He is a 28-year-old born and raised in Linn Creek, Missouri in the United States under the given name of Christopher Riddle.
He is the only child of Jane Riddle, his mother who worked as both a teacher and administrative worker at a local school, and Ron Riddle. His father, who worked a number of jobs in his life including an assistant manager in food service, a CSP at a tax office, and helping Christopher’s aunt at her upholstery business.
Christopher Riddle developed the identity of C.R. Drakeloch, partly because he felt it had more mystique when writing as an author than the name Christopher Riddle. He devised it from the initials of his first and last name, and Drakeloch. A variation on Dragon Lake, taken from the nickname of the region where he grew up.
Q.1 Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
A. Um, many people may not know that through my paternal great-great-grandfather, and his grandson my paternal grandfather, my thirteen great-grandfathers according to my family tree, would’ve been Governor William T. Bradford.
Q.2 What inspired you to write the World of Tooth and Claw series?
A. The World of Tooth and Claw series is inspired by many things. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have a forest literally right outside my house. I grew up watching the seasons change, watching the animals, and listening to the birds sing, so it only became natural that nature became an intimate and integral part of my writing.
I could even say this idea was further strengthened, the day I was at my aunt’s house along with my mom for their annual garage sale. I was inside that day reading a copy of Rakkety Tam by Brian Jacques, and watching a show on Pine Martens. It was honestly on that day, I told myself that it wouldn’t be so hard to at least attempt what Brian Jacques had done. The idea was for fun at first, just to see if I could do it. I never imagined how much I would come to love writing nor what an amazing world I’d end up creating.
Q.3 Can you offer any hints or teasers about what readers can expect in future installments?
A. I can offer hints and teasers, Aakanksha. Thanks for asking. In future installments, readers will not only see their favorite characters grow and mature. They will also see new ones introduced. They will see the world evolve and progress in its industry, technology, and economy. And starting in the second book, they will learn more about the history of Mintara.
Q.3 Can you offer any hints or teasers about what readers can expect in future installments?
A. I can offer hints and teasers, Aakanksha. Thanks for asking. In future installments, readers will not only see their favorite characters grow and mature. They will also see new ones introduced. They will see the world evolve and progress in its industry, technology, and economy. And starting in the second book, they will learn more about the history of Mintara.
Particularly in regard to my foreshadowing in the first book, of how it was that a marten arrived in Mintara before even Donovan and Valorisa did. They’ll learn the tumultuous ties between the marten and ermine races, and they will see in further installments, the return of one so feared most residents of my fictitious world shudder at the mere mention of her name.
Q.4 Mintara is described as a world filled with intricate workings. How did you go about crafting the rich and immersive world-building in your story?
A. Great question. It actually took a lot of time and thought. I actually had an entire version of the book written before I looked at it and decided the characters felt too flat. That they didn’t have enough depth, and that I needed to put more thought into the design of the world itself. So I went back.
Q.4 Mintara is described as a world filled with intricate workings. How did you go about crafting the rich and immersive world-building in your story?
A. Great question. It actually took a lot of time and thought. I actually had an entire version of the book written before I looked at it and decided the characters felt too flat. That they didn’t have enough depth, and that I needed to put more thought into the design of the world itself. So I went back.
I tried researching what had been done by other authors. I took college courses both on literature and on world cultures. And in the end, I found those courses actually did in my case, help greatly. Because it helped me understand the nuances of my world a lot better. I understood I could always emulate the styles of other authors to an extent. But it wouldn’t be me unless I wrote about what was important to me. So…in the end, I just let my thoughts flow, instead of trying to structure everything.
I wrote about a world, where humans ignored climate change, and the result was their extinction. Where nature corrected itself, and where the small animals who survived the disaster evolved unimpeded and made the world their own. Things like the governments of the otters and the groundhogs…those cultures were actually slightly influenced by the elves and dwarves of other fantasy novels, with my own twist put on it.
Q.5 Can you share any challenges you faced while writing this book?
A. Yeah. There were several challenges I faced. One, of course, was the bane of all authors, and that was writer’s block. It happened worst of all when I had to write the start of my book. It always felt awkward and like it didn’t fit. Nothing seemed right, and it took forever to get off to a good running start.
Q.5 Can you share any challenges you faced while writing this book?
A. Yeah. There were several challenges I faced. One, of course, was the bane of all authors, and that was writer’s block. It happened worst of all when I had to write the start of my book. It always felt awkward and like it didn’t fit. Nothing seemed right, and it took forever to get off to a good running start.
Another issue, as shallow as it may sound, was just before I finished my book, my uncle announced he had published one. And it did admittedly for a while feel like this special thing I was going to do, that no one in my family had done…it felt like the rug got cut out from under me, even though I clearly knew that wasn’t the intent or case. It just sometimes can feel like that with anything, when something like that happens you know?
And that compared with my lack of business skills before I met my agent. My lack of ability to know how to get a book out there…there were times I wanted to quit. Where I just wanted to trash everything, because I felt no one even cared about what I was writing. And I’m back on track now, but it was definitely my biggest hurdle to get over, Aakanksha.
Q.6 What themes or messages do you hope readers will take away from this book?
A. Aside from the importance of climate care that I emphasize at the beginning of the book, the message I guess I want people to take away is that we all matter. I made my characters as real as possible, for a reason. I made them imperfect.
Q.6 What themes or messages do you hope readers will take away from this book?
A. Aside from the importance of climate care that I emphasize at the beginning of the book, the message I guess I want people to take away is that we all matter. I made my characters as real as possible, for a reason. I made them imperfect.
With goals, dreams, and flaws, because I want whoever reads my books to read them and look at a character and maybe say, that’s me. This is what I’m going through right now, and this character understands. This character gets it. If my novels can provide entertainment as well as help any one person, I’ve done what I set out to do as a novelist.
Q.7 Ancient heroes and bandits play a role in Mintara's lore. Can you share any insights into how these characters and their legacies influence the events of the novel?
A. Of course, Aakanksha. The ancient hero you’re referring to, I’m going to assume, is Aloysius St. Abbot and the bandits, Gutgore or the Anaton Covenant. You’re right. Both influence the novel greatly.
Q.7 Ancient heroes and bandits play a role in Mintara's lore. Can you share any insights into how these characters and their legacies influence the events of the novel?
A. Of course, Aakanksha. The ancient hero you’re referring to, I’m going to assume, is Aloysius St. Abbot and the bandits, Gutgore or the Anaton Covenant. You’re right. Both influence the novel greatly.
When Donovan and his sister Valorisa are aboard the ship, they encounter mention of a tablet that refers to Aloysius St. Abbot, his followers, and the lost tomb and treasure of Aloysius St. Abbot. This tablet, stolen by Gutgore, is promised to only be returned to Donovan’s friend Colin if the tomb is found for him in an allotted amount of time.
As for the Anaton Covenant, they are tied into trying to find the tomb as well, in an attempt to end progressiveness in Otter society and to ensure that all values remain Orthodox and traditional for eternity. So we have a number of entities aware of the same prize, and all vying for it. And while mentioning the otters, I suppose it is fair to mention Ana and Tan as well, who were the founders of the Otter Society.
Q.8 When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
A. I first fully realized I wanted to be a writer when I was attempting an associate’s degree in Education at State Fair Community College. I was working on my novel at the same time, and at the start of the semester, I switched degrees to a Journalism Degree. One which I would later follow up with, by getting a Bachelor’s degree in English and Lit at the University of Phoenix.
Q.8 When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
A. I first fully realized I wanted to be a writer when I was attempting an associate’s degree in Education at State Fair Community College. I was working on my novel at the same time, and at the start of the semester, I switched degrees to a Journalism Degree. One which I would later follow up with, by getting a Bachelor’s degree in English and Lit at the University of Phoenix.
Mainly because I realized I was not meant to be a teacher. I only picked Education, because I felt pressure to be a teacher from people around me. I was told I had to pick something and felt this was what everyone suggested to me. But I realized if I had to make a choice, it was my novel that called to me. It was writing novels that I really wanted to do.
Q.9 What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing this book?
A. I think one of the most surprising things I learned is how easily writing comes to me. I don’t mean, I write a book in a day, or anything. Like I get an idea and boom, I’m done. No, I get fatigue and writer’s block just like any good writer does.
Q.9 What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing this book?
A. I think one of the most surprising things I learned is how easily writing comes to me. I don’t mean, I write a book in a day, or anything. Like I get an idea and boom, I’m done. No, I get fatigue and writer’s block just like any good writer does.
