The Wolf we Feed is the first in the series of books about The Wolves Of Amleth, written in switching narratives by Tirith and Drake, who are twins. Written by Paul Sheppard with engaging prose, this is an action packed, thoughtful fantasy, setting the ground for many other works. I had the opportunity to connect with Paul about his work, travels and more. Being an avid traveler, Paul is homeschooling his young son as they travel the world. The family is currently based in rural Thailand.
Enjoy the interview, and get some insights about the book, The Wolves Of Amleth series, Paul Sheppard himself and more! 🙂 Also, don’t forget to check out my thoughts on The Wolf we Feed later, if you haven’t already!
- How long have you been working on The Wolves Of Amleth series? Where did the idea for it originate?
I’ve been working on The Wolves Of Amleth for about three years now. However, the idea has been growing in my head for a lot longer. The idea first came to me on a winter camping trip in Bardufoss, Sweden. During that trip, I read a copy of the Legend of Amleth, which is the ancient Scandinavian folk tale that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It also gave me the perfect name for the land where my story is based.
- What kind of research have you done for the world building in this book? Which culture or civilization would you say you are most inspired by?
I’ve always been fascinated by Norse mythology and the Viking way of life. I’m also interested in the similarities that many pre-industrial civilizations have in common, and I’ve attempted to include as many of those aspects as possible.
As for research, I have been lucky enough to spend time in all the Scandinavian countries as well as dozens of visits to the Jorvik Viking centre.
- What significance do names hold in the Hofarian culture?
For the Hofarians, I borrowed some names directly from the Norse sagas. For example, Bolverk, the main characters grandfather, is a name that Odin goes by in one of the old tales. I also used the traditional system for naming children, so Bolverk’s son is referred to as Gunnar Bolverkson. Using this system also helped with world-building because it allowed me to differentiate between societies that used more modern names like Cayden and Tobias.
- Why did you choose twins – a brother and a sister as your main characters?
I think twins are a great way of showing how people can choose their own paths in life. Two children who are born at the same time, to the same parents, but have drastically different personalities. It also provides an instant connection between the two main characters.
- Are you planning on writing any other series or The Wolves Of Amleth is your main focus, for now? When can readers expect the next instalment of the series?
Since moving to Thailand, I’ve had a lot more time to write, so I’ve been pretty busy. I’ve recently finished a novella that will be the first part of a larger series, and I’ve completed a collection of children’s stories that will hopefully be available next year. Also, one of my scripts has been selected by The Grey Rooms podcast. It’s a psychological horror story that will be aired on May 1st, 2020.
As for the next installment in the Wolves of Amleth series, I’m hoping to have it ready for March/April next year.
- On your website, you mention that your bucket list is the blueprint of your life. Would you be willing to share some aspirations on the list, whether complete or forthcoming?
Oh, it’s a big list! Apart from my writing, most of my goals are travel oriented. Before moving to Asia, I lived on a riverboat in the UK. Next year I plan to move to Bulgaria and build a homestead in the woods. I also want to climb the highest mountain in every European country.
- Why did you relocate to Thailand? How has your time there influenced you as a writer?
My partner and I are avid travelers, and we wanted our son to see as much of the world as possible. Thailand seemed like the best option at the time, so we made the move. The general cost of living here is very low compared to the UK, which means I can dedicate more time to my family and my writing.
- Which books would you recommend to your readers who loved the fantastical elements and deep relationships in your book?
I would probably recommend The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. But I’ve had feedback from people who thought the writing style was similar to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence. That’s quite a compliment, so I’m more than happy to repeat it.
- What would you tell your younger self when it comes to writing?
Probably the same advice I would give in most situations. Stop worrying about what people will think and just do it.
** The Wolf we Feed is now out in stores so get a copy and let me know what you think! **
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle
Cover image: Photo by Marek Szturc on Unsplash
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