Anthony Butler

Anthony Butler was born in Mobile, AL and throughout his journeys, he decided a small town in southern Idaho was the right place to put down roots. He loves the uniqueness of the state where the desert, canyons and towering mountains provide endless inspiration to write. 
While he has an Associates Degree in Electronics Technology, Anthony’s passion has always been fantasy novels ranging from sci-fi to medieval fiction. Through these stories, he gained an interest in writing his own adventures in the fantasy genre. He finds evenings and weekends are the best times to write as that is when his imagination really comes to life

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I was born in Mobile, AL, and have lived in Florida and Texas. I moved to Idaho in 2000 and currently reside in a small town in southern Idaho with my wife, Heidi. I love the various landscapes that Idaho offers, and enjoy going on drives as well as doing a little hiking here and there.

When and why did you start writing books?

I came up with the idea for my book in 2017. It wasn't until I had written about one hundred pages that I realized I might have something decent in front of me. For two years I would tinker with it and put it away. In late 2020, I became serious about finishing the first draft, and in 2021, I finished both the first and second drafts of the manuscript.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

As I mentioned in another question, I've always wanted to write a novel. Between work and overall busy life, I just never thought I would have a chance to. I woke up one morning in 2017 with an idea in my head for a novel. I wrote it down and expanded on it. Before I realized it, I basically had a plot written out. All I needed to do at that point was to write the story.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

As I mentioned in another question, I've always wanted to write a novel. Between work and overall busy life, I just never thought I would have a chance to. I woke up one morning in 2017 with an idea in my head for a novel. I wrote it down and expanded on it. Before I realized it, I basically had a plot written out. All I needed to do at that point was to write the story.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

The sequel to Magic Reborn has been my toughest to date. Learning to extend scenes and overall make the novel longer has been challenging, but also fun as I am learning more and improving my skills as a writer.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Timothy Zahn and Heir to the Empire. I’m sure it had to be a daunting task to be the one who continued the Star Wars saga. The new characters he introduced were excellent, and he captured the essence of the original characters. It was like I was reading a potential new Star Wars movie. To this date, that is my favorite book to read.

What book are you reading right now?

Heroes Of the Shadow. Blue Scar Indeabinito. Author: S.S. Frankowska.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

It’s not really anything specific that I draw inspiration from. Once I had my main character established in Magic Reborn, I already had in mind a medieval-type story in a fantasy environment. If I did have to nail down one thing, probably be the drives I take. Whether I’m crossing a canyon or driving across a prairie, it does give me ideas for current and future novels.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy reading, writing (of course), going on drives, hiking, and going to the movies. I enjoy going to Celtic festivals and would love to go to a Ren fair. I do enjoy watching sports and going to concerts as well.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I am currently working on a sequel to Magic Reborn. I plan at least one more after that. If I have decent ideas for sequels, I’ll continue the series.