MEET THE AUTHOR
FEATURED AUTHOR: ASSAPH MEHR
Hello and welcome to Silver Beans Café. My name is Royal, and I am one of the interviewers here at SBC. Today I am happy to be sitting down with HISTORICAL FANTASY MYSTERIES author ASSAPH MEHR!
Thank you, ASSAPH MEHR, for being here today. Let’s just jump right into the interview. Let's start out by GETTING TO KNOW YOU. What GENRES DO YOU WRITE?
I write historical-fantasy mysteries – because mashing isn’t just for potatoes 😉
Seriously, I write the stories I want to read. I grew up on classic Sci-Fi and Fantasy, and still read a lot. I love detectives and mysteries, and have always been fascinated by ancient Rome (since I first read Asterix at a tender age).
Since I’ve been reading a lot of Roman-era detectives (with works by the likes of Lindsey Davis, Steven Saylor, and Ruth Downie), as well as modern paranormal detective (a la Harry Dresden), when it came time to write I combined the two.
I now write Stories of Togas, Daggers, and Magic – a paranormal detective in a world loosely based on ancient Rome.
Seriously, I write the stories I want to read. I grew up on classic Sci-Fi and Fantasy, and still read a lot. I love detectives and mysteries, and have always been fascinated by ancient Rome (since I first read Asterix at a tender age).
Since I’ve been reading a lot of Roman-era detectives (with works by the likes of Lindsey Davis, Steven Saylor, and Ruth Downie), as well as modern paranormal detective (a la Harry Dresden), when it came time to write I combined the two.
I now write Stories of Togas, Daggers, and Magic – a paranormal detective in a world loosely based on ancient Rome.
What are the TITLES OF YOUR BOOKS?
Murder In Absentia is my debut novel, and details Felix’s first major case. In it he is helping a senator whose son was found dead in what looked like a cult murder.
In Numina (my second title) was just released. In Felix’s second major case, he deals with haunted apartment blocks (because size matters). We’re exposed to curses and old gods in a ghost story that spills into a legal battle.
I’ve also written a few short stories with the same protagonist – his smaller cases, as it were. They’re all freely available on my website.
Assaph, can you please share outside of writing WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER INTERESTS?
Family life and a day job keep me busy, but when I have the time I practice martial arts (have been for the past 30 years), and do the occasional amateur photography. Every so often my wife tries to get me into drawing, but I think by now I’ve conclusively proven that between cooking and writing I have one-and-a-half creative talents. It’s enough for me.
Murder In Absentia is my debut novel, and details Felix’s first major case. In it he is helping a senator whose son was found dead in what looked like a cult murder.
In Numina (my second title) was just released. In Felix’s second major case, he deals with haunted apartment blocks (because size matters). We’re exposed to curses and old gods in a ghost story that spills into a legal battle.
I’ve also written a few short stories with the same protagonist – his smaller cases, as it were. They’re all freely available on my website.
Assaph, can you please share outside of writing WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER INTERESTS?
Family life and a day job keep me busy, but when I have the time I practice martial arts (have been for the past 30 years), and do the occasional amateur photography. Every so often my wife tries to get me into drawing, but I think by now I’ve conclusively proven that between cooking and writing I have one-and-a-half creative talents. It’s enough for me.
Let’s switch gears for a minute and talk more ABOUT THE BOOKS.
Are there any TRACES OF YOUR PERSONALITY IN YOUR MAIN CHARACTER?
Naturally. I write in first-person POV, and sometimes it feels almost as if Felix is telling me his memoirs. I’d say he’s a bigger and better version of me – at least when it comes to magical practice; I’d like to think my morals are sounder.
We are really curious, WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM for your books?
Pretty much everywhere. I read a lot, in a variety of genres, and my mind is always busy. I have snatches and random images out of scenes floating behind my eyes. It’s just an exercise in expanding them and writing down, to make a coherent story.
That is awesome! (Royal)
What is ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT WRITING?
I’d like to think that I combine the best of historical fiction and fantasy. I do a lot of research into ancient Rome (from food and drink to naval tactics), and then give it the twist of magic.
One of my favourite quotes from a fan is that my writing was like “Harry Dresden in a Toga.” My favourite complement though, was from one of my beta readers – she wouldn’t start reading until she knew she had the time, because my books send her into a ‘book hangover’ – she can’t seem to get back to the real world for days afterwards.
That’s exciting because as a reader that is the kind of world you look to fall into! Whew! (Royal)
What is the BEST PIECE OF ADVICE that you can give TO ASPIRING AUTHORS?
As a writer, the best piece of advice is this:
If you want to write a book, write.
If you want to write a good book, read.
