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Thursday, August 16, 2012

Someday Stars: Meet Jeff Hargett


What’s your name, and where are you from?
My name is Jeff Hargett. I am California born, but North Carolina raised. So yeah, I’ve got the southern-boy accent.

How long have you been writing?
I started writing while in school, mostly lyrics and poetry, but it wasn’t until I returned to school a decade later that a professor swore a novel tarried inside me begging to be written. She convinced me to set it free. Spurred by her encouragement, I did. I’m forever in her debt.

What genre(s) do you write?
While my short stories can be almost anything, all novel-length work I’ve done has been epic fantasy. People say to write what you know. I modified that to suit me. I write what I love instead. Besides, I have as much first-hand knowledge about magic and dragons as anyone else, right?

What’s your current WIP? Can you tell us about it?
I’m currently writing an epic fantasy series called Strands of Pattern. I’ll be starting book one’s revisions soon. I’ve begun plotting book two and have outlined and started drafting a pseudo-prequel that I’m dedicating to my oldest grandson. He loves dragons.

What’s your current day job? How does it help or hinder your writing?
By day (and sometimes by night and weekend) I’m a Lead Application Developer at a Fortune 500 insurance company. I’ve worked in information technology for decades and the tech changes as rapidly now as it did thirty years ago. Today’s chosen solution is tomorrow’s target for an upgrade.

From a hindrance perspective, my job often places huge demands on my time. It helps by keeping both the analytical, logic-focused side of my brain active as well as my creative side. Writing software can be quite a creative endeavor too.

Who is your favorite author?
I’d call my favorite a tie between J. R. R. Tolkien and Robert Jordan. They ignited my imagination. I’m a big fan of Terry Goodkind, Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Melanie Rawn and Robin Hobb, too.

Favorite book?
This too is a tie. It’s between “Fellowship of the Ring” by J. R. R. Tolkien and “The Great Hunt” by Robert Jordan. But there are so many so worthy of that top slot.

What other hobbies or activities do you do outside of writing?
You mean I can do things other than work and write? Actually, I’m creature of habit. So what I lack in variety I make up for in intensity. I’m a lover of astronomy, strategy games, painting (although my talent is virtually non-existent), and, of course, reading. I’m longing for the next sci-fi or fantasy series to come along so that I can enjoy my “so big even Grandpa can see” television again.

Most of my enjoyment, however, comes from family. All those people that say being a grandparent is fabulous? They’re right!

What is something unique about yourself?
Besides my fingerprints? I’m a creature of contradiction, good with my toes and prefer breakfast or Italian for all three meals.

Do you have a blog, Twitter, and/or Web site we can link to?
Twitter: @JeffreySHargett
Facebook: (Coming soon)


25 comments:

  1. Yep. This guy will definitely someday be a star, and we'll all get to say, "I knew him when..." I enjoyed the interview, Charlie and Jeff. :)

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    1. Flatterer ;-) You and Charlie sure know how to inflate a guy's ego. Thanks for stopping by!

      And thank you, Charlie, for having me!

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  2. Charlie, I love your Someday Stars series. You introduce us to some awesome authors-in-the-making. Jeff, it was wonderful making your virtual acquaintance and I'd have to say that yes, you know quite a bit about dragons and magic, probably a lot more than me, I'm sure, but you do :-) You've got imagination and that's all you need. Wishing you the best in your endeavors.

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    1. Thanks, Angela! I love meeting new people! I've been blessed to have met so many awesome, inspiring folks since I started blogging.

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  3. He knows about dragons alright. He even has a dragon friend too. I also believe he'll be a star one day. *Dwarves cheering now* Nice interview :)

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    1. :::Bowing gratefully at the dwarves:::
      :::Bowing respectfully at the dragon::: :-)

      Thanks, Al!

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  4. YAY for Jeff!!
    I love his blog!!
    :)

    And Charlie, as I was looking around your blog, I noticed you have finished several books (on the right hand side) have you published them or do you have an agent?
    Im working on several books too, and its nice to run across another aspiring novelist :)

    Great luck in all your endeavors.

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  5. great interview. Always nice to get to know our favorites a little better ;)

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    1. Aw shucks, you guys are making me blush. Thanks, Christina.

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  6. You can never go wrong with dragons. :)

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    1. True, providing one isn't touching the treasure when the dragon awakes. Those red ones have tempers!

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  7. Nice to meet you, Jeff! And great interview, Charlie... As always! :)

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    1. Thank you, LisaAnn. Animal trainer, eh? Must be interesting.

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  8. Nice interview, Jeff. I learn something new about you all the time. I'm also a grandfather, and yes it's a joy.

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    1. When I became a father, I thought nothing could be better. When I became a grandfather, I realized I was wrong. All three are boys within a couple years of each other in age. Quite a time come holidays!

      Life just doesn't get any better than when you can spend time with those you love.

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  9. Which/What kind of strategy games, Jeff Hargett? With the creative side and the analytical, probably would be pretty good at quite a few.

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    1. The board game Risk was a favorite for years. I also enjoy playing Civilization, chess, canasta and the old word game Lingo, to name a few. I enjoy pitting my mind against an equal or better mind--especially when the opposing mind likes to have fun in the process. I'm a fierce competitor, but not at the expense of fun.

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    2. Good mix. My favorite strategy games over the years have been Diplomacy, Kingmaker and StarFleet Battles. I've seen Civilization played, but never got the chance.

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    3. Civ is addictive and a major time suck if you're not careful. Entire afternoons can disappear while you build your empire.

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    4. Yes, Jeff, I recall in college where I saw it played. They started in the early evening and I guess didn't finish until early hours in the morning.

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  10. Nice to meet you, Jeff! I write fantasy as well, but mostly urban fantasy. I love Tolkien, too - must have read The Hobbit 20 times now.

    Cool feature, Charlie, thanks! Hope you're having a good week...

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    1. Thanks, Alexia! Finding other fantasy writers is always a special treat for me. We have much to be thankful for when it comes to Tolkien. Can't wait to check out the Hobbit movies. The danger, of course, is that after LOTR, my expectations are kind of high.

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  11. Great interview, Jeff! Learned some cool things about you! I bet you're chomping at the bit for the new Hobbit movies to come out, I know I am. Peter Jackson is an awesome director and does a great job bringing Tolkien's fantasy worlds to life. Can't wait! Have you sent your first book into a publisher yet? I want to buy a copy once it's out!

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    1. Oh yes, I'm most definitely looking forward to more Middle Earth movies. I'm getting close with the book. I'd love to say I'm X% finished with my edits, but I haven't yet been able to solve for "X". :)

      If you buy a copy then I want to autograph it (providing my signature doesn't devalue the book! LOL)

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