Like Christopher Paolini, Kaleb Nation started writing his debut novel, “Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse“, as a teenager. Since then, Kaleb successfully published his first novel, with the second set to hit shelves on October 10th. Kaleb has also launched a successful blogging career (you may know him as the “Twilight Guy”) and vlogging career on YouTube, in addition to creating all of his own websites and book trailers and running one of the most impressive author-driven book promotion campaigns online. We are also excited to announce that Kaleb will be joining the staff of Lytherus in the near future.
Kaleb took time out of his very busy pre-book-launch schedule to share the story of how Christopher Paolini inspired him to begin writing a novel as a teenager and where that choice has taken him. Kaleb will also be joining Mike in the comments to answer questions from Shur’tugal fans interested in writing their own novels! Whether you’re a fantasy fan or aspiring author, Kaleb’s tale is sure to entertain and inspire you. Continue reading for the article and join us in the comments if you’d like to learn more about being a young author, how to get published, and more!
The following article was guest written by Kaleb Nation for Shurtugal.com:
When I was a teenager, I came across a magazine in a doctor’s office with an article about a new author. It told me he had started writing a novel when he was fifteen, and was now on the New York Times bestseller list. His name was Christopher Paolini, and the book was Eragon. Suddenly I knew exactly where I wanted to be one day.
Similarly to Christopher, I began writing on a novel when I was still a teenager. I was fourteen and up late on the night of 3/3/03, when suddenly I was hit with an idea. I leapt out of bed and scribbled down a few pages of notes in the dark. There was a boy and a city that outlawed magic. There was a creature and a curse. There were gnomes and criminals with supernatural powers. I wrote until I was exhausted. I had no idea those pages would change my life.
The next morning would be one of a long line of next mornings — six years of plotting and writing and editing until my first manuscript, Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse, was complete. From the notes on that strange night, I had formed the ideas for a series of six novels, telling the story of a boy whose past is saturated with the crimes of his parents, a plot to take uncountable lives, and the secrets of a city no magic would dare enter.
The strange happenings in my life continued when I signed with an agent, then a publisher, and then to my greatest surprise, held a novel in a real bookstore with my name on it. On 9/9/09, at age 20, I had become a published author.
Now, a year later, I’m preparing for my sequel, Bran Hambric: The Specter Key, on 10/10/10. I still dream of being on the New York Times bestseller list. I think that’s the last remaining step in me fully accomplishing my dream.
Unlike Christopher Paolini, I may not have started out self-published, and I may not be traveling around to schools in medieval garb, but I remain inspired by him to be creative in spreading the word about my books. I blog often, I post videos every day on YouTube (even in costume sometimes), and I animate my own book trailers:
I’ve always remembered that day I stumbled across the article about Christopher Paolini. Hearing his story was the encouragement I needed to go on writing, when the publishing industry and all its confusing twists and turns seemed far too imposing to ever allow someone like me within its gates. It’s for that reason I speak to as many writers as I can about it: no matter how young or old you are, your story is worth being told.
– Kaleb Nation
Contact Kaleb via Twitter – @KalebNation–
You can learn more about Kaleb Nation and the Bran Hambric series by visiting Kaleb’s official website, the official website for Bran Hambric, and Kaleb’s Youtube channel. You will also be able to find more articles by Kaleb on Lytherus.com in the near future! Check back soon for an exclusive video of Kaleb reading from his upcoming second novel, “Bran Hambric: The Specter Key“!
