Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an advertising copywriter by day and an author by night (and sometimes day). I used to write SFF as a kid, but pursued advertising writing to “pay the bills.” I have a very good ad writer friend who started self-publishing, and he heavily influenced my decision to pick up writing fiction again.
I have written 5 books so far. The first is a traditional sci-fi novella. I also wrote my first fantasy novel, which is currently with my editor. And, totally unplanned, I stumbled into a MG fantasy series with talking animals, and the first book debuts on December 31st, 2018.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The most recent book is named “The Squirrel Squire and the Tournament of Oaks.” I originally stumbled on a cute illustration of an owl on Twitter and thought, “Hey, someone should write a story for that guy.” Six months later, the picture popped up again except this time I decided to write it. I chased the illustrator down, but since they were busy, they referred me to their friend who did some absolutely amazing art.
I grew up reading Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, so I wrote it in that kind of vein. It’s kinda like a Brian Jacques story, but like Redwall meets Disney.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Don’t know if it’s unusual, but I like to feel relaxed when I’m writing. It feels less like work that way. What does that mean? I enjoy writing reclined. With my feet up on a desk, or a table, or an ottoman. Funny enough, I don’t like writing in bed. That makes me want to sleep.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
At a very early age, the Richard Scary books had a big impact. Those illustrations seemed to hint at a world more fun than the real one. I also loved Roald Dahl and Shel Silverstein.
As I got older, I of course read C.S. Lewis. I also loved the tripod series by John Christopher and Lloyd Alexander and the Chronicles of Prydain was also hugely influential.
After that, it was Tolkien and Terry Brooks. I even read Le Morte D’Arthur by Thomas Mallory. For sci-fi, I read a lot of Ben Bova, the Adept series by Piers Anthony and the Foundation Series by Asimov.
As for my favorite modern writers, I’d say my favorite fantasy author is Raymond E. Feist and sci-fi is John Scalzi. I just started getting into Patrick Rothfuss, based on a recommendation from a friend. I know there are tons of brilliant writers out there, so I hope to be adding more to my list. I’m halfway through the first Game of Thrones book, but watch the HBO show religiously.
What are you working on now?
I am plotting out the second part of my fantasy debut (it’s a two-part book and now a 4 book series) and thinking about the first book after my sci-fi novella prequel. Finishing up edits to the second and third book of my MG fantasy series, which I call “Fantastic Tails Adventures.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning the whole process, but I use promotion sites like Awesome Gang along with Book Bub and AMS advertising.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take it one day at a time. There is a TON of information to learn. I message my friend who has been an indie author for six years a lot. Sometimes I even share something he didn’t know, which goes to show you how much there is to learn.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Hmm. That’s a tough one.
In regards to being an author, it wasn’t so much advice as it was a wake up call. I would talk to my writer friend about wanting to be an author. He had listed to this line from me, as he watched me sit on my novella for months. One day he says, “Writing isn’t a priority for you.” That was like a gunshot through my heart. And it was true. I spent too much time talking about wanting to be a writer, and not enough time writing.
I’ve been much more productive ever since. The most important part of being a writer is putting your butt in a seat and writing. Or in my case, feet up on a desk.
What are you reading now?
I’m a book stockpiler. Now that I’m writing a lot, I’m better at buying them than reading them.
I’m reading some MG fiction since I’m writing in that genre. Actually finished a cute story called Podkin-One Ear. I’m a few chapters into The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a fantasy series to finish. The first book is called “A Rebellion of Magic.” It’s a two-part story in my Kingdom of Lies series. The first book launches in the first half of 2019 and (crossing fingers) the second book will come out by the end of 2019 . I also need to write my sci-fi series. The first book is entitled “Sentience: Awakening.” I’m hoping to have that out by the end of 2019 or early 2020.
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?
Oooh, 3 or 4 books? That’s tough.
Magician Apprentice by Raymond E. Feist.
Old Man’s War by John Scalzi.
The High King by Lloyd Alexander (still good after all these years).
The Name of the Wind by Rothfuss, because it seems so damn good and I’d want at least one book I haven’t read yet lol
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