Brae Wyckoff and The Orb of Truth

Brae Wyckoff was born and raised in San Diego, CA and is working toward a Psychology degree. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Jill, for 19 years, and they have three children; Tommy, Michelle, and Brittany. He has a beautiful grandson named Avery. Brae has been an avid gamer since 1985. His passion for mysterious realms and the supernatural inspired him to write The Orb of Truth, the first in a series of fantasy action adventures. Brae describes The Orb of Truth as a cross between the Lord of the Rings and the Wizard of OZ where you will be swept away into a magical land of Dwarves, Elves, and Halflings. And today, he's visiting us on Writer's Sanctuary. Welcome, Brae!

“It’s a cross between Lord of the Rings and the Wizard of OZ where you will be swept away into a magical land of Dwarves, Elves, and Halflings.”

—Brae Wyckoff

Where are you from?

Born and raised in beautiful San Diego, CA.

What sparked your interest in writing?

Movies truly brought out the writing interest in me. I remember watching the first Star Wars movie when I was six years old and have never forgotten that moment in time. This started my daydreaming of fantasy and sci-fi. Then came along Dungeons and Dragons in the 80’s and that is where my stories started to evolve.

What components, in your opinion, makes a great story?

The biggest component for me is that the story needs to move me. It needs to compel me to read on and cheer for the hero. I need to be drawn in to the adventure and be a part of it. There was something magical with the movie The Neverending Story and the little boy as he is reading the book realizes he is part of the story. That is the essence of what I’m talking about. I want my readers to enjoy the adventure, relate to the characters, and feel they are involved somehow with what is happening on the pages of the book. When you read my books, you will be able to envision the story like a movie is playing inside your head.

How would you generally categorize the books/stories you write?

I write Epic Fantasy books. It is high level adventuring to the core with powerhouse characters and strong personalities.

What kind of world or realm have you created for your story?

I created my own realm called Ruauck-El. It has that Dungeons and Dragons feel to it along with Lord of the Rings. There is map in front of each of my books to give you the locale and I have the map posted on my website as well. www.braewyckoff.com

I love taking people to beautiful landscapes, interesting locations, secret hideouts, a good tavern where there is sure to be brawl. I didn’t re-invent the wheel but took components and made it my own within the realm I created.

What inspired you to write your book?

I would say that I was divinely inspired. I have a strong message of hope within my books that people will relate to in real life. I see my real life as an epic adventure and even amongst the bad things in life I can thwart the evil and be the hero. My goal is to empower people to take control of their destiny and realize they matter in life and that they do have a purpose.

Was there much research involved?

Not too much research as I grew up playing D&D and the setting and style revolves around that. I’m a huge Lord of the Rings fan and this also has helped me in my writing. It just seems to flow from me and is part of my DNA. Write what you know.

Is there a message in your story you want readers to grasp?

The Orb of Truth is a classic adventure of good vs evil. There is sacrifice, there is friendship, there is loyalty, and there is a story of hope. There is a line that you will read that says, “It is time.” This will reoccur throughout the novel and there is a message behind it that goes into all of our lives. Now is the time. Each of us has a destiny and a purpose but each of us need to recognize it and walk it out.

Do you celebrate when you finish a story, and if so, how?
Oh, yes, I actually YouTubed my celebration out on my deck with a glass of wine and a cigar.

I cried when my proof of the book showed up. It was truly a moment in my life because I have poured my heart and soul into the story.

Do you listen to music when you write?

I love listening to the top 40 when writing. There is something about the creative flow of lyrics and the beat that can take me into a rhythm for writing.

What do you like least about writing?

The fact that I can’t write fast enough to get the story I have in my head out…that is annoying. I outline my book from beginning to the end and this gives me a way to capture my thoughts before I start. Things change along the way, but it is the structure of the story that I need to get out of my system. It burns inside me…waiting to be released.

If you could go back in time, what author would you most like to invite to share a chat and a bottle of wine?

Well, of course, it would be JRR Tolkien for me.

You’re marooned on a desert island. What’s the one book you’d want with you, and why?

The Bible cause well, you know, it’s the Bible.

What’s next for you? Can we look forward to a new story in the near future?

My 2nd book is due out this year (2013). It is currently with my editor. It is called The Dragon God and is the sequel to The Orb of Truth. I have also started writing the 3rd book, The Vampire King, and it is coming along nicely.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Write what you know and do it with excellence. Get your work professionally edited with someone you trust with your work. Get your book cover professionally designed. Don’t give up!

How can readers reach you?

I’m on every social media platform out there. You can join my Official Fan Club on Facebook. 

I reveal exclusives on my fan club page that are just for the fans. I just recently posted a snippet for the upcoming book, The Dragon God, introducing everyone to a new character…a gnome named Trillius and he is sure to become a fan favorite.

The Orb of Truth Book Synopsis:

In the hundreds of years since the Holy City disappeared, darkness has fallen over the land. Human kingdoms have seized control of the realm, scattering the other races into hiding.

Bridazak, a skilled thief, and his friends, a Dwarf and a fellow Ordakian, have dared to remain within the human communities and live relatively quiet lives, until they discover a mysterious, magical artifact. The three friends are thrust into an adventure that will challenge their faith, their purpose, and their destiny as they chase a forgotten and lost prophecy across the realm of Ruauck-El, where they hope to discover the origins of the strange item and their place in its history.

An ancient, unknown enemy threatens the completion of their journey at every turn. Bridazak is about to face the biggest adventure of his life, one that may change the known realm, and answer the questions he has carried all his life. Will they unlock the truth?

Voted #1 for BEST fantasy book under the radar!

Voted #1 Best Christian Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book!

Buy link for The Orb of Truth:

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Book Trailer Video