Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. I grew up in a household that encouraged creativity. I started playing the guitar at 7 and can remember reading and drawing. My parents, but my father especially, was always really into fantasy – I remember my dad reading David Eddings, Robert Jordan, and Terry Brooks. I watched Star Wars and the cartoon of The Hobbit religiously.
I am a firm believer that someone can be both athletic and artistic at the same time. That seems to be a juxtaposition in much of our modern day society. I played a number of sports growing up and am currently wrestling and football coach as well as a high school teacher, and I assist our Strength and Conditioning coach with our weight lifting programs.
I have written three books so far, all three of them a part of the Shadow’s Fire Trilogy – A Chance Beginning, Dark Winds, and Breaking the Flame. Book 3: Breaking the Flame is currently in the hands of my editor.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is Breaking the Flame and it is the third book in a three book series. The thing that mostly inspired me about this series was that typical epic fantasy always seems to focus on grandiose ideas and the hero. And even though my series does, in a way, emulate your typical fantasy novel or series, it focuses on the little guys, the guys who support the heroes.
Another title I am working on is called To Kill A Witch and it combines my love for Fantasy with my love for history, as it takes place in 11th century England, just post-Norman conquest.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I necessarily have any unusual writing habits, only that I must find odd times to do most of my writing. If I give my students a test or a project, those are the days when I get a lot of writing done. I use many of the same motivations I think a lot of writers use. If I experience writer’s block, I’ll listen to music, look at artwork that deals with the fantasy genre, or read.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think, like most fantasy authors, JRR Tolkien is a huge influence. Recently, George RR Martin has also been a huge influence. I have read the whole range of fantasy, from high epic fantasy to urban fantasy and, in each sub-genre, there are authors that seem to influence and inspire me. Most recently, I have been paying alot of attention to independent authors who have made it big in fantasy, guys like Jonathan Renshaw.
What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on two books. The first is To Kill A Witch, the Historical Fantasy I mentioned earlier, and then another series of books that centers on my main protagonist from The Shadow’s Fire Trilogy – Erik Eleodum.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, Facebook and Twitter have probably been the best modes of advertising as well as some websites like this one that will help promote authors for next to nothing. I have my own website and a blog that I try to put out once a month. I have been working with a local, Tucson publishing company (they haven’t contracted me, just helping me with author services) and one of the services they offer is marketing and advertising, so we are hopeful that that will be fruitful.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You need to read what you want to write. If you write fantasy, read fantasy. You also need to have structure to your writing process. One of the worst pieces of advice I ever got was to just write – ket the muses do their work. Thats a terrible idea. Outline your story. Create a story map. There are all different types of resources out there to help you do that. Before I ever start actually writing, I create a paragraph or two for each chapter so I know where I am going and then I create a story map of the journey, with checkpoints at certain percentages.
Secondly, save up money so you can do it right. Get help from a professional editor. I know it can be expensive, but in the long run it will be worth it. Same with cover artwork and design and even the internal structure of your book. If your story is good, people will excuse a few mistakes here and there, but if they’re all over the place and there’re major inconsistencies with the story, readers are brutal. They’re spending money after all. And do ask a friend to be your editor. You need an objective eye, someone who has been in the industry and knows the industry.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It takes time and money to put out a good product. I rushed into publishing and my first edition of A Chance Beginning was awful. The story was pretty much the same, but the design, the cover, the editing, and some of the content was just subpar.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading three books depending on how I fell.
Wayward Soldiers by Joshua P. Simon
Fatemarked by David Estes
Byzantium by Stephen Lawhead
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep writing. I want to expand on the world I have created in A Chance Beginning. I want to expand on some of the ideas I have created in my book To Kill A Witch. I have a couple ideas for a young adult urban fantasy book.
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 Bible
Lord of the Rings
The Jack Ryan Series
Any history book
Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Patterson Website
Christopher Patterson Amazon Profile
Christopher Patterson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account