Riley Nielson - Author of Darknight Rebellion

Color Your Therapy had the pleasure of getting to know the amazing author, Riley Nielson, author of Darknight Rebellion, a steampunk novel of vengeance that warns its reader right off the bat that there is no happy ending here. Riley plans to continue writing and bringing us new stories from his world. Read the interview below. 

1. How has your experience in Aeronautical Engineering helped fuel your steampunk stories?
   1. My background has only fueled my love for the age of the industrial revolution. Great machines and clever minds came together in that era which I feel we’ve lost an appreciation for in our modern day. I want to bring that back, along with the wonder that comes from the technology of a steampunk story.

2. Your readers say you are great at creating otherworldly experiences, where do you draw your inspiration to do so?
   1. A combination of the works of others, along with whatever my muse helps me write. I’ve had reoccurring dreams in the same world throughout my life and have wondered where it came from.

3. Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
   1. I do. I feel that God has encouraged me to develop my talents and tell these stories. He wants us to use our talents to make this world a better place.

4. What did you edit out of this book? – Any scenes that may become a short story later?
   1. There were a few scenes, one particular about sneaking into the Sanctuary of the Protectors. I haven’t thought about putting it into a short story, but that’s not a bad idea!

5. Who is a fictional character you did not like at first but ended up growing on you?
   1. Harry Potter. Don’t get me wrong I love the books. But the actual character took a long time for me to like. It wasn’t really until the seventh book that I liked him after he showed me he’d worked hard to become a true wizard.

6. What is your writing Kryptonite?
   1. The fear of not writing something good. But I’ve learned to overcome that by continuing on and not worrying about what’s coming out until its time to edit.

7. Who is your favorite author, and why?
   1. Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams. They are hilarious!

8. I understand you are working on a series, do you have a timeline for when we can expect the next action-packed adventure you will share with us?
   1. I hope to have the next book out late this summer or early fall. And then get on a routine of 6 months between books.