I was lucky to get an interview with Bogdan Tăbușcă, the author of Galaxy of Thorns: Rise of the Empress, one of this year’s #SPFBO9 entries.

Please, tell us a bit about yourself…
Hello, my name is Bogdan Tăbușcă, but usually my english friends call me Toby for it is easier on the tongue. I’m a software developer by trade, but my real passion is for making video games, which I will probably get back into real soon, hopefully. I guess I’m a bit of an odd one out, since I am a Romanian author that wrote his book in english, but since childhood, most of the media I consumed was in english and it feels normal to me, even when it comes from other countries. Other hobbies of mine, besides ones that involve slapping the keyboard involve hiking, cooking, listening to metal and history and maybe a little bit of gardening tossed in there!

Why should I buy your SPFBO9 entry?
The first few chapters of Galaxy of Thorns may have one think that it is just another simple war story between magic and technology with the poor sods who have neither eventually rising up while led by an overpowered empress. Yet, this is but a mask, for the story will soon change to a character driven one as it explores the very real horror and burden that comes with power and finding one self at the head of an entire world. It is a tale about heroism and valor, a tale of kindness and love, a tale of impulses, hatred and weakness. A dark descent into madness paved with good intentions where the only ray of redemption lie in humilty and the helping hands of one’s last remaining friends.

I wrote Rise of the Empress to be an epic tale where all gloves are off and something is constantly happening, but at the same time sought to elevate the quieter moments all the more. Whether I succeeded or not, I’ll let the reader decide...

What got you into writing? And how long have you been doing it?
For almost two years now... As for what got me into it... Well, let’s just say I was going through a tough period in life and while my projects weren’t advancing, my pile of ideas kept growing bigger and my notes started to turn into entire paragraphs. Then, a beloved franchize that I was a fan of went straight into trash can and I literally said. ”Fine, I’ll build my own universe and story.” And that is exactly what I did.

Have you participated in the SPFBO before and where did you hear about the competition?
Nope, this is my first time and all the other authors were crazy about it, so I decided to take a shot as well.

Why did you choose to write fantasy?
At first I thought that fantasy is just escapism. It realy is such an all encompasing term, but I found out that fantasy, like many other things, is just a reflection of reality. Another perspective, another way to look at ourselves and the things around us. Or you know... because it allows us to let loose our wildest ideas without repercursions. Probably the latter... :-)

Which other author has had the biggest influence on your writing?
I’d say Kentaro Miura with Berserk, that manga is an unfinished masterpiece and it is sad that the author died before completion. Yet still, it is a testament to his skill that he managed to move so many to face their struggles. The man is a legend, no doubt about it.

If you were to win the SPFBO, what impact do you think this would have on your writing career?
Well I guess the judges put an end to that dream, but hey...  Hate and spite provide me with good motivation! (Just jk... I have nothing against them although I am a bit saddened that my judge just quickly skimmed through it out of lack of time.)

What challenges did you face during the writing or publishing process, and how did you overcome them?
Probably the greatest problems I’ve encountered and still face to this day is self doubt and the lack of a reader who can give me feedback on what I’ve written recently. You really have to be your biggest critic, but even then, even when something sounds alright in your head, it may not for someone else. Then again... nothing is every truly perfect and if you believe that you gave it your best, then it is good enough.

Do you have any tips or an author app, tool, or resource that you can really recommend we try?
If you are a savy fellow, have at least one friend willing to help you out, a working pc with word and Atticus/Vellum on, then you are good to go.

And now it's time to yank out your Palantir! Let’s talk about the future. What new projects are you working on?
For now I am trying to complete the Galaxy of Thorns series. I have almost 60% of the sequel, but I will most likely have to write two more. In between that I would also love to do a game on it, but who knows... So many things to do and so little time...

Apps that are based on artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGTP and Midjourney, along with apps aimed specifically at authors, have caused quite a stir. Do you expect these new technologies will make your life as a self-published author easier or harder, and do you expect that they’ll mean you’ll earn more or less?
Saddly it is inevitable tht AI will create trouble, with lots of cheap poor quality books beeing added to the trashpile that already cover many great but unknown books. However, it can also help us by providing us with a few editorial services, which is nice.

Overall I see it as an inevitability, but I still have faith that great things will continue to shine even when not exposed to light.

Do you have any dreams you’d like to share?
Eh, my head is filled with dreams, but regarding the book, Id say have a small audience of around 20 or so fans and an youtube video of someone gushing about my books and characters and universe and stuff would also be nice too.

Anything else you would like to say before we close?
For readers/viewers/players just go out there and discover new things, don’t keep yourself boxed in. Just like with food, your favorite dish probably isn’t made by some big name restaurant chain.

For artists/creators, try and do the same, learn and hone your craft, but do not follow trends and do not sacrifice your vision. Always strive and always try to put a little bit of yourself into your work, for it is a labor of love.

Thanks for doing the interview and best of luck in the future.