Nothing else gets words on the page. You need to write as often as you can, and keep at it until done. And if you want to make a good job of it, read voraciously in a variety of genres. Learn what works, and how you can subvert it to your unique style. Then write some more.
Incredible advice, that is so helpful! (Royal)
What is one thing that YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR READERS?
Thank you for reading my novels! No, really, thank YOU. I write what I want to read, but to know that others enjoy it too is humbling.
Naturally. I write in first-person POV, and sometimes it feels almost as if Felix is telling me his memoirs. I’d say he’s a bigger and better version of me – at least when it comes to magical practice; I’d like to think my morals are sounder.
We are really curious, WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM for your books?
Pretty much everywhere. I read a lot, in a variety of genres, and my mind is always busy. I have snatches and random images out of scenes floating behind my eyes. It’s just an exercise in expanding them and writing down, to make a coherent story.
That is awesome! (Royal)
What is ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT WRITING?
I’d like to think that I combine the best of historical fiction and fantasy. I do a lot of research into ancient Rome (from food and drink to naval tactics), and then give it the twist of magic.
One of my favourite quotes from a fan is that my writing was like “Harry Dresden in a Toga.” My favourite complement though, was from one of my beta readers – she wouldn’t start reading until she knew she had the time, because my books send her into a ‘book hangover’ – she can’t seem to get back to the real world for days afterwards.
That’s exciting because as a reader that is the kind of world you look to fall into! Whew! (Royal)
What is the BEST PIECE OF ADVICE that you can give TO ASPIRING AUTHORS?
As a writer, the best piece of advice is this:
If you want to write a book, write.
If you want to write a good book, read.
Nothing else gets words on the page. You need to write as often as you can, and keep at it until done. And if you want to make a good job of it, read voraciously in a variety of genres. Learn what works, and how you can subvert it to your unique style. Then write some more.
Incredible advice, that is so helpful! (Royal)
What is one thing that YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR READERS?
Thank you for reading my novels! No, really, thank YOU. I write what I want to read, but to know that others enjoy it too is humbling.
So D.E. let’s switch things up and find out WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU!
What is the NAME OF YOUR UPCOMING RELEASE?
I’ve just released In Numina. I’m already halfway through a short novella in the same series (titled Aquae et Ignis), which will be made freely available to subscribers of my mailing list.
After that comes In Victrix – a story of gladiators and female mysteries.
What should people EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE?
More books, more shenanigans. I have plenty of ideas for more historical-fantasy mysteries with Felix, as well as ideas for other worlds and settings. In between I blog about my Three-R’s (Reading, Writing, and Romans) and do occasional fun stuff like try to recruit Samuel L Jackson to play Cicero in the Hollywood version of the Catiline Conspiracy (Cicero could employ some really foul language when in the right mood…)
Haha! That’s great! Looking forward to all of that! (Royal)
What are you MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
Ice cream! And brownies! Err… You probably mean books. I’m excited about every book I pick up. I know what I like, so I end up reading a lot of good books. I get excited every time I open a new book, mine or otherwise.
(Giggles) That’s great! (Royal)
I’ve just released In Numina. I’m already halfway through a short novella in the same series (titled Aquae et Ignis), which will be made freely available to subscribers of my mailing list.
After that comes In Victrix – a story of gladiators and female mysteries.
What should people EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE?
More books, more shenanigans. I have plenty of ideas for more historical-fantasy mysteries with Felix, as well as ideas for other worlds and settings. In between I blog about my Three-R’s (Reading, Writing, and Romans) and do occasional fun stuff like try to recruit Samuel L Jackson to play Cicero in the Hollywood version of the Catiline Conspiracy (Cicero could employ some really foul language when in the right mood…)
Haha! That’s great! Looking forward to all of that! (Royal)
What are you MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
Ice cream! And brownies! Err… You probably mean books. I’m excited about every book I pick up. I know what I like, so I end up reading a lot of good books. I get excited every time I open a new book, mine or otherwise.
(Giggles) That’s great! (Royal)
AND LASTLY, HOW CAN WE:
CONTACT YOU
WEBSITE
AUTHOR BLOG
NEWSLETTER (Mailing list for free novella)
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
GOODREADS
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM
GOOGLE PLUS
PINTEREST
WEBSITE
AUTHOR BLOG
NEWSLETTER (Mailing list for free novella)
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
GOODREADS
GOOGLE PLUS
KEEP UP TO DATE ON NEW RELEASES
If you want to join my mailing list and get the free novella, do so HERE.
If you want to join my mailing list and get the free novella, do so HERE.
Today we have a treat for all of you. We asked Assaph if he would share a blurb or two. Here's a peek at his novels:
READ YOUR COPY OF IN NUMINA
A rich landlord finds tenants are abandoning his apartment buildings, spouting tales of horrific events and whispering that the old gods - the numina - came alive and cursed the buildings.
