Do you know my brother? Well you should. His name is Jo — ahem, Bertrand Coruscare, and he is an author and has recently published his very first book!!!

Why should you buy it? Here are a list of reasons.

• Do you like Star Wars? Good, then buy his book.
• Do you like Harry Potter? Thought so. Buy it.
• Do you like books? You know what to do.
• Do you like reading? You don’t? Well, no better time to start!
• Are you in the mood for an epic fantasy-sci-fi novel that spans several planets, features memorable characters, dark villains with dark secrets, well-refined humor, and is just an all-around good time? Need I say more?

And would you look at this cover? Pretty sweet, right?

Actually, today is your very lucky day, because I’ve got Bertrand on here to answer a few questions for us!

Bertrand, what gave you the idea for the book?

Well, it was not one particular thing. It was a combination of stories I’ve read over the years, and people that have popped into my head that I’ve developed over time and given them a story. Certain events that happened to me that shaped me.

I planned it all out in my head first, and so I feel like the story was there, but the fact that it was only in my head prompted me to write it down. All my stories nag at me until I write them down on paper, and then they nag at me some more.

What author has most inspired you?

J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Eugene O’Neill, Donna Tartt, Robert Frost, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Lemony Snicket.

Are you going to write more in the future?

Absolutely. I’m always writing. We’ll see when I publish more, but I will definitely continue this series and write other stories as well.

Who is your favorite character you’ve ever created?

Lev’Ardo Kalbron. He was the first villain I ever created. He has a very long, dark, and complicated history that led him to be the villain he is in The Torch series. He’s multilayered. If I publish more stories about him, he’s not a complete villain — he’s not all bad.

Honorable mentions: Vikktor Vesgk, Therraleos Teknos, Calvin Drexler, Retep Bloredy.

Describe your ideal writing routine.

It’s night. Everything’s quiet. I’m in a comfortable chair with a cup of black tea with music fitting to whatever scene I’m currently writing. And a cat nearby.

What are some of your non-writing hobbies?

I read, I like to write poetry (that’s kind of under the realm of writing, but whatever), I draw, I play the drums, I like to hike and watch good movies.

Is your name actually Bertrand Coruscare?

Yes.

What is the Torch?

Well, there are two answers. One, as you will find out when I publish the rest of the series, the Torch is quite literally a torch. If you want to get metaphorical, it is a weapon, it’s a philosophy, it’s a guide. But at the core, I think there are many torches, and we all bear our own. So what is your torch?

That’s a great question, Bertrand. My torch is Inferno’s Melody.

So obviously you’re gonna go buy his book, which can be found at Barnes and Noble: The Torch: Rising Darkness

Bertrand Coruscare’s first novel, Rising Darkness, is the beginning of the epic “The Torch series.” Lover of the mysterious, the heroic, and the refined, he fills his days with dark stories, warm drinks, and a touch of sarcasm.

Bertrand resides in the Pacific Northwest, where he is pursuing a degree in English. He often wanders the ancient forests of imagination, guided by ambition, that azure flame.

You can find him on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. And of course don’t forget Barnes and Noble!