Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the author of several young adult novels including The Shadow Kingdom, Fortune’s Queen, Ungifted and Gates. As well, I published The Thorn and the Sinking Stone (Entangled Teen 2015) under another pen name, CJ Dushinski.
I love books about magic, romance, adventure and fantasy. Growing up in the vast planes of the north, books were an escape that led me to a career in writing where I can always explore new, endless worlds.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Shadow Kingdom is my newest novel. It was inspired by a dream I had about being trapped in a black and white world. At the same time I was watching a show on vikings and was struck by the incredible beauty of the fjords and mystic intrigue of Norse mythology. Like all writing I do, I tend to mash a bunch of ideas together until it feels like a complete story. And that’s how I ended up with the Shadow Kingdom!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am definitely a “mash-up” writer. Dystopian Romeo and Juliet, Science and Magic, mythology and urban streets. I love taking two, or even three things, that don’t quite go together and turning it into an entirely new world.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K. Rowling of course. I love Diana Gabaldon, Brandon Sanderson, Ernest Cline, Karen Marie Moning, Scott Lynch, Cassandra Clare, Laini Taylor, Eoin Colfer, George R.R. Martin, Suzanne Collins….the list goes on, and covers a lot of genres. But they all have one thing in common; fantastic world building and engrossing characters.
What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on a YA time-travel novel based on one of my favorite books of all time. Except instead of falling back in time, the MC goes forward into an apocalyptic future. I am also working on Book #2 in the Shadow Curse Series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
NetGalley. I have found that although it can be quite pricey, especially for independent authors, it really works to get your book out there to the right audience and to cultivate those critical reviews we all live and die by.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I think everything probably sounds cliche at this point. My best advice is just to not give up. If you can’t find a door, carve your own path. Make it happen. Don’t want for someone else to do it for you. If you truly believe in yourself and your writing, anything can happen. Stick to your guns, and have patience. Lots and lots of patience. This is a game of years, not days.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The same I just gave! Patience.
What are you reading now?
I am reading more Brandon Sanderson. I love his series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue to write, because I love it, and for no other reason.
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?
No deep and profound answer here. I would take the Harry Potter series because it brings me great joy.
Author Websites and Profiles
C.J. Inkson Amazon Profile
C.J. Inkson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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