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Leave Your Audience Wanting More
Mystical Force Volume 5 takes readers on a captivating journey as Detective Shinjo and Shi-Ria battle crime and unravel prophecies amidst the looming rise of Kage Dai Yokai. What was one thing that got you excited to write this book?
It would have to be the introduction of the character of Chiyoko. The first four books were more of world building. While they introduce plot elements which will play a part later on in the series, this was really the part where the actual story really starts getting moving in my opinion. What’s really great about it is that it allows me to really start to explain things that I’ve been hinting at in the previous books. That’s really the hard part in writing a series, you don’t want to give away too much information right at the beginning. They always say you should leave your audience wanting more.
How do you strike a balance between delivering action-packed sequences and exploring diverse points of view in your writing?
That’s a very good question! I wish I had a very good answer for you (HA HA)! Honestly, I don’t really think about it. When I write an action sequence I tend to think more along the line of “how do I get from point A to point B, then C, then D…” and so on. As far as exploring diverse points of view, I always remember the words of my late screen writing teacher Mr. Michael Monty when I studied film and television at Seneca College. He always said that what makes a story work are interesting characters. If you don’t have engaging characters, then no amount of action, sex, violence (or in the case of film/television) impressive visual effects can save your story. I tend to favour the character scenes more, since in my opinion/observation, when it comes to speculative fiction, the focus tends to be more on the characters powers. “What can they do? Can they fly? Can they shoot lasers from their eyes? Can they move things with there minds?” It seems to me (though this is just my opinion – and I don’t watch a lot of movies/TV – so I may be wrong) that a lot of times people tend to create characters with powers simply to have cool things happen to them. For me personally, I’d rather go into the character’s head, find out what makes them tick. So I guess the short answer is I focus more on the characters and exploring their “diverse points of view”, then use the “action-packed sequences” to move the plot along.
Can you tell us more about the process of crafting individual narratives for each character in the book and how they contribute to the overall tapestry of the series?
Another good question! And again, I wish I had a very good answer for you! I don’t really think about it at least not on a conscience level. I guess I tend to either put my views into the characters or have them serve as counterpoints to my views just to debate the matter. I remember a while back reading an article, something about “signs you march to the beat of your own drum”. One of the signs was that you look at both sides of an issue. I’ve always been the type of guy to step back and look at the bigger picture. All too often it seems society encourages us to (as I call it) “think in binary”. To look at the world in black and white. It’s either all or nothing, black or white, one or zero. As for “how they contribute to the overall tapestry”? Mystical Force is really a story of learning to overcome the binary thinking. Specifically the idea of fate and free will being polar opposites. Society in general seems to have this idea that either we have free will or God set some divine plan for us that we must blindly follow without question, whether we want to or not. I don’t agree with that personally. I personally see fate as God/the universe (whatever you choose to call it) giving us the means to follow the decisions we would have already chosen in life. I use my characters individual narratives to show the kind of people that they are, why their lives are the way they are, why they made their individual choices. To go back to my earlier point about ‘fate/free will’, most people tend make their life choices unconsciously, then when things don’t work out the way they expected they claim fate dealt them a bad hand in life. The truth is it’s our thoughts and actions that determine our lot in life, now there are things in life that we can’t control, but we can control how we view/deal with them. That’s how I weave it into the tapestry of the series. Characters like Mystic, Noonien and Shi-ria, trying to show Sister Rose, Chiyoko and Scarlet Knightwalker how to choose their own fate consciously, rather than unconsciously choosing what they don’t want then blaming it on fate.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m currently in the process of editing Liberator vol. 2. I just got the first draft back from my editor, so that one should be out sometime in the fall. While at the same time I’m also writing Mystical Force vol. 6. That’s how I work, whichever series is currently being published by Tellwell, I write the manuscript for the other series. Once that book is out I submit the manuscript for the next one. In this case, I’ll be writing Mystical Force vol. 6 while Tellwell edits and prepares Liberator vol. 2 for publication. After Liberator 2 is out, the manuscript for Mystical Force 6 should be ready to be submitted for publication.
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“I saw a teenage girl I took as my apprentice and trained as a Taman Knight. Actually, I saw two possible futures: one where I die and my apprentice becomes a Koldar Warrior and another where I live, and she becomes a Taman Knight,” Shiria told her friends after arriving on Earth. Now she’s finally going to meet her new apprentice, a teenage girl named Chiyoko.
