The other night, at around 10, someone knocked on our apartment door. My roommate cautiously answered the door because it’s very rare to have a knock on the door (especially at that late hour). An older gentleman that lived two doors down had a box with him. He explained that he’s very nearsighted and that when a package of books arrived that he’d just thought they were his. After all, he’d ordered books recently.

He started reading and got caught up in the story. But then, he realized that the books were not the ones he ordered. He double-checked the package (with his glasses on) and saw that there was a mail mix-up. So he returned the box of three books of Resistance Rising to my apartment.

My roommate then shared how he asked if he could buy one of the copies off of me because he’d gotten caught up in the story and wanted to know what happened!

Personally, I couldn’t believe that he’d returned the books without finishing reading! I would have been that person (that kept the book until I finished it). Also, he’s apparently VERY nearsighted. Haha.

I wrote him a thank you note and gifted him one of my copies. After all, a good book should be shared (keep scrolling for the giveaway)!

About Resistance Rising:

The Oniyum has vanished. War has come to Kabathan. The planet is in disarray, tribe fighting tribe. Mechs, Fantasarians, Vikings, Nenjin, Wranglers, Vampians, Mobsters, all trying to annihilate each other. Reman, a fast-advancing pilot for the Mech Republic, is assigned an unusually important solo mission. Alone, deep in wild Fantasarian territory, he is ambushed and taken captive, surrounded by his culture’s oldest enemies; Elves, Wizards and the acrid stench of Magic. He prepares to sacrifice himself in the name of war, but, instead, finds himself confronted with a question that will challenge everything has ever known.

About Robin C. Farrell:

Born and raised in Maryland, I am a bookworm, Whovian, honorary Gilmore Girl, aspiring cosplayer, Shakespeare enthusiast, and frequent visitor to a galaxy far, far away. I grew up intending to become a novelist, while simultaneously developing a love of movies. At age three, I was quoting The Wizard of Oz. In college, I started reading screenplays and developed a more cinematic creative style. I dove into film study and have been in love with it ever since.

In 2017, I self-published my first novel, Resistance Rising: A Genre Wars Novel, which isavailable on Amazon. The book was inspired by the web series Genre Wars: Resistance Rising, for which I also wrote the screenplay.

Visit Robin at https://robincfarrell.com/.

Buy Resistance Rising:

Amazon

Resistance Rising Book Giveaway and Author Interview with Robin C. Farrell

Quick Answers:

Favorite Dessert: Cherry Cobbler
Pet Peeve: Ringing phones in a movie theatre.
Current Read: The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
Song on Repeat: “Sparkle” by RADWIMPS from the soundtrack to the anime film your name. I recently watched it and fell in love with it, so, when I can, I’ve been listening to the entire soundtrack at work!

In-Depth Questions

Cordially Barbara:Last time we heard from you about Resistance Rising you were trying to publish with Inkshares. Things didn’t go as planned. How did that turn out to be a positive thing?

Robin Farrell: It turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise – though I had difficulty seeing it as such for a very long time. Inkshares is a great platform for established authors with a dedicated readership, but I’m still in the beginnings of earning one.

That said, Inkshares would have had complete control of the publishing and printing process. I’ve tracked the progress of other authors who met their pre-order goals (long before I set up an account with Createspace) and they still don’t have their books ready.

For all the bumps in the road (including a couple of re-prints to fix typos!) I am so much happier to have gone through the self-publishing process independently. I had total formatting control and folks who have been supporting the book all this time finally have it in their hands. That’s so rewarding.

CB: What’s been the most challenging part of the journey to publication for you and for Resistance Rising?

RF: Fundraising and navigating the publishing world have been exceedingly challenging, but, if I’m honest, the biggest hurdle I’ve had to overcome is my own self-doubt. Getting past negative critique, not taking it personally, and trusting in myself to improve and work past it has been some of the most difficult work in my life.

To the point where, not understanding my own emotional state, I broke down completely when the first box of printed books arrived. It was a hard road, emotionally-speaking, but so worth it in the end.

CB: I love your honesty here! People talk about the head game in sports, but not in how it influences even writing, especially writing!

CB:When the going got tough, how did you manage to keep going? Do you have advice for other authors?

RF: As I have the filmmaking background, I’m used to being part of a team, but, by comparison, working as an author is a much more solitary endeavor. I never would have made it here without the support of fellow authors and friends.

So, my advice, especially to new and aspiring writers would be this: have a support system in place. That encouragement is invaluable. Even if you don’t realize or accept the praise or support you get from them at the time, it does sink in on a subconscious level. At least, it did for me.

CB: Spot on. 100%!

CB: Is there a line or quote from Resistance Rising that you just love?

RF: Yes; a few. I’ve used them on the custom bookmarks; “It starts with one” (spoken by Legren) and “They would dance anyway” (from Reman’s inner monologue).

I also really love Sethera’s line, “for all that armour, you’re still terribly vulnerable.” That quote goes all the way back to the Genre Wars competition; our first entry to the contest. So it will always have a special place in my heart.

CB: Good, quotable lines are hard to come by. I like these ones that you highlight!

CB: How do you think readers benefit from journeying alongside the characters of Resistance Rising? How have you benefited?

RF: I can’t really speak for readers, but for myself, working on the book has been very self-reflective. I’ve learned a lot about myself and it’s helped me become more confident, both artistically and as a person.

CB: What’s the best thing a new reader has said to you about Resistance Rising?

RF: The initial feedback I’ve gotten thus far usually includes the question, ‘are you writing a sequel?’ To which I can’t yet answer, but the fact that folks are asking, interested to continue the journey, is a huge boost of confidence.

CB: UM YES. I love that! You’ve obviously hit on an adventure that they’ve loved reading!!

Bonus Question: What’s a question you wish I had asked? Do answer it, too!

RF: I suppose the question I expected was, “what’s next?”

It’s been a strange phase, figuring out the next step, outside of a follow-up novel. That’s still TBD. But I’m exploring other creative avenues.

Depending on the feedback of this novel, I’m considering an audiobook project of sorts…but that would involve more fundraising.

In the meantime, I’m touring the book when and where I can. First stop was MAG Fest back in January, I’ve got a few pending events at various local bookshops and coffeehouses, and I snagged a booth at the forthcoming Baltimore Comic Con. I’m pre-planning for NaNoWriMo, developing a podcast with friend and colleague, HL Shepler, and, as part of Star Wipe Films, we’re undertaking multiple film competitions this year (including the 72 Film Fest, at which we won two awards last year). It should be an exciting year.

CB: WOW! You’ve got a busy year planned out, and I’ll be excited to see where Resistance Rising continues to show up!

Want to meet Robin and grab a signed copy of Resistance Rising?

You can! Robin will be at Spring into Books! on April 14th from 11 am – 2 pm. See the event on Facebook.