Character Interview with Chi-Ro Jin

General Chi-Ro Jin is a hero of the first and second Psychic Wars. He was born on the planet Talis, the son of Space Commodore Jin Lan. He is a master of Hatari Ikou - the Way of Matchless Power, an extremely ancient martial art developed by Mara Kai fighting monks. While a sentinel in the Imperial Court of His Majesty The Emperor Sakara Rey I, he was secretly assigned the role of shamira or protector of Prince Armon of the Blood and has been a key figure in the pivotal Battle of Miru. Chi-Ro is one of the most highly-decorated veterans of the Psychic Wars, having been awarded the Star of Ra, Star of Enki, Order of the Tordon Raptor, Verlaine Star, Sentinel of the Cosmic Sea, Distinguished Aerospace Service Medal, and Commander of the Order of the Eternal Warrior.

1. How did you first meet Wayne Gerard Trotman?

I am Chi-Ro, son of Jin. I first met Master Wayne, the writer of ‘Veterans of the Psychic Wars’ in a waking dream of my design.

2. Did you ever expect your adventures to be written in a book?

Certainly not in a Kian book, and my recent portrayal in Talisian opera is somewhat disconcerting. However, I have dedicated my life to the service of His Majesty The Emperor Sakara Rey I; and he has entrusted me with a most important task – the safety of his only son. As shamira to the prince, it seems, my life has become of interest to others. May the scribes record it.

3. What are your favourite scenes in Veterans of the Psychic Wars: dialogue, romance, action?

I am a warrior not an orator; and I fear that at the hour of succession, the Prince Armon may abdicate for love of his Kian consort. Romance leads to folly, and in times of war, folly leads to death. So I say to you, my favourite scenes involve action, for it is by action that we will bring the Psychic Wars to an end.

4. Did you have difficulty convincing Wayne Gerard Trotman to write any particular scenes for you?

At times, I sensed a great struggle in the mind of Master Wayne regarding whether some characters should live or die; then there were times when he displayed wanton recklessness regarding the lives of his characters. Often, we were left to wonder who would die when the page was turned. To compound matters, I soon discovered that Master Wayne is also exceptionally stubborn – I suspect he may be Talisian. But, with considerable effort, I was able to influence a few of his decisions.

5. Have you ever infiltrated Wayne Gerard Trotman’s dreams?

Verily, I am Chi-Ro son of Jin, master of Hatari Ikou, and a veteran of the Psychic Wars. Dream infiltration is but one of my skills. Have you not read the book?

6. What do you enjoy doing when not on active duty?

I enjoy playing my Sythenian wax wood flute.

7. Are you currently in a relationship?

No, my beloved consort is no longer in a plane of existence that is accessible to me; and I will love no other.

8. Are you pleased with the genre you have been placed in?

Verily, military science fiction is a noble genre.

9. What would you rewrite in Veterans of the Psychic Wars, if you could?

I would completely erase the Kian character known as Dr. Zachary Silverman. I found his frivolous attitude to be most irritating; but he is the loyal friend of Master Armon, and I must admit I gained a measure of enjoyment from sparring with him. Alas, in the end, his portrayal was particularly poignant.  So, in retrospect, perhaps I would not rewrite anything.

10. Do you like the way your epic adventure ended?

A most satisfactory conclusion; however, I sense that the story has not ended. I expect I will be called upon to wield my sok-bou again.

11. Would you be interested in a sequel written by Wayne Gerard Trotman?

Verily, even if it were not my sworn duty to serve the Talisian Empire, I would be most interested in the continuation of this epic. Rest assured, I have every confidence that my psychic projections will be successful. There will be a sequel. May the scribes record it.

12. Are you happy being portrayed in digital editions or would you rather be in paperback versions only?

A veteran of the Psychic Wars cannot be limited by formats - paperback books, eBooks… All formats are suitable. In fact, I believe I would even be quite suited to that archaic form of entertainment, which Kians refer to as ‘movies’. Verily, the Kian known as Jackie Chan would be most ideal for my portrayal. Perhaps I should infiltrate his dreams…

13. Were you able to contribute to the cover design for Veterans of the Psychic Wars?

Alas, I had been engaged in Imperial duties when the cover was conceived. You will note the conspicuous absence of my image from the book cover. Instead, Kiya Mankuria was granted that honour. It seems she has also been infiltrating Master Wayne’s dreams. I must remind him that beauty can be a deadly weapon; and this is especially true of the highly trained Kiya Mankuria.

