We were lucky to catch up with Bruce recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bruce, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
The Blacksmith’s Boy is my fourth attempt at writing a novel. I gave up the three previous times. I first remember wanting to write a novel when I was 14. I attended a camp for young writers over the summer and I thought, “I’d like to write a novel one day.” It seemed like a natural progression.
Attempt #1: I was a freshman in college and to be honest, I just wasn’t ready. That’s not to say teenagers shouldn’t try to write–they absolutely should! But I should’ve honed my craft by writing more short fiction before attempting a novel. Quite simply, I didn’t know what I was doing.
Attempt #2: I had just started my first “real job.” I had a master’s degree in English literature by that point, so my writing was a lot better. But I just didn’t have the support system or organizational skills I needed to get a book across the finish line. I lacked a writing community and organized approach.
Attempt #3: Life got in the way on this one. My son was a toddler then, and I had a lot going on in my career. I had written a non-fiction book a few years earlier, as well as a graphic novel. But I gave up on this one, largely because I had too much competing for my attention and I still wasn’t organized enough to get it done. Poor time management skills got me this time.
What changed? Well, I gave myself a deadline. I started in April 2023 and said, “I will have my manuscript done by the end of the year.” I actually got motivated and finished it by late August! However, I still needed to do extensive editing and rewriting.
In addition, I embraced outlines. I don’t want to start a whole “Pantser vs. Plotter” debate. There is no right-or-wrong answer to that—find an approach that works for you! But for me, personally, I needed a detailed outline. Otherwise, I just got lost. Having said that, I also made significant changes to my initial outline, adding key plot points, dropping others, and moving some big scenes around. I’m a big fan of having a plan, but writing is a creative exercise, not putting together IKEA furniture! So you need to be flexible and adjust your plan as needed.
I also made point to devote time to writing every day. With my schedule, I couldn’t schedule a designated time to write, but I did set aside writing time at some point every day. I’m a fan of what I’ve heard described as “writing sprints”. You block off, say, 20 minutes, turn off your phone, don’t check email, don’t watch TV, etc.–and just write! You can get a lot done in a short period of time that way.
Bruce, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve always been a reader and even as a kid, I wrote my own stories. I still have some of the hand-drawn comic books I created as a kid!
My interest in writing led to a career – first as a newspaper reporter and for many years, as a marketing and communications professional. But I’ve always wanted to write fiction. I’ve made a few half-hearted attempts to do so over the years. I had a little success, but I never stuck with it.
But two years ago, I decided I was tired of dreaming and waiting. I made writing fiction a priority. I still didn’t become an overnight success, but I learned from my setbacks. I listened to others and supported their creative efforts. And good things started to happen.
In 2024, I signed my debut novel, a New Adult fantasy tale titled THE BLACKSMITH’S BOY, with Wild Ink Publishing. Several months later, Wild Ink also signed my second novel, THE RETURN OF THE CERULEAN BLUR. I’m currently at work on my third novel, a Young Adult contemporary fantasy called THE GOTH GIRL WHO SAVED THE WORLD – a book inspired by my love of 1980s post-punk music (The Cure, Siouxsie & the Banshees, New Order/Joy Division, The Smiths, etc.)
Here’s the basics of THE BLACKSMITH’S BOY: Nineteen-year-old Bok Omat serves as his rural community’s healer and helps in his family’s blacksmith’s shop. It’s an unremarkable life in the Kingdom of Imarina’s peasant class, but as long as his parents, sister, and young nephew are safe, a fine one under the protection of the Inishari royal family.
But when an ancient spell threatens Bok’s family and the safety of the entire kingdom, he answers an unlikely summons from Princess Isabella to join her in protecting all they cherish. Despite their vastly different pasts, Bok and Isabella become close friends as they race to counter this deadly incantation and the mysterious mastermind behind it.
Bok learns secrets that force him to reconsider all he has ever known about the world and his place in it. But will this knowledge come at the price of his life, Imarina’s freedom, or even his burgeoning friendship with Isabella?
The publication date is August 12!
And for THE RETURN OF THE CERULEAN BLUR: Susan Murphy used to love her life. As the Cerulean Blur, Susan battled supervillains, helped others, and soaked in the public adoration—all at 2,000 mph.
But a tragic mistake ended Susan’s superhero career 17 years ago and she’s never recovered. Susan’s marriage ended, her graphic design career sputtered, and most painfully, she struggled to connect with her teenage son, Troy. Susan is forced to use her powers again—and this opens a dialogue with Troy.
However, it also gets the attention of a deadly villain from her past. Can Susan overcome this seemingly unbeatable foe, repair her relationship with her son, and find happiness (and maybe even romance) after tragedy?
For Susan Murphy to live, the Cerulean Blur must run again.
Coming April 2026 from Wild Ink Publishing.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
There are networks of writers – both in-person and virtual – for every genre. Get involved in one or more of them. It’s not just that you’ll learn things to help you improve your craft. You’ll also find people who will support you and keep you motivated to continue.
Writing is a tough, often solitary art form – and the business side of it can be brutal. You need people in your corner to help you through the tough times and celebrate the victories.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I want to share my stories with the world. I’m not looking at writing fiction as a career change. I’m fortunate to have a career I enjoy. But I do want to find readers and hopefully engage them with my stories. It’s an inexact goal for sure, but writing makes me happy and I hope people find some joy in my books, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brucebuchananauthor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brucebuchanan7710/
- Twitter: https://x.com/BBuchananWomble
Image Credits
The Blacksmith’s Boy cover courtesy of Wild Ink Publishing. Interior illustrations by Tamara Horton.