Rhett C. Bruno is a rising star in the speculative fiction world, with sci-fi books that have been compared to everything from Star Wars, to Firefly. Fans can’t get enough of this writer’s work and he’s not nearly done sharing his talent and worlds, with us all.
Bio:
Rhett has been writing since before he can remember, scribbling down what he thought were epic stories when he was young to show to his friends and family. He currently works at an Architecture firm, but that hasn’t stopped him from recording the tales bouncing around inside of his head. Rhett is the author of “The Circuit Series” and “Titanborn.”
Thanks for joining us on SFFWorld.com, Rhett. How do you go from a day in the life at an architecture firm, to lands far, far, away?
That’s an interesting question because I’m still not really sure, ha. Honestly, it’s hard to turn off thinking about one of my stories, since pretty much every main idea comes when I least expect it. As far as getting to the actual writing, I try to get to it whenever I have time. Late at night, during lunch… it’s a lot to balance but somehow the books get done. I tend to write in bursts when an idea pops into my head.
Your first book in a series, The Circuit: Executor Rising, is a gripping space opera. How did the premise come to you?
Honestly, the first idea for this really has nothing to do with the actual story. I was watching some scifi movie, can’t remember which, and noted how in most of them nobody ever cares to mention how people are walking on spacecrafts. So I thought of the idea of a new element found in Earth’s crust that would allow it. The rest of the story flowed from there, using the element to create tragedy, and drive for each of the main characters.
Progeny of the Vale: The Circuit sequel, is coming in hot on March 15 and sounds even more intriguing than the first. Approaching release day, how is this time different to the first?
This time, the pieces are already set in motion. A lot of the first was dropping the reader into this world, and telling the origin of each character as their lives come crashing into each other’s. In the second book some more of their backgrounds will be fleshed out, but the stories really take them to separate places. I think they’re each put through their toughest tests alone, pushed to their limits. Each characters has a smaller story in the larger context of a solar-system falling into war, and I was most interested in focusing on the evolution of each character.
Writing a book takes time and you’ve got to really connect with the characters. Can you share a couple reasons “Talon”, “Sage”, and the others were able to hold your interest?
It was fun because they’re all so different, but there are also certain parallels I got to play with. Whether it’s emerging from the same training program, or loving a child more than anything. Even as the characters come together, their interactions are usually tense. Of course, I had the most fun with Cassius as a sort of amorphous villain. I think people expect a ruthless villain in space operas, but they’re usually seen through the eyes of the protagonist. Here, Cassius is the one driving the story and unintentionally impacting the lives of Talon and Sage, but there’s no way he is a hero. And then ADIM, his android, was always fun to write because he really serves as Cassius’ soundboard/servant, but he remembers everything. Things that will mold him as he evolves in ways even Cassius can’t predict. He’s really a wild card.
You re-read lots of your favourite sci-fi novels before writing The Circuit: Executor Rising. Do you think this helped your craft and if so, how?
Absolutely! I sort of fell out of love with reading in high school because I had no interest in the books we had to read. And Architecture School was so busy I barely had time, but once I started to get back into reading Heinlein, Zahn, Robert E Howard, etc. I think that’s when I really started to learn. And I think it was less the art of how to write, and more how to structure a story. How to deal with pacing. I think when I was younger I didn’t think I needed to learn from the work of others – I was worried I’d just try to emulate them – but I’ve come to realize that there’s no better way to learn.
To dial things back a bit to the basics. What made you decide to self-publish early on?
I was young and stupid, ha. Now I have no problem with self-publishing at all, but at the time I wasn’t ready. I was really unrefined as a storyteller, and I didn’t really understand the publishing industry at all. I didn’t get critiqued by anyone but people I knew, and wanted to get my work out there regardless.
You hear tons of indie author success and horror stories? What was the process like for you?
It was a mess. I let myself be taken advantage by a vanity publisher (I won’t name them here) that I really didn’t understand because they said they loved my work. As a 16-year-old, how can you say no to that? I make it a goal now to advise any writers I know to avoid that. Have your work seen early on, critiqued by complete strangers. The best thing that ever happened to me as a writer was having a manuscript critiqued and subsequently torn apart by a reader. It hasn’t seen the light of day sense and I’ve never learned so much.
Now that you’re represented by Mike Hoogland of Dystel & Goderich, do you take a different approach to ‘book business’?
I don’t think I take a different approach really. Mostly, it’s nice to have someone who is knowledgeable about the business, to bounce ideas off of and to analyse my work with a critical eye.
Your novels have been picked up by Diversion Books (The Circuit Series) and Hydra (Titanborn – June 21). Besides probable nail-biting, what was it like waiting to hear back from editors?
It depends. The Circuit Series was initially picked up by another small press, and I submitted it to publishers all on my own which was nerve-racking. After the first book came out, I wanted to try and transfer to a new publisher who would reprint for monetary reasons. Diversion Books was the first publisher I contacted, and they responded, read The Circuit, and offered to take on the rights within a week! There was no waiting at all, and I couldn’t be happier. Their editing team is top notch, and they’re so professional, so I knew my first real scifi series would be in good hands. With Titanborn I was represented by Mike so he did all the submitting. That definitely led to more nail-biting than before, and I probably bothered him way too often asking for updates.
Outside of these recent novels, you have other speculative fiction works. Any plans to take on completely different genres?
I occasionally write short stories when an idea strikes me. I have other book ideas outlined, some started, and would like to dive back into the fantasy genre again. It’s been so long. I try to stick to what I myself enjoy reading, but I’d be happy to collaborate on any other genre.
You’re currently studying at the New School in NYC pursuing a Certificate in Screenwriting. What would be your dream TV-writer job?
I actually already earned the certificate… I should probably update my bio… but my dream job. Hmm. I think now it would be writing for THE EXPANSE on syfy. I loved the book, and the show is just as good so far. It’s either that or any of the superhero shows. The Flash, Arrow, etc.
You are also interested in writing for video games. The gamer girl in me has to ask—if you could add a storyline to any game, which one would it be and why?
It probably doesn’t answer the question properly, but I’d want to finish the Soul Reaver series. Those games defined my childhood, and the series left off on a massive cliff-hanger. In my opinion, it’s the best story ever told in the video game medium, and really deserves a book as well.
What’s your favourite way to unwind? You know, when not planning the next great escape—or murder—in the land of stars.
My favorite way to unwind is to lay back and watch a tv show with my fiancée and puppy. We’re in the golden age of television, and there are so many amazing stories to get invested in.
Any advice for indie authors looking to break into the traditional publishing world?
Read the work of the greats in your genre, get critiqued, and research the industry. There are so many small, niche publishers out there who might be perfect for your novel. I wished I knew so many options existed when I was younger, but it really is amazing.
It’s been an absolute pleasure, thanks for taking the time Rhett!
You can find Rhett online at http://rhettbruno.com/ and @RCBruno44 on Twitter. Buy the new book from Amazon.com.
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Interview by Jackie Jones – SFFWorld.com © 2016
