Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Chris von Halle has had many different lives in many different worlds—the near and distant future Earth, other planets, and even other dimensions—and his books recreate his childhood memories of such outlandish locations. In this world and life, he lives in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and enjoys such extraordinary activities as playing videogames, tennis, and basketball, and writing the occasional comic strip. The Fourth Generation is his first published novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I think some of the recent bestselling young adult dystopian novels inspired mine – such as The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner (two of my all-time favorite novels), etc. Same with a couple old-school, classic ones, too, like Fahrenheit 451 and 1984. Other than that, I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of a world or setting that used to be booming/prosperous, but has suddenly (or over a long period of time) become horribly degraded. It poses the question, “What utterly terrible thing could have happened here in order for things to be in such horrific shape now?” And I love that.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I always write sitting on a couch with my legs pinned up against the wall. Just kidding. I don’t really have any unusual writing habits. I am highly scheduled, though, so I always write during the same-exact hours and for the same-exact amount of time every single week.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Like I said, books such as The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, 1984, and Fahrenheit 451. Aside from the authors of those novels, I’ve been highly influenced by the likes of R.L. Stine, J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis, and Louis Sachar.
What are you working on now?
I just finished the draft of a middle-grade science fiction novel currently called Picket Town.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning the whole promotion thing, but methods I’ve found that work so far is finding and posting in Facebook reading groups that love your book’s genre, and participating in other authors’ release parties (as well as having a party for your own book’s release).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I wish I did, but to be honest I’m still learning a lot as a new author myself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ve been given some great advice over the years and I feel like what I consider the most valuable constantly changes haha. At the moment I would say to believe in your work and keep submitting to literary agents and publishers, even in the face of constant rejection. At least, that applies if you’re seeking traditional publishing.
What are you reading now?
I am reading City of Savages by Lee Kelly. More dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction for me haha.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I hope to keep writing, publishing, and building a fan base, all that fun author stuff.
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?
This is simply too unfair of a question. Only 3 or 4 books??? Haha. I guess I’d have to go with Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, The City of Ember, a Goosebumps book (any one), and Wayside School is Falling Down.
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