Asked what his book “Flight of the Eternal Emperor” is about, James Rogers replied, “Atonement on the part of Jeseque, fear of death on the part of Destlar.”
Well, we’re glad that’s been cleared up.
By way of elaboration, the author added that Destlar, the Eternal Emperor of the title, is “as demented as Hitler, as paranoid as Stalin, as powerful as Saruman. If he should ever be afforded the chance to join the Grid Riders – the universe’s ancient, incorporeal and omnipotent denizens – he would wreak havoc across the cosmos. Trillions would suffer torture and hideous death.”
However, said Rogers, a contributor at Irish American Writers & Artists salons in New York City, “There is one amongst the Grid Riders who is determined to prevent Destlar’s ascension. Others look forward to it. Jeseque, mere mortal, embarking on a 30-year journey to a distant solar system, is desperate to play her part in destroying the tyrant. But her actions may in fact achieve the exact opposite.”
“James Rogers is a superb writer, a jack-of-all-trades," commented National Book Award-winner Colum McCann. “Over the years I’ve always enjoyed reading his short stories, never knowing if the next one will be horror or supernatural, humor or crime. His science fantasy novel, ‘Flight of the Eternal Emperor,’ is an entirely gripping read, filled with fascinating characters and sharp, timely, unexpected twists. You’ll be thinking about this wonderful debut novel long after you’ve finished reading it.”
“James Rogers is a tremendous writer,” agreed writer, columnist and musician Larry Kirwan. “And now he’s turned his hand to science fantasy,” You’re in for an unsettling but gratifying read. ‘Flight of the Eternal Emperor’ is the real deal.”
James Rogers
Date of birth: Sept. 8, 1969.
Place of birth: Leitrim
Spouse: wife
Children: 3
Residence: New York City
Published works:
Novel: “Flight of the Eternal Emperor”; Short Stories: 16 stories published in various magazines and anthologies, both online and in print. If I was forced to pick a favorite, I’d probably go with “The Pass" [which can be read here]
What is your writing routine? Are there ideal conditions?
I usually start at about 9 p.m. and write till midnight, though sometimes I lose track of time, if the going’s good, and find myself getting to bed at maybe 2 a.m.
I also enjoy writing in the pub with a good pint of Guinness at hand.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Make a schedule and stick to it. I work on my writing Monday to Friday and take Saturday and Sunday off. And by working on my writing, I mean I write, edit and submit. Submitting is time consuming and not at all enjoyable, but it must be done. Some nights I devote entirely to submissions.
Never let rejections get you down. Keep submitting.
Keep editing. Over and over. The story gets better each time you work on it. Have beta readers, listen to their feedback, but don’t be afraid to trust your own gut feelings.
Name three books that are memorable in terms of your reading pleasure.
“That They May Face the Rising Sun” by John McGahern; “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke; “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole.
What book are you currently reading?
“The Inheritance Trilogy” by N. K. Jemisin. I read “The Broken Earth Trilogy” that won her the Hugo Award three years in a row and what I’m currently reading is every bit as good. She is spectacular – my favorite contemporary fantasy writer.
Is there a book you wish you had written?
I agreed with Stephen Fry when he said comedy writing doesn’t get the respect it deserves. And no writing has ever made me laugh like “The Hitch-hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” series.
If you could meet one author, living or dead, who would it be?
Iain Banks. One of his most famous novels is “The Wasp Factory.” I found it very intriguing. But I must admit I am more interested in his sci-fi (for which he used the name Iain M. Banks). He is probably most famous for his “Culture” series of novels, though my favorite is the standalone novel, “The Algebraist.” His books are thought provoking and thoroughly enjoyable. Many times he has shocked me to the point that I have had to put down the book and go away and have a good think. I would love to have had the chance to meet him and discuss his books, especially his sci-fi.
What book changed your life?
“Rendezvous With Rama,” by Arthur C. Clarke. I was an electronics engineering student in Belfast when I discovered Clarke and the fact that he began life as an electronics engineer. This gave me the encouragement I needed to start writing myself.
For more information visit James Rogers’s website here.
