Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a New York City math teacher and former computer programmer who has always had an interest in writing. For over the past dozen years, I’ve written the webcomic “(x, why?),” which is steeped in math, teaching, fandom and bad puns.
My first collection of short fiction, “In A Flash 2020” was published last year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my second collection is undecided at the moment, but it’s inspired by all the notes I’ve kept in all the journals for the past few decades. Okay, I haven’t gone back and read all of them, but there are a lot of ideas and themes that readily come to mind. On the other hand, there were a few pieces that, had I not written something down, I would’ve forgotten about them completely. But as soon as I saw my notes, so much of it came back!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure I have any usual writing habits! For so long, it was a matter of squeezing it in whenever I could find the time, instead of making the time. One habit I used to have was that I carried journals with me all the time for years. Now I’ll make notes on pads and shove them in my pocket, or try to write something down electronically.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I can’t say that I emulate Mark Twain or Douglas Adams because that’s just not possible for me at this moment. However, I enjoy how the writing is so conversational in tone and full of wit. Being able to turn a phrase and twist the language as they do is something to strive for.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m polishing another collection of stories. By the time it’s done, it should have demons and angels, vampires and werewolves, time travel, magic, and superheroes saving the day. Also, I’m showing a little more of my humorous side.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m regularly on Twitter, and I promote my writing on my math blog, mrburkemath.blogspot.com.
Many of my tweets start with a two-sentence snippet from one of the stories from “In A Flash 2020”. And with 20 stories, it’ll be a while before the start to repeat!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have a journal for those ideas, and save them for a time when you’re ready to do something with them. And write! If you can’t get that opening paragraph write, skip it. Write the rest and then come back to it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing what you know doesn’t mean that you can’t learn new things to write about.
What are you reading now?
A couple of 50-year-old issues of Analog, and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
More recently published, I’m reading “Kings of the Wyld” by Nicholas Eames.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Real Soon Now, I will have three short short stories in the anthology “Devlish & Divine”, from eSpec Books. They answer the questions: what happens when the last devil and angel have nothing left to fight about, when a hell hound comes to the local dog park, and when a children accidently summons a demon to her tea party.
I’m absolutely delighted by the names I get share a Table of Contents page with. I’ve known some of them from conventions for years.
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?
With so much out there that I want to read, I can’t imagine re-reading the same books over and over. It would have to be four anthologies, with different genres and themes that I could just back and forth between. One science fiction and one fantasy to start. Maybe mystery and adventure collections to round it out. Or humor! I’m stranded on a desert island — I could use something to brighten my mood!
Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Burke Website
Christopher Burke Amazon Profile
Christopher Burke’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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