A Slice of Cake With... Arthur Daigle

This week I am delighted to be having a slice of cake with Arthur Daigle. 

Arthur Daigle was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.  He received a degree in biology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and has worked in such diverse fields as zoo intern, a research assistant at the Morton Arboretum, grading high school essay tests and working at a garden center.  In addition to his writing, Arthur is a gardener and amateur artist.  He has published several novels, including William Bradshaw King of the Goblins, William Bradshaw and a Faint Hope, William Bradshaw and War Unending, William Bradshaw and Fool's Gold, William Bradshaw and Urban Problems and Dr. Moratrayas Mad Scientist and Goblin Stories.

What kind of books do you write?

The works of Jim Henson and Brian Froud inspired my writing.  I was impressed by the good humor and gentle nature in their movies and books, and I tried to copy it in my goblin books.  My goblins are silly and a touch crazy, but at heart decent beings who have a soft spot for other underdogs like children and widows.

Can you describe your writing why?

The original Clash of the Titans movie has a line that stuck with me over the years, where a former playwright says he used to write tragedies until he learned the world already had enough of those.  I took those words to heart in my writing.  I could write horror or obscenity-laced action scenes, but there’s enough ugliness, hate and cruelty in the world, that there is no need for me to add more.  I want to make people laugh long enough and loud enough that for a little while the world looks like a better place, that the ugliness fades to the background where it belongs, and maybe my readers will be inspired to help make the world more beautiful.

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

“Gentlemen,” Will began with a smile, “I’ve been thinking we should have regular meetings to keep everyone up to date on what’s going on in the kingdom.”

“You mean like who’s invading us this week?” Domo asked.

“Ideally no,” Will replied.

“We have been invaded a lot,” London said.

“Not that we’re complaining,” Brooklyn added.  “You get lots of exercise roughing people up in an invasion.”

Tell us about your latest project

William Bradshaw is King of the Goblins, despite his best efforts to escape the job.  He’s survived invasions, assassination attempts, an army of immortal madmen and all the craziness his goblin followers can throw at him.  But this time Will may have met his match.

A hundred years ago Sarcamusaad the Walking City marched into the ocean on a mission of vengeance.  Many thought it lost in the inky depth, never to be seen again, but their hopes are in vain.  Sarcamusaad is soon to return and march across a continent, destroying all in his path.  Following in the grand tradition of Will’s rotten luck, this walking disaster is headed straight for his ramshackle kingdom. 

Facing this threat is going to take courage, strength, wisdom, all traits goblins are low on, but Will isn’t giving up.  He’ll need help from new friends and old ones to face Sarcamusaad.  As great as this threat is, Will faces on more challenge, for there are those who see opportunity in disasters and think nothing of taking advantage of this situation.

See the action, excitement, craziness and rampant stupidity common to goblins everywhere in William Bradshaw and Urban Problems!

What is your favourite cake?

I’m a fan of anything with fruit in it, but I can’t resist pineapple upside-down cake.  It’s a favourite of mine going back many years.

A great cake choice, thanks! You can find out more about Arthur and his books on Amazon and connect with him on Facebook.

Join me next week when I'll be having a slice of cake with Rachel Brooks.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

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Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop.