that nerdy stuff has permeated into the mainstream over the last couple of decades.
Which of these came first?
That is a tough question! I wanted to play D&D for a long time, but I grew up in a small town where nobody else was interested, so I’d have to say programming. I started when I was 14, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving it. Repetitive, mindless tasks drive me nuts, so it’s extremely satisfying to sit down and slay them with a few lines of code. Eventually, I got good enough that it became my day job!
What got you interested in science fiction?
For me, science fiction has the most potential to go crazy with worldbuilding and invent a world that explores a particular idea. I love fantasy, but being able to play with the balance between technology and magic is the most freeing for me. You can go from exploring contact with other species and xenophobia with a Space Opera to very near, really scary issues with Cyberpunk. Science Fiction is a setting (like “Historical” in “Historical Romance”), so there’s space for every kind of story in any kind of world.
What authors influenced you?
I started writing because I finished the Eisenhorn books by Dan Abnett and said “Oh. That was very good. I want more, but there isn’t, so I’ll have to make my own.” Other than that, I love Terry Pratchett’s voice and style, how his books feel like a conversation in the pub, so I try to include some of that in my prose.
Do you have a favorite book?
I’m all over the place, really. I used to read the entire Belgariad and Malloreon by David Eddings every summer from the ages 11 to 16, but nowadays I think either Hereticus by Dan Abnett for the best character arc in the 40k universe or A Brave New World by Huxley.
Did you plan on writing a series?
Not initially, but the ideas for the first book grew too much to be a single one, so I just had to spread it out. Now the second one is finished and being edited, and I’m working on the third one.
Your cover art is quite spectacular. Who does it?
I’m hesitant to say because I want him to keep doing the covers, but it’s Mark Graham (https://markgrahamartist.com). My book is similar in tone to a lot of Warhammer stuff, and he has a very good eye for that, plus amazing skills to turn my puny sketches into… well stuff like the cover of Belcroft!
Any favorite bands or musical artists?
Anything Nightcore for work, videogame soundtracks for writing.
Are you ready for the lightning round?
Nope!
Too bad.
Ever send a meal back at a restaurant?
No, I’m far too shy for that.
Last binged TV show?
Season 2 of the Bridgertons (yup. I said it) and “Anatomy of a Scandal”, both on Netflix.
Not counting flying, what’s the highest altitude you have been?
I broke my record on this trip to Argentina! 2100m, the top of Cerro Catedral.
Favorite city?
Either Madrid or York.
Coffee or tea?
Both, but coffee.
Scariest animal you have encountered?
My cat Ember after eating something he shouldn’t.
This has been a pleasure. Thanks for chatting. Any links you want to share?
Thank you for having me!
If you want to keep up to date with everything else in my writing, bookmark https://blescobar.com, or follow my facebook page: https://blescobar.com/facebook.
Lastly, here’s a picture of my cats: https://blescobar.com/thanks/
You can always read all the previous interviews here:
Leon Stevens Interviews Himself and Others
The story behind Free Book Friday:
I’ve met many authors and readers during my time marketing, cross-promoting, and blogging. I think writers have a responsibility to inform readers about all the indie authors out there in the very crowded world of book publishing. You can’t do it alone, and why would you when you have a supportive group available?
Readers don’t just read one author – they stick with their favorite genres. There lies the power in cross-promotion. If one of my readers buys a book from an author I promote, then chances are there will be a reciprocal effect, or so is the hope. Do I want to boost sales? Of course I do. Do I want to boost other’s sales? Why not. It’s called karma.
Featured Author: Elysia Lumen Strife
Kindle Unlimited: Review these books!
See all current promos here: Discover New Authors and Free Books
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.
Sign up for my weekly newsletter and receive a free book!
Lines by Leon 
One thought on “Free Book Friday, May 27: In Conversation With B.L. Escobar”