Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a PhD Student, foodie, and authors. My first love in books would be fantasy, but science fiction is a close second. While I have about 10 completed manuscripts, 5 are part of a YA supernatural horror series that will be squirreled away for the foreseeable future.
My debut, HIGH SUMMONS, is a YA urban fantasy, and I’ve completed its sequel, GRIMM REMAINS. My attempt at romance, AISLING, is an NA paranormal romance set for next spring. The last two are an adult military science fiction I’m shopping around and a rather cheeky YA fantasy with a Green Knight Arthurian twist.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
HIGH SUMMONS is technically my first and last until next year, and it was inspired by my undergraduate experience. I hadn’t realized how much I loved my home city until I left it.
The last written would be GRIMM REMAINS. While I’ve written a sequel before, I hadn’t written one where I had feedback from strangers. It pushed me to be a better writer; however, the real inspiration was the Brothers Grimm as the title might suggest. The antagonist comes straight from a Grimm fairy tale with a psychological horror twist.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a plotter. My day is scheduled thanks to my doctoral work, so I squeeze writing in where I can. Usually, I can get between 5-10 hours a week if I’m lucky. When I do, I crank up the playlist for whatever book and get writing. I’m very into making themed playlists. HIGH SUMMONS had a lot of Twenty-One Pilots and Bastille while GRIMM REMAINS had more Fever Ray and Wardruna.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jim Butcher, J.K. Rowling, J. R. R. Tolkien, G. R. R. Martin, Edgar Allan Poe, William Shakespeare – I could go on. Everything I read influences me. Rowling inspired me in elementary school. She shaped me into the voracious reader who would devour all the rest. I enjoy the contrast of Tolkien and Martin. Butcher had me moving from straight epic fantasy writing to urban. I hadn’t considered how brilliant street magic could really be until him.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the third book in the Warlock of Rochester series. After HIGH SUMMONS and GRIMM REMAINS, there’s a fantastic opportunity to really concentrate on a different aspect of Jon in the third (tentatively titled: GATEKEEPER).
Otherwise, I’m working on a noir about a detective who loses his hearing and gains telepathy. It’s an adult and completely out of my comfort zone. Telepathy is as far as the fantasy element goes. Well, so far as the narrator knows. It’s somewhat connected to the YA supernatural horror series. The protagonist in the YA supernatural horror is the nephew of the detective, but the detective has no idea what’s going on with his nephew, so he doesn’t recognize a rather dangerous character who walks into his life after his hearing goes. I’m not sure if I’ll ever have him realize it either.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still in the early stage with this, so I’ll get back to you on that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The work does not end when you sign the contract.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was once told: “Writing is a social sport.” Being an introvert and a writer, I thought the person was joking. Once I signed my first contract, I realized what they meant. You can write alone, but the game isn’t played alone. The author is one position in the whole process.
What are you reading now?
My reading list is currently over 100 articles ranging from forensic trauma to biomechanical engineering thanks to my PhD. However, when I get a chance, my current pleasure read is HOLLOW CITY by Ransom Riggs. I’m hoping to get to the third book in the series before the end of the year.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides continuing the Warlock of Rochester series, I’m dedicated to finding a home (agent or editor) for my adult military science fiction so a lot of querying and pitch contests.
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?
1) Cyrus the Great by Geroges de Scudery
It’s the longest book as far as I’m aware, so lots of kindling for signal fires and warmth.
2) How to Survive on a Desert Island by Tim O’Shei
3) Edible Leaves of the Tropics by F.W. Martin and R.M. Ruberte
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