Frank Herda

Author Frank A. Herda, an avid reader of Science Fiction/Fantasy,became enthralled by the genre at a very early age. He retired from the Department of Defense after thirty-three years of service as an employee of the Federal Government. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Viet Nam as a combat infantryman. His medals for valor include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Start, Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. Herda is currently working on Book Two of the Chronicles of the Dragons of the Magi. In addition to writing, his current passions include playing massively multiplayer online games (MMOG), including the World of Warcraft, and EverQuest.

 

Visit Frank online at http://www.frankherda.com

PageOneLit.com: Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life? Who were your earliest influences and why?

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. My first reading experience in the Sci-If genre was by reading comic books. If only I had kept some of those old comic books, they would have worth a fortune now. Who would have guessed?

As for writing, I regret that I never paid more attention in English class. I can't fault my teachers, I had some great ones. I guess I was like so many young people who never thought that reading and writing went hand-in-hand. I would guess that some of those teachers would be greatly surprised to find I am now a published author.

I would place authors like H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Robert Heinland, and Edgar Rice Burroughs were, to name a few, were those that compelled me to read. Their stories took me away from everyday life and transported me to new worlds, and awakened a desire to read more and dream of the possibilities..

 

PageOneLit.com: Why do you write?

I write to attempt to stir the interest of younger readers to read. My basic axiom is that if you can read, you can gain knowledge. Knowledge is power! If you know how to read, there is nothing that you can not do or achieve. Sadly, there is too much television and other pursuits that stagnate the minds of the young these days.

PageOneLit.com: Briefly describe the plot for your new book "The Cup of Death Book One: The Chronicles of the Dragons of the Magi"

My book transports the reader into the far future, after a devastating global war and geographic catyclysms. The hero of the story is a young man, who displays far reaching skills in magic. The story takes him through his apprenticeship with a Magi Guild. He chosen to be bonded to a female dragon, whose magical skills are equal to his. With his boyhood companion, a saber-tooth cat, they fight the Evil Alliance to maintain peace in a troubled world.
 

 

PageOneLit.com: "The Cup of Death Book One: The Chronicles of the Dragons of the Magi" is a fantasy adventure - What makes this story different from others in the genre?

This novel is unique in the hidden lessons for the young reader, and a reminder for the older reader, of values lessons that are so important for today's youth.
 

PageoneLit.com:What is a "Necromancer"? Who is Frazier?

In the classic definition a necromancer is a person that practices magic, sorcery, divination by conjuring up the dead. However, in my story, a necromancer has a wide variety of skills to save lives and defeat those who practice evil magic.

Frazier is a gifted, but humble young man, who is destined to be a major part of the battle between good and evil.
 

 

PageOneLit.com: Do you believe dragons ever existed or existed just in fiction? Explain.

I do believe that dragons existed in our history. There are numerous works of ancient and medieval history from many parts of the world that mention and describe dragons. The absense of a fossil record, at this time, cannot exclude thier existance.

PageOneLit.com: "The Cup of Death Book One: The Chronicles of the Dragons of the Magi" would make a great movie/film - If Hollywood called and asked you cast the parts for your book, who would you cast and why?

There are so many fine actors and actresses, that I would have a difficult time determining who be cast for the characters in my book.
 

 

PageOneLit.com: What do you hope to achieve with "The Cup of Death Book One: The Chronicles of the Dragons of the Magi"

My hope is to tell a tale that compells younger readers to read more, be a infulence by the hidden moral lessons, and stir the imagination of any who read this book.

 

PageOneLit.com: What's next?

I do have a sequel in progress for The Chronicles of the Dragons of the Magi in progress. In addition, a prequel story for the series was published on June 9, 2008.

Also, I have a space mystery in progress.

 

PageOneLit.com: What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was The Sharing Knife, Passage written by Lois McMaster Bujold.

 

PageOneLit.com: Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing?

I have numerous hobbies. Coin and stamp collecting, archeology, history, On-line games predominately World of Warcraft and reading. My collections give me a lot of insight as do archeology and history books. I read at least an hour a day, if not more. There are some great authors like Anne McCaffrey, Elizabeth Ann Scarborough who have made a profound impression on me, some, I've even been privileged to communicate with.