14. What is the lamest characteristic attributed to you by Wayne Gerard Trotman?

You dare to suggest that the son of Jin is lame? Ahhh… Your thoughts are transparent. You refer to the most displeasing characteristic. Forgive my outburst, the Kian use of language is often imprecise and years of combat have left me prone to intolerance. On occasion, Master Wayne made the most unsettling suggestion that Chi-Ro Jin is capable of panic, especially with regards to the protection of the prince. I assure you, I have engaged in the dance of death countless times. Panic, however mild, is not something I am capable of.

15. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I suspect, by Kian standards, any well-trained veteran of the Psychic Wars would appear to be superhuman. Nevertheless, despite my attempts, the secret of astral projection continues to elude me.

Author Bio:

Wayne Gerard Trotman is a British writer, filmmaker, artist, photographer, composer and producer of electronic music. Born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Trotman immigrated to England in 1984, where he lives with his wife and two young sons.

A martial arts enthusiast, he wrote and directed 'Ashes to Ashes', Britain's first martial arts feature-film. He has a cosmopolitan and multi-cultural approach to all his artistic work, which has received recognition internationally. His epic science-fiction novel, 'Veterans of the Psychic Wars', is the first of a proposed 'Psychic Wars' series.

Synopsis:

In a distant galaxy known as the Cosmic Sea, Baron Seti Aljyk has caused the Second Psychic War by seizing Najura, the last of the ancient swords of power, and usurping the imperial throne from Sakara Rey, the True Emperor.

On Earth, young schoolteacher Roman Doyle remains unaware he is Prince Armon Sakara, heir apparent of the True Emperor. That is, until he encounters Chi-Ro Jin, a Veteran of the Psychic Wars. Chi-Ro’s mission is to return Roman to the True Emperor, but Roman believes that Chi-Ro is crazy. When Roman’s wife, Soraya, is abducted by the Baron’s assassins, Roman is forced to make the epic journey to the Cosmic Sea.

However he does not go alone. He is joined by his shamira Chi-Ro, Nuri Nemsys a beautiful secret agent, Anah Sadaka the mysterious captain of the Starglider Sanura and Roman’s friend, Zachary Silverman, a quantum physicist.

With his dormant psychic and astral abilities awakened by an alien drug and pursued by the Baron’s assassins, Roman, his friend, and the Veterans of the Psychic Wars face evil and danger in uncharted space and on alien worlds.

Roman must overcome his fears, master the martial art of Hatari Ikou, and learn the secrets of astral projection, in order to rescue his wife, retrieve the sword of power, and bring the Psychic Wars to an end.

Amazon links:
amazon.com
amazon.co.uk

Smashwords:

smashwords.com

Official site:

waynegerardtrotman.com

Interview with Joseph Corsentino

Joseph Corsentino has always been attracted to art and storytelling.  He spent his youth creating videos, writing, or studying temporal theories.  In high school, he took a photography class and quickly developed an obsession with turning the stories that he wrote into photographs. Joseph spent the early part of his career, working at a high-end wedding photography studio, perfecting his Photoshop skills.  In 2003, Joseph left his daytime job and drove west to Los Angeles, California “to see about a girl,” his future wife, Donny. Joseph also took this opportunity to experiment with his photography full time.

Now, a professional photographer with ten years of experience, Joseph works with models, actors, and musicians, to develop images that fully capture their talent and beauty. As an artist, Joseph focuses on the ‘Time of the Faeries’ project, an epic retelling of the faerie mythology inspired by many of the people he knew growing up.  His take on faerie lore is based on urban myths, the current political climate, and the spirits who carry on nonetheless.  While beautiful, it contains his vision of the chaos and tragedy that is present in a fading, counterculture.

During the 7 years he's been creating 'Time of the Faeries', Joseph has had his first book, of the same title, published by Imaginosis Publishing. He has been featured in numerous magazines, and is a regular guest artist at many conventions such as Faerieworlds Festival and Faeriecon.  More recently, Joseph was a guest of honor at conventions such as Fantasy Modelfest and Xanadu, Las Vegas.  His photography is licensed to various companies, and can be found through Art.com, Stickerchicks and I Do Believe, UK.

