Marco Frazetta, author of the Wolf Blade series, is an up and coming HaremLit author who has graciously agreed to an interview. Hope you enjoy it!
Can you tell us a little about your background? How did you get started writing stories?
I actually grew up drawing a lot more than writing. In fact, I majored in visual in art in college, hoping to be a concept artist in video games. However, that changed because my school was geared a lot more toward fine art, and also because about halfway through I injured my arms and hands severely, so drawing and painting became very painful. I’d always been a good writer, so I started exploring creative writing since art became closed off. I fell in love with it!
What drew you to the harem genre? What do you enjoy the most about this genre?
The harem genre has been a way to slip in what are essentially romance book elements into very action oriented books. I’m a sucker for a good romance, but also love good action movies like John Wick, Conan, Ninja Scroll, so it really is the best of both worlds for me.
Also, harem is just about every guy’s fantasy. There is a central character with awesome powers, powerful enemies to overcome as well as several beautiful, usually powerful female characters who help in in all sorts of ways.
How did you get the idea for your Wolf Blade series?
Growing up I played a tabletop RPG called Werewolf the Apocalypse. My character was a viking sort of character with a magic hammer like Thor’s (hey, I was in high school, not exactly the most original artist in the world). His name was Ram Fortinbrass, and he essentially went around fighting demons (in Werewolf they’re called the Wyrm) with his pack of fellow werewolves. The werewolf RPG is set in modern times and is designed to feel more like Underworld or an eco-terrorist sort of campaign against corrupt governments trying to destroy Gaia, the spirit of the world, but my group of friends would always end up turning it into more of a sword and sorcery campaign. So when I set out to write my own book, this werewolf sword and sorcery character was kicking around in my subconscious.
What’s the main character like? What should readers expect?
I’ll let a reader describe him: “Wolf Blade is Conan, meets a dash of Thundarr, with a little Bionic Commando on Steroids.”
I got a kick out of that description. The main character in the series is Rothan son of Gustaff. He hails from the land of Skald, which is norse kind of realm similar to Skyrim or The North in Game of Thrones. They recently lost a war to the southern empire, which is Roman inspired. In that war, Rothan was captured and set to fight in a coliseum. The story begins as he is set to fight in his last public bout, as his father has negotiated for his release. However, he will have to leave the concubine he won in a gladiator combat, and so he strikes a deal with the owner of the coliseum, that if he can slay a mighty creature called the Black Orc in gladiator combat, he gets his freedom as well as hers. Essentially, Rothan is a barbarian, but rather cunning. Once he develops his werewolf powers, he has to delve more into the mystical realm since these powers are given to him by the wolf god Fenris.
Favorite books (both inside and outside the harem genre).
A Clockwork Orange, Game of Thrones, Grendel, Fae Collector, Supers Ex-Heroes.
Favorite movies.
Amadeus, Rocky, Conan the Barbarian, Vampire Hunter D
Favorite games.
Skyrim, Dungeons & Dragons, Civilization, Total War
Favorite foods.
Saag Paneer, Pizza!
Hobbies.
Writing, meditating, watching very, very obscure Youtube videos
What do you love most about writing?
Once you really get into a draft, it’s essentially a psychedelic experience, like a trance state where you begin immersing entirely into another reality.
What’s the hardest part about writing?
Outlining, plotting. This is done with more of the rational, logical side of the mind, so not as fun.
Can you share anything about your upcoming releases?
Yes, I just released a new series called Dungeons & Gangsters! You can check it out HERE. The short pitch is “Grand Theft Auto meets Skyrim.”
Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?
Just to say thank you, as you all allow us to do what we love! And thanks to you, Nick, for reaching out to a larger audience!
And thank you, Marco!
