From Classrooms to Dragons, Ryan M. Oliver showcases his unique literary style
Host of the Mighty Books podcast sits down wit the Clueless Hack on Writing.
Ryan Oliver is the author of the fantasy adventure series Beast of Men and Gods.” Soldiers of Fire is the first story in this grand fable. Ryan’s inspiration for writing and storytelling comes from years of studying history and reading great works of fiction.
When he’s not writing about fantastical worlds, Ryan spends his days working as a training instructor with the Department of the Navy. A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Ryan is a graduate of Central Washington University and lives in Bemerton with his life Ashleigh and their two sons. www.ryanmoliver.com
[Clueless Hack on Writing] Ryan, welcome to the Clueless Hack on Writing. It’s great to have a fellow West Coast author in the CHOW.
[RMO] Thanks, Vince, it’s good to be here. It feels different being the one to answer questions for a change. A good difference, of course.
[CHOW] What brought you to writing first? And what drove you to start - and complete - your first novel?
[RMO] I’ve always been a storyteller. However, what launched the drive to write occurred in 3rd grade when a local children’s book author, whose name I can’t remember, spoke to my elementary school. The entire student body sat in front of him in an assembly. The author read his book and talked to us about becoming an author. Then, afterward, we returned to our classes and began creating our own books. After that, I was hooked on the idea of creating my own stories for others to enjoy.
As for what sparked me to begin my first novel, that was a combination of inspirations inside many fantasy novels and movies, historical documentaries, and a myriad of social studies classes, including Ancient Greek/Roman Mythology, that culminated together to begin writing my fantasy series.
However, completing the thing would eventually span nearly 15 years of off-again, on-again work. Life got busy with work, college, marriage, kids, and eventually landing a full-time job with the local shipyard. It was there in late 2019 that I was voluntold to go to Swing shift. Not something I had done in recent years, and I was not happy about it. However, after a month or so of being on the shift, I realized I had almost five hours of uninterrupted time to myself. One day, I rifled through my old belongings in the closet and found my half-completed manuscript that I had started when I was 15 years old. That year I turned 30, and by Jan 2020 I finished writing the first draft.
[CHOW] Tell us a little bit about your novella, Gargoyle’s Gift, and the novel Soldiers of Fire. Both are part of the Beasts of Men and Gods series.
[RMO] Soldiers of Fire takes place in a completely unique land where man and mythical beasts, i.e., dragons, gargoyles, hydra, etc, coexist. Each land, populated by a different beast, gives off a unique gift, power, to those who are close to them. In the story, peace is shattered when an unexpected event occurs, which sends a small band of different individuals from all over the world into a state of action to end the conflict before it evolves into an all-out war. In the process, great secrets are revealed to the characters that lift the veil to a dark history and an even darker future.
Gargoyles Gift is a prequel to the series that follows the old Seer, Nestor, from childhood to about ten years before the events of Soldiers of Fire. It begins in his homeland at a time of peace among his family, through his indoctrination in the local military, all the way to a small conflict that will change his outlook on life and the future forever.
[CHOW] You released Soldiers of Fire in 2020 and Gargoyle;s Gift in 2022 and received BookFest awards for both. You also have lined out the five-book series, complete with titles. I take it that you like to plan everything out?
[RMO] Yes, I do. That happens when you have been working on an epic fantasy for nearly two decades. The major events stand out, and I am able to blaze a clear enough trail to have stopping points for every book. However, I definitely write by the seat of my pants sometimes which is the most fun I can have. So, I feel like I am a hybrid writer that way.
[CHOW] What is the hardest part of planning out an epic series like that?
[RMO] The organic changes that always inevitably come while in the throws of writing. I’ll sometimes begin a chapter with the plan I created, and then as I’m writing that pivotal moment in the scene, a little voice starts talking to me, leading me down another once-hidden path that is just too interesting or tantalizing to pass up. This is exactly the reason why I only plan on the big-picture items. Similar to stops and events on a road trip. I know the ultimate destination; however, the day-to-day path will deviate for some more fun adventures.
[CHOW] How do you deal with struggle? In my belief, you have to be comfortable with struggle, almost befriend it, in order to push through.
[RMO] You’re absolutely right. I deal with it in bite sizes. What I mean by that is I give myself a goal every session. Those goals are very reasonable for my schedule. For example, I establish a word count of 500. Then, when I sit down, as long as I have written that, I can walk away guilt-free. Also, when I have a particularly challenging chapter I haven’t quite fleshed out yet, I will take the time to ruminate on that scene. Usually, doing something physical or menial where my mind can wander so then the frustrating struggle can calm down, and I can see the trees through the forest. Usually, the struggle is a warning for me to take a breath and ground myself, almost like meditating. Relieving the pressure I put myself under to complete a task, which ultimately just fogs my judgment. But there is something to push through even though you are not prepared for it. It has improved my grit, and I feel I have grown as a writer to endure other challenges. Overall, I see struggle as a tool to improve oneself, however, not something that you should live with all the time. My thought is that you need enough struggle to challenge yourself but not enough to completely discourage your desire to move forward. It’s an interesting relationship, for sure.