Abandoned by her father, despised by her mother, Chiyoko is determined to join the Poison Starfish and earn the respect she feels she deserves. Now it’s up to Shi-ria and Detective Shinjo to show Chiyoko she has the chance for a better life than that of a petty criminal. Unfortunately if the Poison Starfish find out about this, it may cost the three of them their lives.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, a mysterious cult tied to the prophecy that brought Shi-ria to Earth wants to use Chiyoko as bait to find Shi-ria and kill her to ensure she doesn’t interfere in their goal: resurrecting a powerful shadow demon, the Kage Dai Yokai, and bringing about the end of the world.
And what about Scarlet Knightwalker? She travelled back in time to prevent Shi-ria and Chiyoko from meeting, to prevent Chiyoko from giving in to her inner darkness and becoming a Koldar Warrior. But what if in doing so she ends up creating the very future she’s been so desperate to prevent?
Mystical Force: Volume 5 Shadows and Darkness
Weidhuner’s fifth installment in the critically acclaimed series Mystical Force Volume 5: Shadows and Darkness continues the captivating journey of Detective Shinjo and the mystical Shi-Ria. Engaged in a ceaseless battle against the forces of crime and chaos, their purpose is to maintain equilibrium in their turbulent world.
Our protagonists’ path intertwines with a dangerous and notorious gang, the Poison Starfish, during an unexpected encounter at a shuttered store. A familiar face surfaces amidst this criminal ensemble – Chiyoko, a character carved by hardships and life’s cruel jests. Her sudden appearance initiates a chaotic distraction, perilously endangering Shinjo. However, the timely intervention of Shi-Ria ensures the duo’s survival and successful arrest of the gang.
Shi-Ria’s mysterious visions of Chiyoko start to crystalize, confirming her as the prophetic figure destined to become a Koldar or a Taman Knight, previously hinted at in Weidhuner’s earlier works. As the narrative unfolds, Shinjo, Shi-Ria, and Chiyoko collectively take on the ominous Sons of the Shadow and the looming rise of Kage Dai Yokai.
Maintaining the quintessential style that fans have come to appreciate, Weidhuner crafts each character with an individual narrative, each contributing to the grand tapestry of the series. The novel zips along briskly, with a steady tone, setting the rhythm for the reader’s immersion.
The addition of Chiyoko, previously a shadowy figure in prophetic visions, brings a fresh and intriguing perspective. Yet, one may find themselves longing for more, as the novel’s brevity leaves some questions unanswered. Compared to its predecessors, which offered richer action sequences and diverse points of view, this volume might seem a bit contained.
Mystical Force Volume 5: Shadows and Darkness perseveres in weaving Shinjo and Shi-Ria’s epic as they strive for harmony and order. This book promises to be an engaging read, ideal for fans of riveting adventures, themes of found family, and a hint of an enigma.
Pages: 84 | ASIN : B0C15X2KS7
Conformity vs Individuality
Liberator: The People’s Guard follows a man who is a member of a secret police organization that genetically modifies him to become a real superhero. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
There wasn’t any one specific thing or event that inspired my story. I’ve always been fascinated by the history of Russia, particularly the period from the Russian Revolution to the collapse of the Soviet Union. In part because my parents grew up in post war Germany and had to flee when the Soviets invaded. My father specifically grew up in America, thus was taught that those “godless commies” were the bad guys. Also after reading the manga “Fairy Tail” and the idea of magic guilds, I thought of the idea of registered superheroes; in other words, how would real world governments react if people like Superman, Batman, Iron Man, Spider-Man and such actually existed. I also drew inspiration from the backstory of “Khan” from Star Trek. The idea of governments trying to control such people because, as someone once said, “What you can control can’t hurt you.”
Tovarich has a moment of awakening, where he starts to see what he grew up believing may not be what is right or what he now believes. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I’ve always been what they call a ‘sigma male’. I like doing my own thing and following my own interests, regardless of what’s popular or cool. I’ve never been one to concern myself about the latest trends or fads. Also I’m also not the type of person to blindly follow authority figures (be it politicians, celebrities, businessmen, even teachers or my own parents) I don’t believe they’re always right about everything. I believe in looking within and thinking for yourself. Like the character of Sister Rose in my “Mystical Force” series, Tovarich is a person who grew up having dogmatism drilled into his head ever since he was a small child. Now, that inner voice/wisdom within him is telling him what the state is saying isn’t true. Actually his ‘higher self’ has been doing that all along, it’s just now that he’s starting to listen to it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The same theme from “Mystical Force” the idea of conformity vs individuality. Those who look within, who make their own decisions in life, who think for themselves vs those who don’t want to think and would rather drift blindly through life being told what to think, do and say by others. The idea of setting the story in a totalitarian dictatorship seemed like an ideal setting to explore such a concept. Especially now with since Ruthenia is an obvious expy of Russia/the Soviet Union and Putin’s unjust invasion of Ukraine (which I am firmly against). But more so that that, the fact that we’re seeing the rise of more authoritarian leaders (whether they’re left or right wing makes no difference) who willingly spread misinformation to ignorant followers who blindly accept it without question. They resort to such methods because they know the rest of the world is awakening and seeing through the lies. Thus they react out of fear because they know the power they once held in an iron grip is rapidly slipping away from them and they’re in panic mode because of that.
