Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi all. I’m the author of The McGunnegal Chronicles – a series of three books so far, with more planned.
I enjoy writing, hiking, guitar, rock climbing, reading, spending time with my family, and just plain being here.
I’m an Orthodox Christian – meaning I’m a member of that pre-denominational Christian church that’s been around forever and, yep, has incense, liturgy, fasting, vigils, confession, saints, bishops, relics, icons, chanting, eight tones, and all that Eastern Orthodox doctrine that makes it so deep and rich and appealing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Strange Land Trilogy – a compendium of my first three books (Into a Strange Land, Taming the Goblin, and The Witch and the Waking Tree).
The McGunnegal Chronicles began as a series of bedtime stories that I started telling my children when they were young. It turned into about a year-long story of stories that I just made up spontaneously every night. They loved the stories so much that they urged me to write them down. So I started doing that, and this book series is the result.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to carry around a little pocket notebook, so that when ideas come, I can jot them down. I also like to use my Kindle (touch) to listen to my own books. Yeah, the text-to-speech voice isn’t so great, but I find it invaluable to listen to my own writing. It not only helps with grammar issues, but gives me another sense (listening) to experience my books and see if they feel right.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis, J.R. Tolkien, Andre Norton, Robert Heinlein, J.K. Rowling, Jack McDevitt, Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, Fr. Seraphim Rose, the Philokalia, the Bible.
What are you working on now?
Currently working on the 4th book in The McGunnegal Chronicles series, making book trailers, marketing, and learning.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Free book promotions through KDP Select is really important. I’d also say that Facebook and YouTube have been great. Making a video trailer and tying to ad campaigns on these sites has been helpful.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Write
2. Balance learning how to write with just writing.
3. Join a critique group. I prefer online groups (like SilverPen) for getting real critiques, but personally participating in real critique circles (face to face with people) has advantages too. You may not get much of your book critiqued, but you hear great advice given to others.
4. Write more.
5. Listen to your own writing using text-to-speech software. This is very, very helpful. You might also try recording yourself reading your own work and listen to it.
6. Be willing to take criticism from other authors. It will help you grow and improve your writing style.
7. Don’t be afraid to “kill your darlings.” Sometimes a chapter or paragraph that you consider really good just isn’t.
8. Keep a writing tablet with you in the car, or in your pocket. Jot down your ideas as they come.
9. See stories in the life all around you.
10. Read the genre that you write.
11. Write more and more.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’ll only become a great writer by writing. Get off Facebook. Stop Googling. Just write.
What are you reading now?
Cobweb Bride, by Vera Nazarian.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue writing The McGunnegal Chronicles series. Then I might try my hand at SciFi.
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 Bible, The Philokalia, and a huge blank notebook (and pencil).
Author Websites and Profiles
Ben Anderson Website
Ben Anderson Amazon Profile
Ben Anderson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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