Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Chris Love, 35 years old, born and raised in South Carolina. I joined the Army in 2005 and served until 2010. I’m a disabled combat vet, stay at home dad, and in 2018 I was elected to the board of Trustees for the village of Theresa, where I live with my wife and our 4 kids. I’ve written one book so far.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is City of Red: Part 1. The book as it is was born from an idea I had for another story. In it, a former made man, now homeless, watches his wife and son from the shadows, keeping them safe without ever revealing himself bc it would put them in danger. In that story I had all these wonderful characters with very fun backstories. One day, I decided to start at the beginning and tell those backstories instead. The original idea, which I created sitting by the river at Whetstone park with my wife will be seen in book 3 of the series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I work late at night. Mainly out of necessity because we have 4 kids and it’s so crazy and loud during the day. I also like to write the book in my head. Say I’m cutting grass or driving somewhere, I focus on the scene at hand and develop tone, outcome, actions, etc.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Marco, Brandon Sanderson, John Jakes, and Mathew Pearl are the authors that have influenced me to write the most. Likewise, their books has influenced me. Although he isn’t an author, he deserves an honorable mention, film director Quentin Tarantino. I’ve always loved his movies. The guy can write and direct a movie about mobsters then jump to a spaghetti western. That’s the kind of writer I want to be.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on City of Red: Part 2. I’ve also begun work on a western set in the 1800’s called Momma, and a horror story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, it’s Facebook. I feel most comfortable on Facebook, I just know it and how it works alot better than others such as Goodreads or inkitt, which I’m also on. I’m operating on all of the above options right now. I have to get my work out there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do everything you can to advertise your book. Try to get interviewed by your local news, start doing events like book signings and meet and greets and also, get into competitions.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Only worry about the things you can control.
What are you reading now?
Game of Thrones
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have my first meet and greet and book signing event on Aug 1. I’m going to finish City of Red: Part 2 and continue to add published works to my name. I’m entering as many novel competitions as I can so I hope something exciting comes of that.
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 Dante Club
North and South
The Eyes of God
A survival guide for dummies
Chris Love’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile