Review Fix Exclusive: Troy Dukart Talks ‘Venerate Order’

Review Fix chats with author and veteran Troy Dukart, who discusses his Venerate Order book series.

Review Fix: How did being in the military make you a better author?

Troy Dukart: Great question! There are so many books and movies written about the military, but barely any author or writer was ever IN the military. We as fan bases are drawn to the heroism and valor of the military, but many people do not know military mindset or the pain military members go through. My experience in the Air Force gave me incredible insight into how the military actually works with rank and their philosophy. Movies never get saluting right, but I would’ve never known had I not been an Airman. True military mindsets translate directly into the pages to give the reader a chance to see what we go through.

Review Fix: What was the biggest lesson you learned and how did you apply it to writing?

Dukart: I had no idea what ranks were or what they were responsible for. Most people know have heard of a General or a Private, but not much else. Each rank in the military has a purpose and was critical into helping me shape the characters in books and how they interact with each other. 

Review Fix: Why does Sci-Fi still matter?

Dukart: With the latest Star Wars making as much money as it did, I would say absolutely. There’s something fascinating with Sci-Fi. I believe it gives a glimpse into possible futures for us. Movies like Terminator, Aliens, and The Matrix are some examples that prove that this genre is timeless. Who doesn’t have a smartphone anyway? That used to only be in Star Trek.

Review Fix: What inspired this book series?

Dukart: First and foremost, the video game series Final Fantasy by SquareEnix. Specifically the PS2 game Final Fantasy X. The game felt so real to me. It was a world I loved to explore and the characters really drew me in. I felt connected to those characters more than I had ever before in a game. As far as literature, Veronica Roth is my hero and her Divergent series is who I model after. She does such a fantastic job of writing from multiple perspectives and getting you turning pages effortlessly.

Review Fix: What is the goal of the book series?

Dukart: To bring joy to the reader! Haha, there are many themes within my books. The first two, The Venerate Order and The Venerate Redemption focused on fatherlessness, gender/sexual equality, and international co-operation. It also focused on fighting for your family and dealing with loss. This next book will focus on mental health awareness. I will be giving 20% of all these book’s lifetime profits to support mental health charities like changedirection.org and woundedwarriorproject.org.

Review Fix: What was the writing process like?

Dukart: You learn a lot every time you screw up haha! I follow Stephen King’s instructions I read from On Writing. I try to write the first manuscript within 3-6 months and then let it set for 6 weeks. That way it clears from your mind. Then I go back and do the first edit, then go back with editing software and a second edit. After the second edit, I send it to the editor and work with them until it’s as good as it can be!

Review Fix: The tale appears to be a visual one, any thoughts on a film adaptation at some point?

Dukart: That’s my dream! I need to gain more brand awareness but it’s something I’ve thought about for years. I look to people like Arnold Schwarzenegger, who never gave up and now he’s a living legend. Everyone’s has different timing. Some people hit it off right away, some it takes a while. Van Gogh didn’t get popular until he died! (Hopefully, it won’t be that long for me haha!)

Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy this book series the most?

Dukart: Fans of Harry Potter and Divergent fans especially but they cater to so many. Video game lovers, fantasy fans or people who enjoy surprises. I try to keep people guessing. Anybody who likes YA books or Fiction will fit in easily. Also, I feel my books could be the catalyst to create a new book lover. People who don’t read just need that one series to get into books. Once they do they wonder what they did with their life without books in them!

Review Fix: What is this book’s legacy?

Dukart: I hope that anyone who grew up without a parent, not believing in themselves or suffered from mental health issues will connect with these books. I have been affected by all of these issues and more. In the books, the characters learn to rise above what holds them back and become something special. They become what they were always destined to be. To anyone who is suffering, just know that your best days are yet to come. My books teach others to NEVER give up because you don’t know how great you can become.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Dukart: The new book, title and cover dropping on Halloween 2018, will be released late 2019 / early 2020 tentative. 

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Dukart: Thank you, Patrick, for having me! I really appreciate it! Also, if readers would like free ePub copies of The Venerate Order or The Venerate Redemption, please check out this website: https://www.krowdster.co/l/31bb6