Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Stumbling Stoned is my second book and my first foray into urban fantasy. At first I was just messing around with writing in the first person (which I’d never done before) and being a little irreverent because my previous book, A Clatter of Chains, was so wholesomely epic. But once I’d created the main character, the Patchwork Prince, he would not let me rest until he’d dragged me to the end of the story. And I can feel him looking in my direction again already.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Patchwork Prince began as a mental exercise: how would you, as a mental patient, convince your psychiatrist that your delusion was really real? And how could you, the mental patient, be certain it was? The story thereafter owes a lot of its quest-methodology and quirkiness to old-style anime series (like Inuyasha) and dated computer games (like Leisure Suit Larry and Monkey Island). The main character is questing for bits of himself and his past, to try and piece them together (or patch himself up). Success might lead to startling revelations…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’d give my left arm to have unusual writing habits. They could probably double the output volume of my usual writing habits. Although it would then be twice as hard to type…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I cut my teeth on David Eddings and Robert Jordan. Later I added Steven Erikson, J.V. Jones, Brandon Sanderson and Will Wight. They (and many others) have all contributed in their way. Although I freely admit to reading Stephenie Meyer and Patricia Briggs as well.
What are you working on now?
The second installment of The Waking Worlds’ series, A Fray of Furies, is foremost on my word processor. At least two friends have threatened me with a seance if I don’t finish the series before I die (and I take those threats very seriously).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
At this stage, promoting my book is a dream, not a reality. But views-wise, I would have to say Twitter is working hardest for me. But please do check out my author site at www.andrevanwyck.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
There will be times when you feel like a failure. Like you are wasting your life and like you would do more good shoveling (or being) compost. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep writing. Everything else is just a popularity contest.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you don’t see the book you want on the shelf, write it.” ~ Beverly Cleary
What are you reading now?
The Traveler’s Gate Trilogy by Will Wight.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Be discovered, get famous, sell a gazillion copies … sit back down in my little one bedroom with no view and write the next one.
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?
The Night Watch by Terry Pratchett; Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson; Night Broken by Patricia Briggs
Author Websites and Profiles
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