Today’s interview is with Aidan Lucid, an Irish fantasy author who answers my questions below about his book, The Lost Son. Lucid is also hosting a giveaway, offering three paperback copies and one ecopy to all entrants worldwide. So, be sure to follow him on social media and share!
About the author and book.
Hi. My name is Aidan Lucid and I’m from Ireland. Since 2002, I’ve been writing and had a number of articles, poems etc. published in local magazines and anthologies. Back in 2007, I achieved my long-time goal of writing for my local newspaper, The Kerryman. Last year my debut YA fantasy novel, The Lost Son, was published.
Author Name: Aidan Lucid
Author Links
Book Title: The Lost Son
Genre: Fantasy
Book Summary
Dragons attacking a WW II plane over the Bermuda Triangle, magic and epic battles; yup, it’s all here. When 17 year-old Henry Simmons finds a magical gold coin, he thinks it will help him win the heart of Tracey Maxwell. Little does he know, however, that it will bring him and four others to a land called Zargothia, where he must free the people there from a savage race known as Sadarkians. But with danger and treachery lurking around every corner, will Henry succeed?
Review Excerpts
“The flow of this novel is such that I just kept on reading. There are some great fight scenes in this book, and some very well fleshed out interactions of totally believable characters. Give it a try; you will enjoy it, especially if you believe in magic.” – J.D. Warner, author of, Hexa-tech
“The Lost Son, is a unique fantasy novel that begins with a bang. This fast-paced adventure keeps the reader turning pages, while it offers a story that will keep you guessing.” – Brandy Alexander, author of, Genesis.
“The plot of the book is solid and engaging, exciting and well developed. All told, I believe Aidan shows promise in his story and I will keep my eye out for the next one.” – Scott Collins, author of, Days’ End.
“The Lost Son was written by Ireland’s own, Aidan Lucid, and let me tell you, he is going to be one of the shining stars in the literary world. From the first chapter, this story has it all…” – Randy Belaire, author of, The Reckoning: Chronicles of the Shadow Chaser
Talking Shop
What is the central theme or message of your story? What do you want readers to take away from it?
There are a couple of themes in this book. Courage Under Fire is the first. Henry, who is normally a shy, awkward kind of kid, is thrown into a world where he has to learn to fight and defend himself from bloodthirsty creatures. This is way outside his comfort zone as he’s normally the non-confrontational type.
The second theme is that it’s okay to be different. Growing up and having lived with a disability all my life, it took me a while to learn that it’s okay to be different and be your own person. Don’t let society try and make you conform into what they think is ‘normal’.
Did you use any professional services before publishing your book? Are there any you recommend to indie authors?
I had my book edited by the wonderful Pamela from Fiverr.com and a fantastic book trailer created by Danish_cg also from Fiverr. They’re great people to work with.
What’s the best review/compliment that you’ve received about your book?
Someone said to me recently that when they read my book it was like watching a movie. Everything was so visual that you could see the whole thing playing in your mind, which is what I was aiming for. While going to school, we were always taught to make our stories as visual and life-like as possible, something I always strived to do.
What is a fun or strange source of inspiration that ended up in your book?
The dogfight between the WW II plane and dragons at the start was inspired by a real-life event called, “The Flight 19 Incident” In December 1945, a squadron of planes went out on a training mission but they never returned. The planes mysteriously vanished in the Bermuda Triangle and were never found. This made me want to have the dogfight occur over this mysterious place where so many ships and aircrafts have vanished.
How long did it take to write your book from the day you got the idea to write it to the day you published it?
Back in 2005, I got the nucleus of the idea and plotted it out. Then in 2010 it was published under a different title. Three years later due to personal reasons, I left the publisher and listened to the feedback I received from readers. So I made a number of changes and got another publisher who published it last year.
“What If” Scenarios
If you could have one person that you admire, living or dead, read your book, who would it be?
As I write fantasy mostly, I would love for Tolkien or C.S. Lewis to have read it and got their feedback. They’re the granddaddies of fantasy so their opinions would mean the world to me.
If you could be in a writer’s group with up to four famous writers, who would they be?
Stephen King, JRR Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Elvis (I know the latter is not a writer but I’m a HUGE fan).
A wealthy reader buys 100 copies of your book and tells you to hand them out to anyone you wish. Who do you give them to?
I give them to underprivileged school kids to help them escape the mundane with my novel.
You’re offered a contract to rewrite your book in another genre. Which genre do you choose and why?
I would make it a horror novel, fighting undead Sadarkian knights.
Your book becomes a best seller. What do you do next?
From the royalties, I would buy a new car and if more of my books became bestsellers, I would buy a new house. But all jokes aside, I would set up a group or agency that makes it easier for new authors to publicise their books. It’s so hard trying to promote novels that it does take up a lot of time. Newcomers find it hard to promote themselves so this outlet would help them do that.
Just For Fun
Your trademark feature.
I’ve been told by a number of people (and not just my wife), that I have a cool, deep sexy Irish accent. Oh, and I’m pretty good at reading angel cards. I get asked to do that a lot.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
Growing up, I didn’t really have that many role models to look up to who had a disability and became famous for their achievements. It’s only in later years that I learned of Helen Keller and Stephen Hawking. My legacy would be to become a famous author and show the world that just because you have a disability, it’s not the end. You CAN achieve your dreams if you work hard. Never listen to the naysayers. When I was born, a nurse said this callous thing to my mother, ‘Do you have a name for him because he’s in danger of death and if he does live, he’ll never be much good anyway.’ My mom told me that at 13 years of age, and I used that to spur me on when I feel like quitting.
One bucket list item you’ve completed and one that’s still on your list.
I’m back driving after being 13 years off the road. It took me a while to pluck up the courage to go back after being knocked down by a car in 2005. It’s so liberating now just being able to drive yourself somewhere.
My bucket-list item that I haven’t achieved yet is to become a well-known author and write screenplays too. Who knows, maybe someday, eh?
Favorite time of/part of your day.
The morning because I get to have my breakfast and a nice warm, cup of tea. There’s no better way to start the day.
Favorite place you’ve visited/place you want to visit.
In 2014, I visited LA with my wife and went to see Disneyland. We had such a ball plus we made some great friends over there so it would be cool to see them again.
Buy it!
Buy a copy of The Lost Son here, and help support local bookstores! This is an affiliate link, and I will earn commissions on any sales.
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This is really great and informative! Thanks.
I’ve never heard of Aidan Lucid before, but he comes across to me as a great author who would never hesitate to support a fellow writer. Thanks for sharing this interview, Laura! 🙂
Just the summary with dragons attacking a WWII plane sold me! I love history and fantasy. I love that you always introduce me to new authors I never knew existed! I’m looking his books up NOW.
Thanks for reading! His story checks a lot of boxes. Good luck with the giveaway!
This is a great review. You surely have a way of making the review want you to read the book.