Continuing my features and interviews with fellow authors, I have the pleasure of presenting today Bronsen Hawkins, author of Renegades.

My Review

This is Bronsen’s first book, a novelette that I devoured in under an hour. I loved the story, the characters and, especially, the well-described, fast-paced action scenes.

The only weakness in the copy I read had to do with the editing, as there were a few typos and mistakes. However, Bronsen informed me that he has just uploaded his latest version, where these have been fixed. As for the writing itself, it was brimming with intensity, creativity and imagination.

All in all, the story holds so much promise, that I am looking forward to seeing it made into a series. Especially since it leaves us on quite the cliffhanger.

The Interview

You may have noticed that I’m following a new format with my interviews, dividing them into two sections; “The Usual” and “The Unusual”. Do let me know what you think of this! And do give me a shout if you want to be featured in my blog (or feature me, for that matter).

The Man

Indie Book Reviewer, Blogger, Avid Gamer and Reader. Bronsen Hawkins has had a lot of interest in his short twenty two years of life. Born and raised in New Orleans, Bronsen was introduced to a culture of relaxation and good times right away. He tries to use this approach to everything story he writes, cleverly mixing comedy with serious situations. “Because if the world is ending, why not go out laughing.” Bronsen’s super hero miniseries “Specters” is an example of such a blend. The first book “Renegades” is out now, with other novels soon to follow.

The Book

Hi Bronsen, it’s great to have you here. What is your book about?

Leonardo Petta is being hunted by the one organization he trusted his entire life. But before he can disappear forever, he has to do one more thing. Save his mother from the one place that wants him dead. Teaming up with unlikely allies and charging head first into he certain doom, Leon will do anything to save the once piece of real family he has left. But will he succeed, or just end up putting everyone in more danger?

Renegades is a short story in the Specters universe. Filled with action, suspense, and amazing characters, Specters will take you on the ride of your life and keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end.

The Usual

What inspired you to write this book?

I have always been a big fan of superheroes. I love the idea of people going out of their way to help someone else. With that being said, I always wondered what would happen if the world decided it would not welcome such heroes. Renegades takes place in such a world.

What was the first thing you ever wrote?

The first thing I ever wrote was a novel based on the power rangers. Five teens with attitude become the protectors of their home town after being gifted with amazing abilities. It filled an entire composition notebook.

I assume you were pretty young at the time. What other writing have you done? Anything else published?

I wrote a YA coming-of-age novel that has been known by several names. (Mostly because I couldn’t decide on one title). Nevertheless, it is called “Define Trying…” and it follows a teen boy who takes a hard look at the person he was becoming after his father passes, and then tries to be better.

Quite a poignant theme. Any hobbies or interests that you enjoy in your spare time?

Besides reading I love playing video and table top games. Video games are another form of storytelling and they stimulate my imagination like a good book will.

I agree, I love video games and wish I dedicate more time to them! What are you working on at the moment? Tell us a little about your current project(s).

The next short story in the Specters world will be “Hunters”, which follows Livewire and JetStream as Agents for Attix. It has been interesting to write because you as the reader will get a glimpse into the head of someone who on the outside seems crazy.

I look forward to reading it. Which are your favorite authors and what do you love about them?

I am I love with James Dashner and his Mortality Doctrine Series. His characters not only feel real, but also like you have known them for years. They are relatable on multiple levels. Also, the way he blends comedy with action is amazing and something that I aspire to achieve one day.

What genres do you read mostly and what are you reading now?

My go to genres are YA fiction and Sci-Fi. Although, recently I have been reading a lot of Fantasy novels. Right now I am reading “Off to Be the Wizard”.

Are you an Indie author? If so, do you have any advice for other indie authors?

Yes, I am an indie author. It gets said all of the time, but keep writing. Even if it sucks. Even if someone tells you it is a bad idea. Write it anyway. Then, take that idea and build upon it.

Are there any sites or writing tools that you find useful and wish to recommend?

“Write, Revise, Rejoice” by Daniel Raynes has helped me break a lot of annoying habits that I did while writing. It is worth a read.

Thanks, I’ll be sure to check it out. Tell us about your website/blog. What will readers find there?

Bronseshawk.com is a website for a plethora of things. Book reviews, Short stories, Blog articles, etc.

What are the things in your life that you’re most grateful for?

Friends who put up with me shoving chapters in their face for them to edit.

Ah, where would be without our long-suffering friends… How would you like to be remembered?

As the guy who wrote novels that inspired people to read, in a non-boring way.

The unusual

Choose a male and a female character from your book and tell us about them. Who inspired their characters? Would you like to meet them? What would you tell them if you did?

Livewire is one of the craziest people I have ever had the pleasure of writing. He was inspired by a character that I played in a D&D game. He is unpredictable, driven, and in his own mind “justified”. I would not want to meet him, if only for the fact that I might end up liking him. I would tell him that he doesn’t have to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. Also, stop killing kids.

Angel is one of the most interesting characters in the Specters Universe. She used to be an agent of Attix, yet her past is darker and filled with more bloodshed than both Jetstream’s and Livewire’s combined. She was made to be the perfect weapon and eventually turned on the company. I would like to meet her if only to see how she would act in real life; her facial features, body movements, etc. If I could tell her anything, it would be that forgiveness comes from within.

Livewire? Really? Huh! Anyway, if you had to describe a theme or thread running through your life, what would it be? What’s your life theme?

Everything in due time.

A wise man! Men are from Mars, women are from Venus. Where are you from?

Albuquerque.

Is it true you’ve been abducted by aliens?

I can neither confirm nor deny being abducted by aliens.

Name your claim to fame.

Beyoncé’s limo pulled up next to me after a concert once. At least I thought it was hers. On second thought, maybe not.

What is the weirdest thing that’s happened to you?

A guy thought I was Wayne Brady once. Wanted my autograph and everything.

Okaaay, that’s a new one! Which one do you prefer: Zebras or giraffes?

Zebras. For they are the more majestic of the two.

Are they now? Interesting. Well, it’s been great to have you here, Bronsen! Where can people find you and your book?

Renegades is available on:

• Amazon
• Smashwords

And how can people reach you?