Interview with Michael Rogers

Published 2016-06-23.
When did you first start writing?
When I first started writing my first book "The Rostical Users". I never had any experience writing, nor did/do I enjoy reading. I wasn't even really good at english, so what I've done now.. Past me would laugh (thinking it's a joke). I still to this day don't know how I managed to pop out 150k word stories.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Unlike my previous series, for the first time writing, I've purposely placed my life experiences in a character (Luna from The Rostical Guild). It's actually harder than I thought, putting my own experiences in a character rather than to create one.
As I'm writing this, I'm actually doing a chapter on Luna in the second book "Desert Dragon", where Luna reveals her depression and the trivial events that led her to suicidal thoughts.
During those dark thoughts, it felt that only someone who could relate to how I felt could give me advice, so, through Luna, I want to show people that it's possible to be happy again.

Wow, wasn't expecting such an emotional revelation in the second question.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Absolutely nothing.
I had this dream, where I'd escape from this world (running away from my depression and problems) and going on a fantasy adventure, where you didn't have to worry about any "every day life" dramas.

The world started to create itself and my dreams would continue like a TV series. If something dramatic or exciting happened in the dream, I'd wake up covered in sweat.
When one of the characters died, I remember waking up with tears still in my eyes and said to myself, I have to write this down..

Well, I guess that answered the question after all haha.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
To be honest, I really don't enjoy writing. It's quite lonely actually.

But, one of the few joys I do have with writing, would be seeing my characters evolve in their own way.. Near the end of the last book, I found myself just being the medium between the characters and writing.
I was no longer writing the characters, I was watching them. Their decisions even changed how I wanted to finish certain chapters. I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but.. It's really amazing.
What do your fans mean to you?
They are why I'm still writing.. I don't have many right now, but the few comments I get from readers, it makes me happy they enjoyed the adventure, the same adventure I pretty much went through too.

I've said to myself, it doesn't matter if I have 20 fans or 200,000 fans, I always want to be the type of Author that communicates with their fans, I don't want to come across as snobbish in any manner..

Without the fans.. Who am I writing for? I certainly don't do it for myself, I do it for the characters and fans. Yeah, I'm also kinda old fashioned and corny haha.
What are you working on next?
I'm still working on book two of The Rostical Guild series.
This series happens in the same timeline as The Rostical Users, where they will constantly cross reference each other, but you don't have to read the other series to enjoy the one you read first.

I. LIKE. CAMEOS. Muahahaha >=D
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, The Rostical Users and it's available on Smashwords!
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Since I don't read;
The Rostical Users - Sceldrant's Comet
The Rostical Users - Celestrial Lancer
The Rostical Users - Sacred Knights
The Rostical Users - Seraphic Gate
The Rostical Guild - Desert Dragon,

Because I cried while writing each of those books for different reasons. True story, judge away. *sniffs.*
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Anime/Manga, they were my first outlets of escaping the stress and dramas I had waaaay back at school. I also found myself falling in love with RPG (Role Playing Games), like Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, etc.

But when I'm not going into fantasy based worlds, I try and go on my own adventures, like going to scary places, going to the beach under a full moon *shrugs.*, I don't know haha. Eating?! Sleeping?!
What is the best feature about your books?
The characters.
Different Writers and Authors have different views on what makes a book. Some say it's the world, others say it's the story, well I say it's the characters. You could have an amazing world, an amazing story, but bland characters. Why would I want to sit through a movie (book for readers) when the characters are completely unrealistic and boring?

So, my story is completely character driven. Which is why I cried when several had to pass away.
What do you wish for?
I wish for my series to become an anime or cartoon, or television series, movies or even audiobooks. I want others who don't exactly like reading, to enjoy the characters' excitement, sadness and triumphs.