What I mean, is I’ve tried other things. I tried a podcast. I tried creating art on DeviantArt. I even tried a life insurance gig, for a bit. The reason I come back to this? This is where my heart is. I realized I was born to do this. Success or failure.
Q.10 How do you handle feedback and criticism from readers or editors during the writing process or after the publication?
A. I’ve found I’ve adapted to responding in a diplomatic manner far quicker than I expected I would. If someone tries to troll me or severely criticize my writing, I actually enjoy using posts as a response because it lets me control my words without showing too much emotion. I don’t lash out when I write back. I simply thank them for their response, in a way that shuts down the conversation without being rude.
Q.11 Do you have any quirky or interesting writing habits?
A. I suppose you could say I do. If I’m struggling to get started writing, I often have to listen to Clamavi De Profundis on YouTube first, to get me in the writing mood.
Q.12 How do you select the names of your characters?
A. Some names are easier than others. All groundhog names, for example, are based on rocks or minerals. Agata, (Agate) Gemma, (Gem) Corian, (From the Earth’s core.) Otter names meanwhile, are all based on the root of the founding otter twins. Male names include Tan or Ton as a variant, and female names include Ana. Premiana, Kysandra, Mariana. Sheldton Tan, Gildton, Dexton.
Q.13 How do you know when a story is finished?
A. It’s an interesting question, Aakanksha. For me, when I finish a book, I’m only ever finishing a leg in a journey. I always look forward to writing my next installation, to finding out myself, what will happen next. To what the characters will have in store for me. I think if I ever become unsurprised by what happens, bored with what’s in store, or unable to pursue this career any longer.
Q.10 How do you handle feedback and criticism from readers or editors during the writing process or after the publication?
A. I’ve found I’ve adapted to responding in a diplomatic manner far quicker than I expected I would. If someone tries to troll me or severely criticize my writing, I actually enjoy using posts as a response because it lets me control my words without showing too much emotion. I don’t lash out when I write back. I simply thank them for their response, in a way that shuts down the conversation without being rude.
Q.11 Do you have any quirky or interesting writing habits?
A. I suppose you could say I do. If I’m struggling to get started writing, I often have to listen to Clamavi De Profundis on YouTube first, to get me in the writing mood.
Q.12 How do you select the names of your characters?
A. Some names are easier than others. All groundhog names, for example, are based on rocks or minerals. Agata, (Agate) Gemma, (Gem) Corian, (From the Earth’s core.) Otter names meanwhile, are all based on the root of the founding otter twins. Male names include Tan or Ton as a variant, and female names include Ana. Premiana, Kysandra, Mariana. Sheldton Tan, Gildton, Dexton.
Q.13 How do you know when a story is finished?
A. It’s an interesting question, Aakanksha. For me, when I finish a book, I’m only ever finishing a leg in a journey. I always look forward to writing my next installation, to finding out myself, what will happen next. To what the characters will have in store for me. I think if I ever become unsurprised by what happens, bored with what’s in store, or unable to pursue this career any longer.
For example, if I become too infirm to write any longer, only then will I consider the story completely finished. For now, I satisfy myself knowing that I have a goal of setting in mind a direction I want the current portion of the story to head in. And following that path, until I reach a conclusion.
Q.14 Who designed your book cover? What was the selection process?
A. Heh. I actually did my own book cover. And it was quite fun. I used an AI generator for the background that had color-coded inputs for various land masses to create the waterfall cave. I then migrated it to a paint program and painted in the characters by hand. Saved me some money, and I felt it came out quite well. I was on a budget for my first book. I didn’t have money at the time to hire an illustrator and didn’t know how to go about doing it, so I got resourceful.
Q.15 It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your book. Tell us about your marketing campaign.
A. I rely on my agent Michael Evan to aid me with that, Aakanksha. I need to say now, I’d be in deep water without him. He’s been setting me up with Podcast guest slots, and interviews like these. He’s got me doing an upcoming author Spotlight on his Facebook group page on July 8th, and he helped me with a Giveaway on the 26th of this month where I managed to get 14 books out there. So like I said, I’m extremely satisfied with the way he represents me and gets my name out there.
Q.16 Do you have a favorite scene or moment from this book, and what inspired it?
A. I think my favorite moments in the book are actually the ones that take place around Colin Leonard’s house. In the planning of how to find the tomb of Aloysius St. Abbot, Donovan and his sister are asked by the Cleric Colin Leonard, to stay with him and his family at his house.