1. You are described as a ‘visual storyteller’. Tell us about your ‘visual novel’, ‘Time Of The Faeries: Afterlight, End Of The World’. 

Afterlight, End of the World is the first in a four-part visual novel series. The Afterlight Visual Novel Series combines digital art and narrative, to create an epic tale of the evolution of a new mythology - spanning past, present, and future. It explains the origins of the Faeries, why they left us, and what has become of them since they were suddenly forced back into our modern world. It shows how some adapted and learned to thrive in this new and unfamiliar landscape, while others wasted away in apathy and depression. It sheds light on the evolution of Angels and Vampires from a common Fae ancestor, and their own unique adaptations to the modern world. It follows the alliances and tensions that develop between these three species as they struggle to protect human civilization, or shape it to their will. And, it explores the mysterious phenomenon of Kai, the energy of possibility and potential, which flows through every living being and is the lifeblood of Faeries, Angels, and Vampires alike. The Afterlight follows several lines of cause and effect, revealing possible versions of the Apocalypse at the hands of all three species; but ends with the fate of world resting where it was always meant to: in humanity's hands.

2. Why did you choose to produce photographic images of faeries, and what do you hope to achieve with them?  Is there an underlying theme or message in your work?

I’ve been a photographer for over ten years now, but I only got into fantasy photography about eight years ago. With a group of friends, I used to run around Long Island, NY taking photos and having fun. At one particular photo-shoot, we shot a dozen faeries, creating individual wings and costumes for everyone. From that photo-shoot, I was inspired to create more fantasy art. Years later, Time of the Faeries evolved.

The character and depth of my faeries, evolved from a very poignant moment years ago.  On a trip to Tiajuana, Mexico, I got lost and found myself in the red light district. The streets were lined with young girls, prostituting themselves. Their desolate poses as they stood, waiting for customers, struck me so deeply that I developed the idea of the street faeries: creatures of magick, lost in our urban lifestyle. What I hope people will draw from Time of the Faeries, is that magick exists in our world, even in the grittiest of places. But, at the end of the day, it's about people doing the work, not relying on fantasy or magick. It's about people working as people, to evolve and create, and better themselves, and the world around them.

3. Of the images you’ve created, do you have a favourite? If so, why this particular work?

My favourites change from week to week!  Whichever is the newest, which took the most time and effort, or showed a new change in my style - they all end up favourites, at some point.  Currently, I have ‘The Life Elemental’ on my desktop.  She’s a long-time character that I’ve played with in my head, but never quite realized until now.  Though she represents life, her ultimate destiny is to sacrifice herself.  I like to visit tragedy upon my creations.

4. How is creating fantasy art different from creating other genres?

Truthfully, I’m a science fiction fan first and foremost.  It’s turned out that the storyline I created is more fantasy than science fiction; but I still managed to incorporate science fiction elements, such as time travelling and several apocalypses into it.  For me, it seems that when I create fantasy art, I tap into the emotional side of things, creating visuals that convey an emotion or a mood.  When I create sci-fi art, I’m thinking more about linear events and causality.  It is different, even if my process is the same.

5. What do you find most rewarding in the creative process?

As a photographer, I find the collaborative nature of the work most fulfilling.  Yes, I have characters in mind that I want to photo-shoot, but these characters are created in dialogue with the make-up artist, the stylist, and ultimately, the model.  Every image I create, is a testament to creative collaboration among many talented people.

6. What do you find most challenging, and how do you overcome it?

I seem to have two brains, the writing brain and the visual art brain.  It takes a lot of time and energy for me to switch between writing and working on the next image.  However, Time of the Faeries: Afterlight, demands that I do both; so I struggle to write for a stretch of time, then switch to doing image work.  I try to compartmentalize and prioritize, so that I don’t have to do both at once – because, it just doesn’t work.

7. Tell us a little about how images were created for the ‘Time Of The Faeries’ series.

My artwork is based on collaboration, with the people who model for me. First, we find a person with the “spark” or characteristics that we are looking for. We invite them to do a photo-shoot with us, dress them up, and then spend a few hours shooting and building a character. Finally, it’s time for me to sit at a computer for hours and days building the magick and background, using Photoshop as my artistic tool. It is an intense process for me, and for the models.

