It is my pleasure to introduce Winfield H. Strock III as my guest today. This brilliant and interesting gentleman joined the ranks of the Rebel Elite this year. And now….
“Adventures Above the Aether” by Winfield H. Strock III
Blurb: What secret is big enough to justify hiding mankind’s first foray into space from history? In 1881, in an age of steel, steam and innovation, an eclectic collection of adventurers gather. As resources pour in and hints at breakthrough technologies leak out, one man is sent to investigate.
Follow Solomon ‘Hap’ Hanson, Civil War veteran and Pittsburgh reporter, as he uncovers a maze of mysteries. The deeper he delves, the darker the facts become. As Hap’s story unfolds, the more dangerous and more rewarding his voyage grows.Worlds beyond our own, Earth’s nearest celestial neighbors beckon to be explored. Join in the voyage textbooks can’t know happened. Learn why such an epic event goes unwritten until the dangers of our past no longer threaten to destroy our future.
Drop by Amazon and take home a copy. I love this amazing cover. I had a moment to interview Winfield and ask him to tell us more about himself.
- Who is your favorite character in Adventures Above the Aether and why?
It’s hard to answer considering how many characters I include. Those who embark on the adventure represent certain aspects of myself or role models I grew up with. The protagonist, Solomon Hanson shares many of my dreams and thoughts, but he’s braver and more daring than I. My favorite, Nikolai Kibalchich, is a man who’s lost touch with his humanity through his years in a Russian prison and subsequent efforts to overthrow the Czarist government. Cruelty begets cruelty and it takes an unlikely act of compassion to open his eyes to other avenues and his heart to love. His is a story of self-loathing and redemption.
What inspires you for your stories?
Short answer; questions. I find myself pondering a number of questions or concepts that drive me to develop a story that helps others ask the same questions. Science fiction often depicts a current issue within an exotic backdrop where the absence of contemporary references allow readers to examine issues from a new perspective and possibly reevaluate their opinions and views.
Tell us something no one else knows about you.
I have Asperger’s Syndrome. To be fair, my wife and a few people know this, but it’s not public knowledge. Though I’ve learned to interact with people it takes considerable effort and I’m often rude without realizing it. For that reason I work extra hard to be on my best behavior when I can; it tends to make up for my ‘oddness’.
What genre classification would you put on your book and what would you consider the heat level of the romance?
Mine is a tale of science fiction within a historical context; it’s also been called Steampunk. I proudly wear that moniker around those who know it and cringe at my own attempts to define it. As to my ‘heat’ level… while ‘Adventures’ is not a romance novel per se, it has two romantic plots within. Like many classic movies my couples kiss and caress up until the camera fades to black; the rest I leave off the page.
When did you start writing and what kicked off your passion to be an author?
Passion began after my brain surgery. A full life requires we find our greatest passion and engage it completely. So many people have dreams but never take the chances or commence the hard work it takes for them to ever get off the ground.
My first foray into creative writing began in high school where our teacher would let us write on Fridays while she graded the week’s papers. In the final portion of the class she’d ask students to read their works. I loved the way some of my stories entertained my peers. Unfortunately I dropped writing afterward in favor of ‘normal grownup stuff’ only to revisit it in my forties.
Follow Winfield H. Strock III on this Rebel Elite Holiday Blog Hop tour. His destination tomorrow is over at Rebel Ink Press/ Rebel Reasoning Blog
Nardi Point 
Eden Glenn 