Author Interview with T.A. Uner

Author Interviews

November 3, 2014

I’m interviewing T.A. Uner, author of historical fantasy novels “The Leopard Vanguard” and “The Leopard Stratagem”, two books in the Leopard King series. Welcome to my blog, and thanks for answering my questions!

Author Interview

1. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Ever since I was in the 4th grade. But in 2003 I wrote my first novel, not to be published, but just to see if I could do it.

2. Where did you get the inspiration for The Leopard King Saga?

Back in 2009 I wanted to create something that hadn’t been done before. I started the research in 2010 and began writing the first book “The Leopard Vanguard” in 2011. I also finished “The Leopard Stratagem” in 2012. I used the “Universal Pen” system which seamlessly combines 5 or more sub-genres within a main genre.

3. What is your editing process like?

Before it was just me, self-editing. Now I have 3 different editors working with me.

4. What was the most challenging part of writing this book?

I would say the outlining process is the hardest. But once that is complete, you can start writing.

5. Did you set any writing goals for 2014? Did you achieve them?

I wanted to write the 3 intermediary Leopard King Saga books: 1.1,1.2 & 1.3 that would link Tome 1 “The Leopard Vanguard” and Tome 2 “The Leopard Stratagem”. I also started a 2nd series called “Mindcop Dossiers” which takes place on Mars and features a strong Female Heroine called Liberty Rise.

6. Are you working on something now? If so, can you tell us a little about it?

2015 will see a new series “American Legends”. It will be YA/NA/Urban-Fantasy themed. Also written in “Universal Pen” system.

About The Books

The Leopard Vanguard

Title: The Leopard Vanguard

Author: T.A. Uner

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Set during the early years of the reign of the Mad Emperor Caligula,this first installment of the Leopard King Saga introduces us to Tullus, a gifted Roman Centurion who resigns his elite position in the Praetorian Guard to join a troupe of circus performers and learn more about his hidden magical talents. Along with his new partner, a magical Leopardess named Celestra, he re-invents himself as The Leopard King, the most famous entertainer in all the Roman Empire. But when Tullus’ friend and Circus Ringmaster, Paullus Gabinius, is killed, Tullus and Celestra find themselves immersed in political intrigue and up against Paullus’ killers. Their struggle to avenge Paullus will also cause them to cross paths with corrupt Roman politicians, who know Paullus’ deadly secret-which has the power to destroy the Roman Empire.

The Leopard Stratagem

Title: The Leopard Stratagem

Author: T.A. Uner

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Camus Scorpio, the vicious criminal overlord, who for years tormented the good merchants of Rome, is dead. His ruthless army of thugs and bloodthirsty killers wiped out by the avenging force of Tullus the Leopard King, the Leopardess Celestra, and their Troupe.

But the victory is a costly one. Anna, Tullus’ lover, is dead, and her departure serves as an open wound to all her friends in the Troupe. Needing time to collect himself and continue developing his magical abilities, Tullus decides to seek out the wisdom of a reclusive wizard named Hradack, also known as the Leopard Master and a product of the Age of Paladins.

In Rome Eliana becomes involved in political intrigue and finds herself caught up in a conspiracy involving a persecuted race called the Dryads.

Decimus, now a prominent Centurion in the Praetorian Guard, is assigned to a new Roman Legion in Switzerland, where he faces the biggest challenge of his military career.

As Tullus’ power in Elemence grows, he foresees a hideous plot by an unknown enemy called Serpentus, who has kidnapped his Troupe friends and is holding them hostage on the island of Capri.

Unbeknownst to Tullus, Serpentus seeks revenge against the Leopard King and Celestra, and has armed himself with arcane powers. Under the tutelage of a fanatical cleric, Serpentus harbors plans of destroying the Leopard King and Celestra before embarking on a destructive path of conquest.

Author Bio

T.A. Uner is a former Management Professional who spent over 15 years working for various fortune 50 companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

An accomplished public speaker and event promoter, he is also a graduate of George Mason University, and holds a Bachelors degree in Speech Communication and History.

A finalist in The 2010 Moonlight Mesa short fiction contest, his first short story, “The Banker’s Wife,” was published internationally in an anthology titled, Award Winning Tales. Mr. Uner lives in Virginia. He is the author of the Leopard King Saga and other works.

He looks forward to more readers discovering the life-like characters that inhabit his stories.