[CHOW] What is your process? Do you have a certain place and a certain time you need to write? Do you need motivation? Or do you crank it out and fix it later?
[RMO] My process has changed over the years. Currently, I always write at my desk in my office. I try to write every day; I say try because I am a super busy guy, and sometimes it just simply does not happen. As for when I write, that varies on the day. During the work week, it is usually after work and/or dinner. On the weekends, I will generally get in a bit of writing whenever the mood strikes me at any point in the day. That is just the reality of writing in a house with young kids. However, I do have a bit of a ‘ritual’. That is snagging a hot cup of coffee in a big mug, placing my earbuds in, and turning on thunderstorm sounds or that of waterfalls and rain. When I do this, it blocks out the noise of the world, and I can focus with mostly no distractions.
[CHOW] I know you consider yourself an educator with a degree in education and now as a training instructor. How does this inform your writing?
[RMO] It has helped a great deal, not necessarily being an educator or instructor per se, but the job. But my level of exposure to people and their habits, mannerisms, and what they say in certain predicaments, whether they be comical or stressful. These experiences I collect go into my memory bank, which I use for more modern stories that are currently in development, not as much for the fantasy series.
One aspect of my educational background that has helped me a great deal with my writing is the actual subject of spelling, grammar, and style I learned along the way. Not to mention the sheer amount of writing I had to accomplish earning my degree and even completing an apprenticeship within the shipyard in Bremerton, WA as an electrician. In all facets of my life, I have had to write, and that has not only sharpened my skills to become a better writer but also taught me what bad writing looks like and how to mend it. Writing is really just rewriting(editing) in one form or another.
[CHOW] Like all great teachers, you listen, and you’ve launched the “Mighty Books Podcast,” where you interview authors - including me, thank you - about the craft, their books, and what drives them. What have you learned from others through this podcast?
[RMO] First off, you’re very welcome. Thank you again for reaching out to me for a chat. It was a great conversation. Regarding your question, I have learned a great deal from my interviews with over 100 authors. Not only have I learned about the many resources out there for people who are seeking information on how to become an author. I have learned a variety of unique and creative ways to get the first draft of a manuscript done and how book contracts work, and I gained more insights into independent publishing, traditional publishing, cover designs, and so much more. I could probably spend days on the topic of what I have learned from all the wonderful, talented, and insightful people I’ve talked to. But what all have in common that really stands out is that the people who do this crazy fun thing called writing books is that they all have a story to tell; they possess mighty courage, resourcefulness, and, let’s be honest, stubbornness to get their labors of love done, published, and out into the world to be enjoyed. The podcast has truly become a database for people who love to read, write, and are serious or interested in the authorship process.
[CHOW] When can we expect the next book in your series to be released?
[RMO] That is an excellent question. At the moment, my 2nd installment, which is quite lengthy, is in the hands of Beta readers. No promises, but I would love to see the book titled “Forgotten Fathers” to be released in late 2025 or early 2026.
[CHOW] Thanks for participating in this interview. Good luck out there.
Side of Mustard
Advice from robots and dead masters…
Sometimes, robots can share great insights into writing masters. Recently, I asked them what writing lessons we could learn from Charles Dickens.
Studying Charles Dickens offers valuable lessons for writers, as his works remain celebrated for their vivid characters, social commentary, and storytelling mastery. Here are five key lessons:
1. Create Memorable Characters
Lesson: Dickens was a master of crafting distinctive and unforgettable characters, such as Ebenezer Scrooge, Oliver Twist, and Miss Havisham. Each character stands out with its unique voice, personality, and physical description.
Application: Focus on developing multidimensional characters with quirks, flaws, and defining traits that make them relatable and recognizable.
2. Use Vivid Descriptions
Lesson: Dickens excelled at painting vivid scenes through detailed descriptions of settings, from the grimy streets of Victorian London to lavish estates. His imagery immerses readers in his world.
Application: Use sensory details and precise language to bring your settings and scenes to life, creating an atmosphere that enhances the story.
3. Balance Social Commentary with Storytelling
Lesson: Dickens's novels critiqued social injustices, such as poverty, child labor, and class inequality, while maintaining engaging narratives.
Application: If incorporating social or political themes, weave them naturally into your story so they enhance rather than overshadow the plot and characters.
4. Master the Art of Serialization
Lesson: Many of Dickens's works were published as serialized installments, keeping readers eager for the next chapter. He used cliffhangers, suspense, and engaging subplots to maintain interest.
Application: Maintain momentum in your storytelling by pacing your narrative, introducing tension at key points, and ending chapters with compelling hooks.
5. Blend Humor with Pathos
Lesson: Dickens skillfully balanced humor with moments of deep emotional resonance, creating a dynamic reading experience. His ability to switch tones made his works emotionally rich and engaging.
Application: Use humor to add levity and depth to your story, but don’t shy away from exploring profound emotional truths to connect with readers on multiple levels.
By studying Dickens, writers can develop their craft and learn to tell stories that resonate with readers across generations.