Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a new writer. The Goodwin Chronicles is my first work, though I have another I’m preparing to drop and a third (a series) in the works. I’m a dad and really love the opportunity to inspire kids with my writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Goodwin Chronicles: Legends of Traumwelt was inspired by my own family. We visited my wife’s family in England (they live at Caynton House) and the whole place just brought this story out of me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? Not really. Goodwin Chronicles was written almost exclusively on my mobile phone – which I suppose is kind of unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! Shakespeare, of course. Toni Morrison. Neil Gaiman. Nick Hornby. Christopher Moore.
Books that have influenced me are the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings series, A Wrinkle in Time, Harry Potter series, and fairy tales.
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up a middle grade sci fi book called Harvest Season, which is a story about an incredibly smart girl growing up in poverty in a near future America. Her life has been shattered – her older sister died from a flu pandemic, her father suffered a traumatic brain injury, and her mother abandoned the family. She believes her station in life is set at the bottom, but when she finds her sister in an abandoned factory – still the same age as when she died – she discovers that she is the only hope to save humanity from an ancient alien civilization bent on taking over planet Earth.
After that, I’m working on a superhero book series for middle graders. It will start in 6th and go through 8th grades.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I had one. I’m new to this whole process. Amazon makes the publishing so easy – and offers lots of promotional options. But I think social media ads will be the most effective route. Time will tell.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author myself, I can just say keep going. This is a long slog. Think about publishing your book as an entrepreneur and I think you will have the right mindset.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Happiness is a choice. I try to live that everyday.
What are you reading now?
I’ve been moving through The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne. I just finished the One and Only Ivan, by K.A. Applegate.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep going. Publish Harvest Season. Finish the next book. Then the next. And the next. Must. Keep. Writing.
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?
Not a book, but Hamlet (or complete works of Shakespeare)
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
Dante’s Divine Comedy
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