Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live and write in two worlds. He is the author of three social justice-themed novels (works for a Human Rights organization) and an award-winning series of Epic Fantasy. I try to convince myself and others that there is a connection.
In 2009, while on a family camping trip in Northern California, I began writing an epic fantasy novel to read to my sons around the campfire. Every year since, both my sons and the ancient redwood forests bear witness to the summoning of the Wycaan Masters, as each new manuscript is read on the annual camping trip to these diligently tough young editors.
My first epic fantasy novel, At The Walls Of Galbrieth, won the 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Award – YA Category and was a Grand Prize Finalist. The fifth book in the series is From Ashes They Rose was released in October 2015. All books are published by Tourmaline Books who will release Book 6 in early 2016.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
From Ashes They Rose – I wanted to explore the idea that the so-called ‘bad guys’ were motivated by a deeply felt injustice, and this justified their actions. They have an acute awareness of what they are doing and show great intelligence. It is not always so easy to hate your enemy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My first draft spews out in 100 days (average of 1,000 words a day). I have no outline, and let the story take me. I have been seen crying at my keyboard and once alarmed a woman on a plane when I gasped and told her I had just killed someone.
I rise early and get to my office by 7.30am and write for at least an hour. I might stay an hour after work, and once the kids are in bed…well I think sleeping is overrated.
Editing takes much longer and I am blessed with a wonderful editor and critical but supportive writing friends … oh, and a long-suffering wife and children!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Patrick Rothfuss. I would give his books 6 stars if allowed. I grew up on Tolkien and Terry Brooks, greatly admire R.A. Salvatore and Daniel Arenson, and secretly dream to write like George R.R. Martin and Terry Goodkind.
What are you working on now?
Editing Book 6. I would tell you the title, but my publishers always change it! And wondering what will come after Book 6. I so love these characters, it is hard to imagine leaving them.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There is no magic bullet. I love communicating with readers. It blows my mind that someone in Japan or India read one my books and cares enough to reach out. I always try and respond. Great believer in twitter – @elfwriter – if you are interested – love when people comment on my blog posts (elfwriter.com). It is all about building friendships.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write your next book. There are few one book wonders and, if your book is good, even fewer readers who will finish your book and not immediately look for the next one.
Read everything you can.
Be a great human being.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
R. A. Salvatore – if you can quit do so. If you can’t, you’re a writer.
What are you reading now?
Mistborn – Brandon Sanderson
What’s next for you as a writer?
After Book 6, I am exploring a more edgy magical realism book. Okay, I have already written it and am reading it now to my writer’s group. There is a lot of work to do, but no one has thrown their coffee on me…yet.
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?
Patrick Rothfuss – his three novels would be an omnibus (is that cheating?) – and yes, the third would be published by then.
Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth.
The final Game of Thrones book – just so that I don’t have too much fun there but the time passes! Nice to know there are people (even fictional suffering like me on the island).
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