What is Volume 2 in the series going to be about, and when will it be available?
Volume 2 follows the natural progression of a country creating a genetically enhanced superhero, other countries react with panic and create their own to try and counter the Liberator. Volume 2 deals with General Flagg and Usonia trying to create their own version of the Liberator, one that’s loyal to their country. I’m currently writing the manuscript for that one so it will probably be out by the fall of 2023. Currently I’m working with Tellwell on publishing Mystical Force Vol. 5: Shadows and Darkness. That one should be out sometime in the spring of 2023. By the time that’s published I should have the manuscript for Liberator Vol. 2 ready for editing and publication.
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buildings, to peaceful demonstrators protesting their government’s poor human-rights record, both of which he must face when a terrorist group plots to kidnap the premier in protest of the state’s iron-clad rule. Fortunately, he’s been genetically modified to be stronger and more resilient than the average person. But do these enhancements help make him a better hero, or further emphasize him as a tool of oppression? Is he the hero or is he the villain? Join Tovarich in this exciting new series as he discovers for himself what it truly means to be a hero. The only real question is: Will his definition of “hero” be compatible with that of the state?
Liberator: The People’s Guard: Vol. 1
When duty calls, Tovarich Revanov answers. The zealous young man is a member of the Ruthenian secret police tasked with fishing out enemies of the communist state and clamping down on any anti-government uprising. This time, Tovarich has a peculiar mission: consenting to become a genetically enhanced state-sponsored hero. He approaches his new mission with his trademark commitment and gives his all to protect what he believes to be a just cause. But Tovarich soon begins to wonder if he is indeed on the right side.
Craig Weidhuner’s Liberator: The People’s Guard (Volume 1) is a fast-paced, action-packed novella that pits a totalitarian government against local rebels. It takes an interesting approach by featuring not just the regular tactics that totalitarian states adopt such as media propaganda but also unconventional tools like superheroes — quite imaginative, if you ask me. Weidhuner’s writing is direct and clear and reads almost like an action adventure comic that you can read to young kids at bedtime. This takes nothing away from the immersive experience the story offers, though. Weidhuner definitely has compelling ideas and I reveled in them. He excels at using his work to mirror the hypocrisy that dominates global politics and focuses on two superpowers which he doesn’t name but alludes to (you’d easily figure them out). He also does well at vividly presenting his characters. You can put a face to each key character and understand their personality.
Although Weidhuner got a lot right, and I enjoy the brevity of the story, I would have loved to have seen more depth in the plot and more time given to flesh out the fantastic ending. If you are down for some light reading featuring a good story you can blitz through in a few hours, you might want to check out Liberator: The People’s Guard: Vol. 1 because it is entertaining.
Pages: 98 | ASIN: B0BCPPDRPJ
An Omnipotent Trickster
Mystical Force Volume 4: Many are 1, 1 is 0 follows a sorceress who wants to unleash an omnipotent being to take control of the world for her, while a knight tries to prevent this from occuring. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The character of 0 (Zero), I based him off of ‘Q’ from Star Trek: The Next Generation. He was one of my favourite characters from TNG. It’s a classic idea, the omnipotent trickster who uses his powers to meddle in the lives of our heroes for his own amusement. This story was a means to set up 0’s introduction, as he’ll play an important role in the series later on, although it isn’t obvious. 0 is a being with god like power, and like a god, he works in subtle ways that many of us don’t realize. To quote an episode of Futurama, “When you [God] do things right, people won’t be sure you’ve done anything at all.”
What was your favorite character to write for and why?
That would be 0. As I stated, I based him off of ‘Q’ from Star Trek: The Next Generation. 0, like Q, is less of a villain and more of an annoyance to our characters. Like Q, 0’s antics may appear to be nothing more than irritating our protagonists for his own twisted sense of pleasure, but underneath he’s secretly trying to help our heroes. It’s a case of him secretly testing our characters. Because he’s an omnipotent trickster, it was great fun having him troll the others, such as the scene near the end when appears before the Order of the Cross, taking the form of (the Christian depiction) God, and later the Pope. Or how he uses his powers to make two countries go to war over Twinkies. I’ve always liked that Monty Python style of humour, that either makes you laugh or ask “What the hell was this guy high on when he came up with that?!” (for the record, I wasn’t high on anything! I don’t do drugs.)