Enter Felix, a professional fox. Dressed in a toga and armed with a dagger, Felix is neither a traditional detective nor a traditional magician - but something in between. Whenever there is a foul business of bad magic, Felix is hired to sniff out the truth. Now he must separate fact from superstition - a hard task in a world where the old gods still roam the earth.
In Numina is set in a fantasy world. The city of Egretia borrows elements from a thousand years of ancient Roman culture, from the founding of Rome to the late empire, mixed with a judicious amount of magic. This is a story of a cynical, hardboiled detective dealing with anything from daily life to the old forces roaming the world.
READ YOUR COPY OF IN NUMINA
A rich landlord finds tenants are abandoning his apartment buildings, spouting tales of horrific events and whispering that the old gods - the numina - came alive and cursed the buildings.
Enter Felix, a professional fox. Dressed in a toga and armed with a dagger, Felix is neither a traditional detective nor a traditional magician - but something in between. Whenever there is a foul business of bad magic, Felix is hired to sniff out the truth. Now he must separate fact from superstition - a hard task in a world where the old gods still roam the earth.
In Numina is set in a fantasy world. The city of Egretia borrows elements from a thousand years of ancient Roman culture, from the founding of Rome to the late empire, mixed with a judicious amount of magic. This is a story of a cynical, hardboiled detective dealing with anything from daily life to the old forces roaming the world.
BOOK NOTES: This is the second story of Togas, daggers, and Magic – for lovers of Ancient Rome, Hardboiled detectives, and Urban Fantasy.
READ YOUR COPY OF MURDER IN ABSENTIA
A young man is found dead in his bed, with a look of extreme agony on his face and strange tattoos all over his body. His distraught senator father suspects foul play, and knows who to call on.
Enter Felix the Fox, a professional investigator. In the business of ferreting out dark information for his clients, Felix is neither a traditional detective nor a traditional magician - but something in between. Drawing on his experience of dealing with the shady elements of society and his aborted education in the magical arts, Felix dons his toga and sets out to discover the young man's killers.
Murder in absentia is set in a fantasy world. The city of Egretia borrows elements from a thousand years of ancient Roman culture, from the founding of Rome to the late empire, mixed with a judicious amount of magic. This is a story of a cynical, hardboiled detective dealing with anything from daily life to the old forces roaming the world.
A young man is found dead in his bed, with a look of extreme agony on his face and strange tattoos all over his body. His distraught senator father suspects foul play, and knows who to call on.
Enter Felix the Fox, a professional investigator. In the business of ferreting out dark information for his clients, Felix is neither a traditional detective nor a traditional magician - but something in between. Drawing on his experience of dealing with the shady elements of society and his aborted education in the magical arts, Felix dons his toga and sets out to discover the young man's killers.
Murder in absentia is set in a fantasy world. The city of Egretia borrows elements from a thousand years of ancient Roman culture, from the founding of Rome to the late empire, mixed with a judicious amount of magic. This is a story of a cynical, hardboiled detective dealing with anything from daily life to the old forces roaming the world.
BOOK NOTES: This is the first story of Togas, Daggers and Magic - for lovers of Murder Mysteries, Ancient Rome and Urban Fantasy.
Once again we would like to thank Assaph for being here today and sharing with all of us here at SBC. It’s always great to learn more about an amazing author like Assaph Mehr and to be able to share with everyone at SBC.
I want to send a thank you to all of the readers here at SBC. We really appreciate all of you. We here at SBC promise to continue to bring you more authors in the near future. See you again soon, Royal.
I want to send a thank you to all of the readers here at SBC. We really appreciate all of you. We here at SBC promise to continue to bring you more authors in the near future. See you again soon, Royal.
Royal, Silver Beans Reviewer and Interviewer
Posting: MYSTERIES, ROMANTIC COMEDIES, and HISTORICAL NOVELS
Posting Date: 10/13/2018
Assaph Mehr Book Reviews Average: 4.7 STARS
Posting: MYSTERIES, ROMANTIC COMEDIES, and HISTORICAL NOVELS
Posting Date: 10/13/2018
Assaph Mehr Book Reviews Average: 4.7 STARS
HUGE THANKS AGAIN...
ASSAPH MEHR for popping in for a chat!
ASSAPH MEHR for popping in for a chat!
Additional Fun Fact:
ASSAPH enjoys martial arts, cooking, and photography!
ASSAPH enjoys martial arts, cooking, and photography!
Looking...
for a good book readers? Check out Assaph Mehr's NOVELS!
for a good book readers? Check out Assaph Mehr's NOVELS!
Want more from this Author: ASSAPH MEHR
LET US KNOW
LET US KNOW