Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there,
My name is Derek Hampton. I’m 24 years old and am currently hunting my master’s degree at FSU. I love reading, writing, and video games, and consider myself a pretty open guy. I just finished self-publishing my first novel and am very nervous about the whole thing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As I said, my first book just came out and it’s “The Sufferer’s Chronicle – Book 1: The Soul Prison”. After giving up being a video game designer in my late teens, I decided to adopt a game idea into a book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I made it a bad habit to drink coffee if I’m writing. Now, any time I want to sit down and get something out, I HAVE to have a cup of coffee.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
To steal from my own website, “Some of the biggest inspirations in my writing are the Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan, A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, Game of Thrones by HBO (based on the aforementioned book series by Martin), World of Warcraft and several accompanying novels by Blizzard Entertainment and Christie Golden, and even Dungeons & Dragons by Wizards of the Coast.”
What are you working on now?
I’m actually writing a company history book for the engineering titan Danfoss Turbocor. Having to do a lot of interviews and factual writing is an odd shift from my usual fantasy, but is helping me become a more robust writer.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Frankly, I don’t know! I’m still learning and trying to expand my network. I hope working with Awesomegang will help us both!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
READ, READ, READ! When I first started writing I was resistant to read, as I felt it would muddy my own ideas. My fiancee would always chastise me about it. Oof, I had to eat my pride. Looking at other material helps expand your mind and give you points of view you may have never considered! Especially today, do not neglect reading!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My old art teacher from middle/high school, Al Baruch. He’d tell you you’re great, then break down everything that could be improved on with the work. He always reminded me, that no matter what anyone says, good or bad, you can never give up. I took that to heart and live by that even today.
What are you reading now?
Emily’s Saga. Travis Bughi, the author, was kind enough to give away the complete series on reddit. I’ve only started it, but it definitely has my recommendation!
What’s next for you as a writer?
If people want more Sufferer’s Chronicle, they shall receive. I’ve also been playing around with the idea of a horror comedy involving a celebrity and his stalker.
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?
A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin, Ranger’s Apprentice Book 3: The Icebound Land by John Flanagan, Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War by Christie Golden, and Eragon by Christopher Paolini.
Author Websites and Profiles
Derek Hampton Website
Derek Hampton Amazon Profile
Derek Hampton’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile