Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a professional writer for 20 years. After graduating from Film School Munich in scriptwriting, I worked as a screenwriter in the German movie business, then as a game writer in the video game industry.
Five years ago, I finally made my childhood dream come true and published my first novel. I have four traditionally published books in Germany, of which three are a Dystopian series.
My latest book, Shadow City, is, in a way, another debut for me, however. It’s my first book in English for the US market after I moved to the US in 2016.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Shadow City, and it has been just released in November.
It’s a Sci-Fi/Dark-Fantasy story with elements of Horror set in post-apocalyptic LA.
Since I used to be a game writer, I built the world of Shadow City similar to an RPG, with different factions and multiple strong characters. Gamers will surely feel reminded of the Fallout series when reading Shadow City. It’s a game series I love, and which inspired me a lot for my book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a strict plotter, which is not very surprising considered that I used to write screenplays. I plan every scene in advance and write it down in a few sentences before I start writing the book.
When I started developing Shadow City, I planned it as a trilogy from the beginning. Before I wrote the first sentence of the novel, I knew exactly how the trilogy will end.
I have a very special work procedure. When I write I imagine a movie in my head. I see everything in all details moving and rewind the scenes in my head over and over again to make changes until I’m satisfied. Then I write them down. It is why my writing style often is described as cinematic by my readers.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a big fan of George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, Anne Rice, Phillip K. Dick, and Isaac Asimov. These are probably the authors who influenced me the most. Additionally, I enjoy reading Stephen King, Dean Koontz, George R.R. Martin, and Andrzej Sapkowski.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on Dark City, which is the working title for the sequel to Shadow City. I’m almost done, maybe 40 more pages to go.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook Ads, Amazon Ads, and Netgalley.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
One of the most difficult things for newbie authors is to actually finish a book. It’s easy to get distracted or disheartened. I would suggest focusing on only one story at a time. Especially the middle of a story is often difficult to write, and that’s the point when many have new ideas for completely different stories and start working on them.
I wouldn’t do that. If you have new ideas, write them down in a notebook, so you can come back to them later, no matter how tempting it is. Finish your story first.
I also would recommend writing every day, if possible. It doesn’t need to be much. If you have five minutes, write for five minutes. If you have five hours, write for five hours. Writing every day is the best way to avoid writer’s block because you become so used to writing that after a while, you can do it anytime, anywhere.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never ever give up!
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading “Reality by Deception” by Bobby Casto, a YA Sci-fantasy story, and I enjoyed it a lot.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will finish Shadow City 2, prepare its publishing for next year, and simultaneously start writing book 3 of the trilogy.
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?
Probably George R.R. Martin’s Ice&Fire series. These books would keep me busy for quite some time 😉
(Not to mention that they are fantastic!)
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