Risingshadow has an opportunity to feature an interview with Bryan M. Kuderna.
Bryan M. Kuderna is the author of Anoroc and Millennial Millionaire. His books are sold internationally and have been published in several languages. He is also the host of The Kuderna Podcast, and founder of Kuderna Financial Team, a New Jersey based financial services firm. In his spare time, Bryan has completed an International Ironman in Quebec, Canada and National Marathon in Washington DC. He enjoys reading, writing, and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Anita, and their three children.
by Bryan M. Kuderna
From the author of Millennial Millionaire, comes Bryan M. Kuderna’s fiction debut, a coming-of-age fantasy novel you won’t be able to put down!
Beeker is trying to find his way in life, no longer a kid, but not yet an adult, when his single mother decides it is time for a change. He and his little brother, Dak, leave the comfort of their home in the Plains to go and live in the Mountains with their beloved Uncle Dobo, a founder of the Militia and renowned war hero. The rapidly growing population of Anoroc leaves their species, Chigidies, scrambling for sparse resources, particularly the most valuable commodity of all - Painite. Beeker, Dak, and their generation can no longer plead ignorance to the tumult overtaking Anoroc. But, at what cost will it come?
AN INTERVIEW WITH BRYAN M. KUDERNA
Could you tell us something about yourself in your own words?
I get bored very easily. I love my job as a financial advisor, but I always need to be doing something new on the side. A few of my "passion projects" since graduating college have included completing a marathon, an Ironman, practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and of course writing my two books.
What was the most challenging part of the writing process?
Finding the time to write with a business, wife, and three kids. Honestly, without the Coronavirus quarantine, I have no idea when I would have completed Anoroc. Also, the editing process. I had a great team of beta readers, proofreaders, and my chief editor Alexandra Ellis, they all had such great input it was tough to decide what to keep, remove, or change while keeping my own writing style.
Did you have to do any research while writing the book?
Some of the joy of writing Anoroc was that Fantasy allows the author to create their own world without anything really being right or wrong; whereas my first book, Millennial Millionaire, was totally dependent on research and fact checking. However, there are several real world influences throughout the book that I did do some research on. They may not be obvious to the reader, but they're in there.
Where did the idea for Anoroc come from?
I began writing in the fall of 2018 a story about two teenage brothers finding their way in life with a mentor. They eventually turned into creatures, Chigidies, and on a mythical planet, Anoroc.
When writing did this did you create an outline or calendar for the story, or just create the story as you wrote it?
No. This story evolved as I was writing each chapter. However, after putting together a rough draft, I did construct a calendar with my editor to eliminate any inconsistencies and help the story flow a little better.
The white robes and red robes seem to represent a complex good versus evil. Are the white robes good or is it just because the story is told from Beeker's POV?
I didn't want there to be a good and evil. It may come off that way with Beeker as our main storyteller, but the two different groups represent ideals. The reader can interpret which side is right or wrong, and probably will feel an affinity to either side as they read.
How did you come up with the worldbuilding for Anoroc?
I honestly don't know. The Plains, Wetlands, and Mountains just came to me as the story developed. I did model some of the descriptions off of the topography and sights I remember from my honeymoon in Hawaii.
Are you planning on writing a sequel?
If the world wants another Anoroc, they'll get one.
On your website, www.bryankuderna.com, you mention that a fraction of every Anoroc book sold will go to libraries across America. Could you tell us more about this?
Libraries are some of the most impactful institutions not just in the fabric of America, but throughout the world. I love the quote by George R. R. Martin, "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, and the one who doesn't read, lives just one." Libraries enable people from all walks of life this amazing opportunity to expand their knowledge exponentially in any direction, and truly live a thousand lives. In a world consumed by technology and social media, it's so important that these traditional libraries survive and thrive forever. A percentage of Anoroc sales will be donated to local libraries every year for as long as this book sells.