8. Evolution seems an inherent facet of fantasy art. What new developments are you aware of, with regards to the application of technology, in this genre?

You know, I used to do this with a film camera?  Do you know how expensive that was?  Then, the digital cameras came out, and Photoshop started getting better and better with each iteration.  My images also started getting bigger, more detailed, and richer in character, with each step of the technological evolution.  I don’t know what the latest development in visual art technology is, but I can tell you that I’m probably going to invest in it, and my art will be directly affected by changes in technology.

9. What advice would you give to artists considering a career in art?

Keep creating.  If you are serious about a career in art, then the best thing you can do is to keep creating.  As you create, you improve your techniques, you find your voice, and you find your style.  This is not an easy career to be in at the best of time, and in a depressed economy, such as our current one, it’s terrifying.  Don’t quit your day job immediately; but that doesn’t mean you can’t create in your free time.  The best advice I was ever given?  This game is called “Last Man Standing” and years later, I’m still standing here, shooting.

10. Tell us a little about any good fantasy art you’ve seen recently.

deviantArt is chocked full of amazing art.  I came across a new favourite, One Vox.  He’s just amazing;  I’m in awe of his “Simikiel”.

11. What do you do, when you’re not being artistic?

I’m a media geek.  I watch every sci-fi, fantasy, or superhero movie anybody cares to put out there.  My walls, shelves, and tabletops are lined with Transformers figures and always have been. I’m a fan; I guess that’s why I create art, because I enjoy this stuff!

12. What aspirations, or reservations, do you have regarding your art being used in film and television?

I love movies.  When I write a story, I write it as if I’m watching a movie, so yes, I would love to see Time of the Faeries as a movie or television series.  We’re working on it!

13. Would you like to see your book adapted for the screen? If so, who would be your director of choice, and why?

Can’t talk about this now, but would LOVE to expound on this at a later date!

14. Describe your art in one sentence.

Bringing reality to fantasy.

15. Where can we find you and your art?

http://www.timeofthefaeries.com

http://www.facebook.com/timeofthefaeries

http://www.twitter.com/timeofthefaerie

http://josephcorsentino.deviantart.com

Press Release - Veterans of the Psychic Wars

Exciting new trailer produced by Red Moon Productions Limited for ‘Veterans of the Psychic Wars’, the critically acclaimed science fiction novel by Wayne Gerard Trotman. Available now in Kindle, eBook and Paperback editions.


Trailer Dialogue:

A warrior from a distant galaxy is sent to Earth to retrieve Prince Armon Sakara, heir apparent of The True Emperor of the Cosmic Sea. Armon believes he is Roman Doyle. Who is Roman Doyle?

Roman Doyle is a schoolteacher. His wife is pregnant. Their life is ordinary, until he meets a Veteran of the Psychic Wars. To rescue his wife, they must travel to another galaxy. But they do not go alone; they are joined by a beautiful secret agent, a quantum physicist, and the captain of a starship.

With his astral and psychic abilities awakened by an alien drug, Roman must overcome his fears and master the martial art of Hatari Ikou. There is evil and danger everywhere, from androids, clones, shape-shifters, and monsters.

In uncharted space, and on alien worlds, join the Veterans of the Psychic Wars.

Read the Press Release

Watch the Trailer

Interview with Michael D. Knight

Michael D. Knight is a graphic artist who originally started out, many years ago, as a traditional artist - painting, illustrating and making models from scratch. He built props and miniatures, for a few years, for low-budget film companies.  When computers began taking over the industry, he felt it was time to learn how to produce digital art.  He did this the hard way, without the benefit of any professional instruction. Because of his love of model making, Michael eventually got into 3D art. He has created book cover art, and much of his work has been published in magazines and books. Michael discussed having a fond interest in subjects such as science fiction, Gothic horror, UFOs & the paranormal, all of which, he feels, have had a profound influence on his work.

1.     Tell us about your artwork.

Over the years it has gone through many changes. I started off doing miniatures for independent film. A lot of my artwork is sci-fi themed but I do branch out quite a bit into other themes, like comical and gothic works. A lot of my sci-fi works are UFO and paranormal influenced.

