Welcome, Raymond Feist, author of my favorite book, Faerie Tale, which I have not yet reviewed but have read a total of three times. Feist is also well-known for his series, The Riftwar Saga.

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I would like to thank you for taking your time to respond. I am sure that all the people who read Doubleshot Reviews are very excited to learn more about you, I know I am.

When did you start writing? Did you have anything that inspired you?

I started writing fiction right out of college, mostly for grins and giggles.  Through the encouragement of friends who went far beyond the tepid “that was cute, I like it” level, I decided to try my hand at something serious.

What was your very first writing project?

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Magician, my first novel.  I had dabbled, but the first thing I sat down to write with the intention of taking it to market was the first novel I sold.

Is your inspiration today the same as it was when you began to write?

Inspiration is hardly a valid topic for a pro, in my opinion.  This is a job.  It’s hard work.  Now, it’s the best job I’ve ever had; they pay me to play “let’s pretend,” but it’s nothing I would do as a hobby.  My first book was “let’s see if I can do it.”  My latest book is “I have kids to put through college.”

Do you have any advice for someone who is just starting with writing?

Don’t listen to advice.  Unless it’s coming from a published pro and it sounds right to you.  Everyone’s got an opinion, but never confuse opinion with fact.  What you must do is sit and write.  And don’t expect it to come easy.  Writing is the only creative art people expect to come naturally.  It doesn’t.  Just because you got an A in high school English doesn’t mean you can write a novel or decent short story.  If you want to play piano, practice.  If you want to play Chopin on the piano, practice a lot.  If you want to play piano and play at Carnegie Hall, practice a lot for years.  Writing is the same.

You write Fantasy very well, have you ever tried or wanted to write in a different genre? What would that genre be?

I want to, but the realities of publishing are that I take a huge cut in pay.  If I ever win the Lottery I’ll write two science-fiction ideas I’ve had for years, a police procedural, and one western.  Then I’ll retire to a beach where scantily clad waitresses will bring me frosty drinks with those funny little paper umbrellas in them.

I really do enjoy your book Faerie Tale, what inspired you with this story?

That’s a weird one.  It came about because of three basic questions that occurred to me over time, 1) what if fairies were real? 2) who were the magi really? 3) and why has humanity been around for tens of thousands of years longer than civilization?  How that all came together in my head is still something of a mystery to me.

Do you have a favorite book or project that you have worked on?

It’s always the next one.  That’s the one that finally will be perfect.

Are there any upcoming projects that you are working on? Where could our readers find more about this and you?

I’m finally finishing up the entire Riftwar Cycle, with book 29 A Crown Imperiled and book 30 Magician’s End.  I’ll also be finishing up another related project that hasn’t quite been decided on by my publisher and I as well as an Atlas of Midkemia.

What types of activities do you enjoy outside of writing?

Drinking, hanging out with women of low character, and betting my children’s future at the casino.  Seriously, I love hanging with my kids; one is 18 and off to college and the other is 15 and living with me full-time.  When he’s out of the house, then I’ll get drunk with questionable ladies at the casinos.  I also love watching football, old movies, and reading history, biography, and books on politics.

Any last tidbits of wisdom or advice?

Find what you love to do with a passion then figure out how to get paid to do it.  That is the secret of a happy life.

Last question, since I’m usually over-caffeinated because I love my coffee and the rating system for reviews is based on espresso shots…what is your favorite coffee drink?  If not coffee, is there another drink that is a must during your day?

I am a fan of Columbia Supremo.  I have a Cuisinart grind and brew, so I only use whole beans.  I like what is known in Europe and Australia as a “Long Black,” and here in the US as a “cup of black coffee, no sugar.”  Coffee is supposed to taste like coffee.  I’ve been known to kill a whole pot between 6 am and noon on a busy day.

I would like to thank you again, Raymond, for letting us know more about you and your projects.

You’re welcome.

You can find more of Feist’s works at www.crydee.com