I feel this is actually a very poignant scene because while I could’ve focused entirely on the characters who partake in the adventure, this scene allows readers to immerse themselves in the dynamics of a Mintaran family. They get to see their routines and interactions, and they get some of their backstories.
An understanding that there is no such thing as a typical family in life, as you have a cleric married to a retired assassin and their genius daughter who deals with a condition resulting from the fact that her parents are two different species.
Q.17 How do you balance the need for scientific accuracy with the creative liberties often taken in science/fantasy fiction storytelling?
A. People can hate me for this, as I know there are a lot of genre purists out there, but I found that by writing the way I did, writing about a world that was at its peak that collapsed and had to start over in totally new geography, with totally new history and civilizations, it allowed me to adapt to where the story began with a modicum of science and scientific accuracy. I decided it was required to an extent for the flow of transition.
Q.17 How do you balance the need for scientific accuracy with the creative liberties often taken in science/fantasy fiction storytelling?
A. People can hate me for this, as I know there are a lot of genre purists out there, but I found that by writing the way I did, writing about a world that was at its peak that collapsed and had to start over in totally new geography, with totally new history and civilizations, it allowed me to adapt to where the story began with a modicum of science and scientific accuracy. I decided it was required to an extent for the flow of transition.
However, the fact I also set the beginning so far into the future and the fact I was writing a history of an alternate Earth, is why I took four chapters to set everything up. And why there are some liberties taken with how things went down. Because what my novel actually incorporates along with fantasy, are elements of speculative speculative history and speculative science. New fields in science and history; dictate the events and things that we know happened in history and science this way, but let’s explore if it happened differently.
Q.18 How do your friends or family feel about your book or writing venture in general?
A. I personally feel it’s a bit divided. I’m not going to hurt feelings or name names. I’m not like that. I guess I just feel, there are some who have been on board since the very beginning, those who have supported me, even before there was a sign I could make a go of it.
And those who have kind of overlooked my attempts, or felt that it was just a hobby, or that being a novelist wasn’t a real career. That it wasn’t something you could make a living at, or something of note until you showed substantial results.
Q.19 Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced your writing style or the creation of your books?
A. There are, Aakanksha. Terry Brooks, and Brian Jacques as I mentioned earlier, whose book Rakkety Tam first started me writing. H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, who first got me into ideas of futurism, and of course J.R.R. Tolkien, who I feel you can’t even mention fantasy without mentioning him.
Q.20 Share the experience of your writing journey so far.
A. The best way I can describe my writing journey so far, is it’s literally the closest thing I know to probably raising a child. Let me explain. You start, with this idea you put on paper. It’s like an infant for a first-time parent, I guess. Not that I know too much about that, but anyway. Heh. The point is, you have this idea you have no idea what to do with. You try different things. You try to work it out. Eventually, your idea grows. You get to know it, get to understand it. You think you’ve got it all figured out. Then boom.
Q.19 Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced your writing style or the creation of your books?
A. There are, Aakanksha. Terry Brooks, and Brian Jacques as I mentioned earlier, whose book Rakkety Tam first started me writing. H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, who first got me into ideas of futurism, and of course J.R.R. Tolkien, who I feel you can’t even mention fantasy without mentioning him.
Q.20 Share the experience of your writing journey so far.
A. The best way I can describe my writing journey so far, is it’s literally the closest thing I know to probably raising a child. Let me explain. You start, with this idea you put on paper. It’s like an infant for a first-time parent, I guess. Not that I know too much about that, but anyway. Heh. The point is, you have this idea you have no idea what to do with. You try different things. You try to work it out. Eventually, your idea grows. You get to know it, get to understand it. You think you’ve got it all figured out. Then boom.
Your story turns into an obstinate teenager. It fights you at every turn. You come up with new ideas to keep it moving. You get stuck. Try to compromise with it. Nothing. At times you don’t want to even look at it. My story, my writings, just became something I had to put to the side and didn’t want to deal with.
Finally, after struggle after struggle, it got to a point where I told myself, okay. I need to sit down and just deal with this. I. Need. To write. And lo and behold, after putting the issue to the side? Yeah, that’s when dealing with the story was like dealing with an adult. Ideas flowed, and concepts came together.
I actually started getting through the story and finally put something together. And even though I faced a second hurdle of wanting to give up after it sat for about two years with not much attention, I did finally get someone to represent me. And that is where I am now.
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