2.     Why did you choose digital art, and what do you hope to achieve with it?

Working as a traditional artist, I felt very limited. It took technology many years before it got to a level where I could use it in the ways I do now. I like how much more freedom I have with the digital tools. I find I can create many different styles, depending on my mood, or what I am looking to achieve. I've always hoped that the digital world would make my work more successful, so far, ‘yes’ and ‘no’... I'm still a starving, struggling artist; but I do it because it's what I love, and it feeds my soul.

3.     Is there an underlying theme or message in your work?

In many of my UFO & Gothic works, I would have to say ‘yes’. Although, precisely WHAT that message is, quite often eludes even me; but I feel very much compelled to create them, so I feel there must be something important to that.

4.     I was very impressed to learn that you are a self-taught graphic artist. Tell us about your learning process, and particularly how your work evolved as a result of it.

Thank you. It has been a very long and, quite often, difficult road having to sort of muddle through and learn the many different applications. I have seen my work take on many changes, since the beginning. And looking back over some of my older work, I see things I would have perhaps done differently NOW, knowing what I know now. I sometimes think about revisiting some of my older work, with that in mind; but there is always something new to create.

5.     Of the artwork you’ve created, do you have a favourite? If so, why this particular work?

Hmmm, that is a tough one. I have so many favourites, but I guess if I had to pick one, off the top of my head, I would have to say it would be a sci-fi piece I did entitled ‘Coming in Hot’. I quite often look at that particular piece and think, “Man you can almost hear the roar of the engines!”

6.     How is creating science fiction and fantasy art different from creating other genres?

I think with sci-fi, it allows much more freedom of imagination and allows me to create whatever I want. Whereas, creating things like say 3D objects of normal everyday items, I feel sort of locked into making sure it looks a certain way. But with sci-fi, I can pull out all the stops and just go nuts.

7.     What do you find most rewarding in the creative process?

I would have to say looking at a finished piece and feeling very satisfied and somehow accomplished. Especially if it something that has turned out very well, or even better, than originally planned.

8.     What do you find most challenging in the creative process, and how do you overcome it?

I think, even to this day, I still have trouble getting ‘life’ into a lot of my stuff. I guess, what I mean, is trying to put people or characters into my work. As far as overcoming it, it's still very much an ongoing thing with me, I think.

9.     What have you done to promote and market your artwork, and what advice would you give to other artists?

This has always been a difficulty, even to this day. I try and get my stuff onto as many sites like RedBubble, CafePress, Zazzle, deviantArt and many others. I would strongly recommend other artist to do the same. It's a great way, to not only get your work out there, but also a chance to make a little coin in the process.

10.  Who, do you imagine, would be your ideal client?

George Lucas, LOL.  One can dream.  But in all seriousness, anyone who greatly appreciates my work is welcome.

11.  What advice would you give to help others build the skill and confidence required to produce digital art?

Although it can be very frustrating at times, I would say, “Never give up and just keep at it, determination, and a whole boatload of patience, eventually goes a long way.”

12.  What aspirations, or reservations, do you have regarding your art being used in film and television?

Ever since I was very young, I always wanted to get involved in that sort of thing. I get a great kick out of occasionally seeing my work in a TV commercial or film project; although I would love to be more directly involved in that type of work.

13.  Tell us a little about any good art you’ve seen recently.

Almost every day I see amazing works on deviantArt and in the ‘Today’s Best’ on Zazzle.

14.  What are you doing now?

Lately I've been working on a lot of simple vector art of food items, comical stuff and some sci-fi stuff. All simple vector shape stuff, as I noticed that it is an area that I've been lacking in on my T-shirt sites. So I've been trying to beef up that sort of thing lately.

15.  Describe your art in one sentence.

Not sure I can, it's too multi-themed and styled to describe that way, at least for me, anyway.

16.  Where can we find you and your art?

RedBubble

deviantART

CafePress

Zazzle

Zentai Guy's Blog

MDK Graphics Blog

Alien Zombies Blog

What is Red Moon Chronicle?

My aim is to build an interesting, intelligent site dedicated to all things relating to independent speculative fiction, with an emphasis on the futuristic, the paranormal, the unusual, and generally anything I find exciting or interesting.

On this site, I hope to provide uniquely creative individuals with an opportunity to tell the world about their work, with links to their respective websites and information regarding how to purchase the work, etc.

I am conducting interviews with interesting individuals including artists, musicians, authors, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, martial artists, photographers and tastemakers. They all have one thing in common, their work is brilliant!

Wayne Gerard Trotman