Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the son of a prolific author, so when I say I have written ten novels, it sounds like a very small number to me. People have told me it isn’t, but I have trouble believing them.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is called DUSTER. My first two novels were urban fantasy—which I love—but I grew up reading epic fantasy and had always dreamed of writing one. I’d had a character in mind for many years so I threw him into a world and away I went. Before I knew it, I’d written creation myths for my world, an 1800 year history, family histories of my main characters etc.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get most of my best writing done between the hours of 1 and 4am while the rest of the house is sleeping. I always listen to music on headphones, but nothing with lyrics in a language I understand. I’ve been diagnosed with severe to moderate ADHD, and the music seems to occupy the part of my mind that is constantly whirring and allows me to concentrate on writing fully.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sooooooo many. The ones I list are all from my very fallible memory. There are too many and I will definitely forget some important ones.
When I was young: Tolkien, Joan D Vinge, Lloyd Alexander, Ursula LeGuin, Diane Duane, Jane Yolen (my mother), Ann McCaffery. I was pretty voracious reader and still am.
Later in life: George RR Martin, Barbara Hambly, Joe Abercrombie, Walter Jon WIlliams, Lois McMaster Bujold, my Mpls. bandmates Steven Brust and Emma Bull
What are you working on now?
I’m writing the sequel to DUSTER, titled GALLOCH, while editing the first draft of DEED OF EMPIRE, the first book in a brand new epic fantasy trilogy
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang, of course! *shameless pandering* I am not a good promoter but am trying to change. So I’m pretty scattershot right now, trying to determine what works for me. I’ll be sure to report back when I figure it out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Only listen to people who tell you how THEY write. If someone tells you how TO write, they’re just trying to sell you something.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never piss on an electric fence. If only I had listened.
What are you reading now?
PIRATE HUNTER : The True Story of Captain Kidd by Richard Zacks. I devour history books these days. Knowledge of history can do so much to infuse your secondary worlds with realism and complexity.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Honestly, what I’ve been working on lately is just writing more. I used to be a 500-1000 words a day writer. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But I wanted to do more. SO I’ve been working out and am now regularly writing 2 to 4k a day.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I refuse to answer that on account of all the poor books feelings I would hurt.
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