Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi I’m Cully
What to say about me? I guess if I could some up what makes me tick in one phrase it would be – Follow your dreams!
It took me a while to learn this as life got in the way but I learned that who you are, your passions and desires, they call out in whispers and if you don’t listen they begin to roar. And roar they did, so here I am writing what I should have written years ago!
I have written A Voice That Thunders, the first epic fantasy novel in the Voice that Thunders series and A Scream That Shatters (soon to be published).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is A Voice That Thunders. I was inspired to write it because of my interest in ancient near east myths. I see a lot of books about Greek and Roman gods but I wanted to go back further and explore the myths in which these developed from.
I imagined a brother (Gabe) and what would happen if his sister (Mirah) was taken by immortal beings, gave him a destiny, added some magic, plenty of conflict and a tad of romance (a bit more than a tad as it happens) and here we are. I’m currently writing the 4th book!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not an outliner or plotter! I create my characters’ personalities, put them in an imagined world, add obstacles which they need to overcome and work out how they achieve it as I write. The characters often surprise me! Honestly, I still have no clue how this is all going to end!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I take inspiration from myths from the ANE such as The Book of Enoch, The Epic of Gilgamesh, or things like Milton’s Paradise Lost. I research a lot of Sumerian, Babylonian, and Semitic texts for my world building and mythological themes.
As far as reading and inspiration goes, I have an eclectic mix, everything from classics like Virginia Woolf to fantasy authors such as Patrick Rothfuss, Jay Kristoff, Natalie Jaster, Raye Wagner and older favourites such as Robert Jordan and Raymond Feist.
I’m a huge fan of Sarah J Maas, preferring TOG.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing A Fire That Whispers and writing A Song That Clashes. These are books 3 & 4 in the Voice that Thunder series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t really begun promoting my books yet. It’s a scary avenue to take. This is one of my first ventures into promotion.
I do have a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CullyMack/
and a group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2308034742648180/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! I know you’ve heard it before, so had I. It’s really the best way. Don’t self-edit just keep going and get that first draft down. You will develop as a writer and change most of your original in redrafts.
Also, read. Find authors who have keys strengths where you are lacking and see how they do it. Read outside your genre.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not only related to writing but the best advice I’ve heard is to follow your dreams and don’t let life’s stumbling blocks deter you from your path.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff and Wrath by John Gwynne.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m due to publish A Scream That Shatters in November 2019. A Fire That Whispers will be out in the new year and maybe A Song That Clashes will be finished also. The final book (still untitled) is lingering in my mind itching to come to life. After this, I think I will write something different, maybe or Fae or Dragons (or both)!
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?
Empire of Storms by S. J. Maas – I’m a sucker for Lorcan
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss – I love his prose
Something epic and very very long
A book I’ve never read and hope it’s a great one.
Author Websites and Profiles
Cully Mack Amazon Profile
Cully Mack’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile