Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In the past, I wrote non-fiction books focused on retirement and finances (boring!). The fun began when I started writing fiction for middle schoolers and teens. I completed the three books for the Cliftopolis SERIES in 2018 and recently started the first Hidden Folk novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Cliftopolis SERIES was inspired by mismatched flooring in our 100-year-old building, which looked like it was a secret entrance to a hidden basement. I wondered if there might be tunnels underneath the city. Later, I began to imagine what might have happened if Norwegian settlers brought with them trolls. Finally, throw in a robot, several inventions, and time travel. That put the young hero and his friends on a quest to save his family and classmates from the dreaded “trollbies!”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I typically wake up before five and write for a couple of hours each day. I also love to illustrate. The combination keeps me busy and happy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
It’s a long list. Credit goes to C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, James Scott Bell, Rick Riordan, Max Brallier, and many more.
What are you working on now?
The Hidden Folk novels feature Brad Andersen. Although he might seem like your typical thirteen-year-old eighth-grader at Bryne Middle School, he’s not. His parents died shortly after his birth, and he hates living in foster care. No matter how hard he tries to obey his foster parents and please his teachers, Brad somehow ends up in trouble—a lot.
Since his tenth birthday, Brad has sought the truth about his family history. In his last year of middle school, Brad discovered his birth parents were murdered, thrusting him into a dangerous three-year investigation that revealed long-kept secrets about the original settlers of Harmony Valley.
Now sixteen, Brad and his two high-school friends must bring the murderer to justice while preserving the Harmony Valley secret. But they’ll have to act quickly before the killer fulfills a plan to destroy an entire race of benevolent but misunderstood creatures.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
In-person reading at schools and Facebook have helped. But like many authors, I’m always looking for new ways to promote my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! Ask for help developing, editing, and proofing your book before hitting the publish button on Amazon! The extra effort on the front end will make a difference for your readers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Combine extensive reading of several genres outside of the one you prefer to write.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a variety of books, including classics (e.g., H. G. Wells). I also read ARCs for other authors, which sharpen my ax as I chop away at the next novel.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m excited about applying what I learned with the Cliftopolis SERIES as I write the Hidden Folk novels.
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 NIV Bible, In Defense of Jesus by Lee Strobel, and Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell, PhD.
Author Websites and Profiles
Grant P. Ferguson Website
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