Some of my friends tell me about their dreams, some like to become a world know doctor, others a racing car champion, mine? To see a minute and a half anime intro of my books. Well, if you haven't guessed that I'm weird now? Then read my books!
What do you read for pleasure?
I actually don't read. I receive no pleasure.. Unless we're talkin' about some fanfictions ;)
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Food.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I didn't like how none of the pigs would let the wolf in their house. The wolf ended up blowing their houses down.
Moral of the story, don't turn away people 'cause they're different from you..
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Iphone and kindle, just to see how my books look for you guys 'n' gals ;)
Describe your desk
Manga, amiibo, games (tales of), tea :D
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Latest books by This Author

The Rostical Quest
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 168,860. Language: Australian English. Published: July 10, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy
Written as a script for a video game, a manga and RPG-inspired story, this stand-alone tale follows Ashton Lighten, a 20-year-old Psychology Honours student, who is transported to a world of elemental manipulators. The years following the events of The Rostical Users and The Rostical Guild series have resulted in many changes in this alternate dimension.
Tales Of
Series: The Rostical Guild, Book 7. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 174,420. Language: English. Published: January 19, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Screenplays » Action Adventure
In the final and epic installment, our guild members transition from heroes to saviours and end the world's calamity and disease. As our heroes' tale reaches its conclusion, what will happen to the yellow-eyed disease? What will happen to the racism, sexism and discrimination?
Elemental Rage
Series: The Rostical Guild, Book 6. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 74,280. Language: Australian English. Published: August 21, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Screenplays » Action Adventure
In the sixth devastating installment, our heroes with the help of every other guild defend Silver Wind Island from the Darkwing's infestation!
Healing Monarchs
Series: The Rostical Guild, Book 5. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 197,650. Language: Australian English. Published: July 14, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
In the fifth heartbreaking installment, the guild part ways and complete their individual stories, ranging from infiltrating the Consultant's facility to underwater sanctions to an epic chase scene involving a dragon and a phoenix made of unforgiving flames. With two new guild members, The Rostical Guild draws closer to being the most recognised force across the two continents!
Bakana Flare
Series: The Rostical Guild, Book 4. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 209,740. Language: English. Published: November 30, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Screenplays » Animation
In the fourth emotional installment, our heroes unravel the villain's identity! Discover the world's decay, attempt suicide, learn a bunch of epic Ougi and original themed attacks, reveal more about themselves and accept their flaws and finally, learn how to bond and trust each other fully. If given the option to live back on Earth, would you leave or fight for a dying planet you now call home?
Corrupted Radiatons
Series: The Rostical Guild, Book 3. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 203,060. Language: English. Published: June 18, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Screenplays » Action Adventure
(5.00 from 1 review)
In the third epic installment, our heroes find the origin to the "Yellow-Eyed Disease". Together, with the help of the Astraseeker, Arcadia, track down an unknown creature harnessing the power of Radiatons. Confronted by Niklauseh and Ginger Susanoo, the creature unexpectedly steals some of the planet's Aurorions! With the world slowly decaying, what will The Rostical Guild do?
Desert Dragon
Series: The Rostical Guild, Book 2. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 129,370. Language: English. Published: February 6, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Screenplays » Action Adventure
(5.00 from 1 review)
In the second exciting installment, Niklauseh continues to use the planet's Aurorions to help achieve his hidden agendas. Stopped by the holy Astraseeker, Arcadia, they fall into the classic battle between the power of light versus the power of darkness. Our guild reunites after three years worth of training and continues their adventure in hopes of finding the origins to the corrupted Neurons!
The Rostical Guild - Sceldrant's Comet
Series: The Rostical Guild, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 154,580. Language: English. Published: June 29, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
(4.75 from 4 reviews)
Written like it's a script from a video game, an RPG inspired story, follows the events leading up to the first major prophecy. Our heroes, a seven year old Sacred Dancer, a swordsman that despises titles, a warrior with the ability to control the land, a blind archer and the classic white mage try to find a way back to Earth after being transported by a mysterious power. Can they make it back?
Maps for The Rostical Saga
Price: Free! Words: 780. Language: English. Published: April 13, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
Here are two maps that go with The Rostical Users and The Rostical Guild series. They are works in progress, with only the places visited by our heroes in the story.
Seraphic Gate
Series: The Rostical Users, Book 7. Price: Free! Words: 198,800. Language: English. Published: February 19, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
In the final and epic installment, our heroes finally fight the Consultant to the death. With the party's growing power, they go all out and try to stop him in his plans! Can our heroes defeat a man who wields the power of light and dark? Meanwhile, the Valkyrie disgusted in Sofia challenges her herself! Sofia, confident in her powers, challenges the Valkyrie to a magnificent battle in the sky!
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