What was one of the hardest parts in Mystical Force Volume 4: Many are 1, 1 is 0 for you to write?
Near the end when Knightwalker “defeats” 0 and sends him home, undoing all the chaos he’s caused. Everyone except our main characters forgets all his antics. When I got the manuscript back from my editor Tereza (a wonderful editor, who really goes above and beyond to help make this series what it is) she asked why they’re the only one’s who remember. Honestly the only real answer I had was that since 0 would be returning at a later date, I didn’t want to go through the process of introducing him all over again. It’s like that Star Trek TNG episode Hide and Q, Q suspends time when his visits the Enterprise. When time resumes later, only the main characters seem aware of what’s happened. Everyone else seems oblivious to Q’s meddling. That’s why I added the part explaining that 0 allowed them to remember so that when he returns he can enjoy their reactions of “OH NO! Not you again!!” That’s part of his character, he loves trolling others. The idea of being an irritant to ‘lesser’ beings amuses him. Like a mischievous child tormenting insects because he’s bored.
What is the next book in the series about and when will it be available?
First let me just add, that I’m also working on a new series set in the same universe called Liberator: the People’s Guard, which should be out very soon (or depending on when this is posted, it may already be out). But in regards to Mystical Force volume 5, I’m currently finishing up the manuscript. Hopefully that one will be out sometime next spring. (I’ll be alternating between Liberator and Mystical Force for the duration of those series). Now what will volume 5 be about? Back in volumes 2 & 3 I teased that Scarlet Knightwalker came from the future because in that time Shi-ria trained an apprentice, died and her apprentice (along with Mystic and Sister Rose) turned evil and took over the world ruling it as a totalitarian dictatorship. Hence why Knightwalker came back to change history. Volume 2 ends with Shi-ria seeing this as a possible future along with one where she lives and her apprentice becomes a Taman Knight. Volume 5 introduces this apprentice. A teenage girl named Chiyoko, who comes from a broken home. A girl Shi-ria takes under her wing as she sees a bit of herself in this girl, a reminder of how she used to be before becoming a Taman Knight. We also get a sneak peek at the “descendant of the darkness”, a young man with shadow based ninja powers. I suppose you could say this is where the main plot of the series really beings.
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Meanwhile, Aanjay and Jimomaru are once again determined to destroy Sister Rose as revenge for the Order of the Cross persecuting them. Aanjay and Jimomaru soon find themselves getting some unexpected help from Zolida, who uses the stolen scroll to bring some help of her own. Help in the form of a new being named 0, a being from another dimension. A member of a species called the 1, 0 is an omnipotent entity with the powers of a god and the personality of a bratty child, tormenting insects because he’s bored.
Zolida tries to get 0’s help in punishing humanity. However, things quickly spiral out of control. First 0 uses his powers to turn Tokijin into a human and then turn Rose into a demon. Before long he’s turning all humans into demons, knocking planets out of orbit and causing all manner of chaos for his own entertainment. It seems no one, not even Zolida, is able to stop him. Is there anyone powerful enough to control this mad god? Or is the world doomed to an eternity of insanity at the hands of this omnipotent prankster who sees reality as a game and all living beings as little playthings for his own amusement?
Mystical Force: Vol. 4
Mystical Force Volume 4: Many are 1, 1 is 0, by Craig Weidhuner, is the next installment in the series following a Taman Knight from the planet Thalia. An evil sorceress, Zolida, is trying to find an ancient scroll. Unfortunately, the scroll releases an omnipotent being named 0, whom she wants to control and use against her enemies.
The story begins with Zolida hiring a mercenary to steal the scroll. Shi-ria, a Taman Knight from the previous volume, tries to prevent Zolida from obtaining the scroll. Shi-ria does not know what power the scroll has but knows Zolida will use it to try and change the future for the worse. Zolida ends up with the scroll and releases 0 from its world. 0 is an almost God-like being that can change matter, time, and space. He becomes an important character and alters the reality that humans, mages, and demons know.
The writing in this book unveils a lot at a fast pace. There are many different characters involved in the plot, which gives the book depth. However, there is still minor individual character development. Nevertheless, the pace and tone of the book are well written and easy to read.
Although this is another installment in the series, this book focuses on a different character. The main characters from volume 3 were involved, but I don’t think you need to read the previous book to understand this one. I would’ve liked to see more depth in the characters between volumes and a better continuation of the plot overall. This volume reads as a stand-alone that could potentially have a sequel.
Mystical Force Volume 4: Many are 1, 1 is 0, by Craig Weidhuner, is a continuation that focuses on the evil mage Zolida. If you like action, adventure, magic, and triumph over evil, this book is for you.
Pages: 72 | ASIN : B09VY2KVRZ
LITERARY TITAN 