BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Solace of Time: Enaya [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Justin C. Trout to talk about Solace of Time (14 December 2015, Justin C. Trout, 302 pages), a Young Adult Fantasy, book one of the Enaya series.

"I can't say enough good things about this book. It is captivating. I love the perspective on which it is written." - Gerald Fagan

"This is without a doubt one of the best fantasy books I have ever read. It is perfectly balanced with an amazing and original plot, lovable characters, and fast pace story line. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and able to really connect with the characters as they endured through their journey. I give this book extremely high praise and recommend it to any lover of fantasy books." - Amazon Customer

"Wonderful book! I can't put it down! A must read!" - Caitlin Williams

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to Justin Trout; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in Solace of Time, or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"I listen to New Age.

I listen to anything Kevin Kendle and by Shane Walsh – he is a musician. If you youtube Shane Walsh, clips of the Walking Dead come up. I also love The Piano Guys and William Ackerman. I don’t have songs picked out. I let them play through a playlist and listen to these artists as I write."

Original manuscripts for books 1-5

What was the inspiration for Solace of Time?

"I was inspired at a young age, I believe I was 12. I wanted to tell something that was epic and raised the stakes for the characters.

I was inspired by the idea of “time,” and being robbed of opportunities in life. This became the basis for Solace of Time. I was inspired to tell the story of a down on his luck character who makes the mistake by altering his own timeline. It’s this mistake that sets him out on his journey, so time really became a big inspiration for me."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Great question! I would say the main protagonist is a very detailed portrayal of how I think and feel about the events that take place.

The dialogue between some of the characters are real to experiences I have had (regardless it being a fantasy novel).

When this book came out and it started to sell, I’ve had people come to me and make comments about it being a true reflection to my thoughts and opinions on things."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Solace of Time - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I was referred to Deranged Doctor Design for the cover. They had me fill out a questionnaire and they make the cover based on that. I was very much in love with the book jacket the moment I laid eyes on it. It was a very refreshing new look and take on a fantasy novel.

I wanted the book to reflect the hope and positive feeling, so I wanted lighter colors or colors that reflected a sunset. Deranged Doctor Design, even knowing the grim nature of the book was able to show this positive outlook through their cover. I think the cover speaks for itself in allowing the reader to know how the tone is portrayed in this book."

I do love that cover and the other artwork I have seen for it.

Why should we read Solace of Time and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"This isn’t your normal fantasy novel. It begins with a kingdom in the realm of magic and dragons, but merges into a futuristic world where magic and dragons don’t exist.

Hold on, because this book will surprise you. I have the write as you see it technique. As you read this book, you will picture it in your mind in a way that will appeal to all your senses. I want the reader to be emotionally driven by the characters action and I think this book is going to distinguish itself as something readers are going to want more."

Can you tell us something quirky about Solace of Time, its story and characters?

"Characters are based on people that I know to an extent. Aside from that, there is nothing in particular that stands out.

The main protagonist views the world or certain nostalgic events as I would probably see them. Certain feelings that happen in the book are based on what people I have known have described in a realistic manner, so there are a lot of true events that happened.

I will say this though, there is a scene involving the two main characters when they are in a jail cell. I have never been in jail, but the characters were talking about an event that happened. This is a true excerpt from real life. We were talking about something that had happened and we were problem solving our way out of it and in the process, my friend states, “I feel like a caged beaver.” This line stuck with me and is in the book."

Who would you recommend Solace of Time to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"It’s a young adult book, so have fun with it. There is action, romance, fantasy, etc. There is kissing and warm gooey moments, but there are moments of epic proportions where people will die. There are no graphic scenes, but hints to it."

If you could / wished to turn Solace of Time and the Enaya series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"The whole series is consisted of 8 parts. So I would want a different director for each film so that it stays fresh. I would love to have J. J. Abrams, Michael Bay, Edgar Wright among a few others.

I would want the actors to stay consistent though. I think an unknown for Nile Whitman and Ashera Travise and Leo Connell would be the best bet. This way the characters can evolve. However, I would love it if Chris Pratt played Locklin Richardson, Rooney Mara for Charis, Sam Neil for Bancroft Yates, Joaquin Phoenix as Norcross Kenneth, Tim Roth as Ramiel, Nicole Kidman as Shebris, Hugh Jackman as Alexander Whitman and Michael Fassenbender as Srinath."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I love to write about everything. I love all genres. I recently finished a self-help book that will be debuting next year (hopefully) and the second volume of the Enaya series. I really like to focus on what is inspiring me at the moment."

What is your writing process?

"I love to write in the very early morning. I love to think about that as a personal time when the sun beams over the horizon. If not then, I try to do at least 3 to 5 pages a day.

I try to stay current and fresh as well. If I miss a day, it’s easy to miss the next day.

I also like to plot out what I’m going to write that day as well. That helps keep my goal on my mind."

What is in store next?

"Book II is in the works and will be out later this year. Solace of Time is the 1st book out of an 8 part series. The first chapter to book II is in the back of the Solace of Time novel."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I’m a big Batman fan. I’m trying to get my son into Batman as much as I am at a very young age. Here is a picture of the two of us wearing Batman hats."