Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I previously published only nonfiction, papers in academic journals, but I’ve always had an interest in creative writing, and so I decided to dabble in dark fantasy fiction.
I have a quadrilogy and one solo novel planned for my book series. The first book is written and available on (eBook) pre-order as of June 15, 2021, to be published on July 15, 2021. The second book is largely done, and I am outlining book three now. Though, I have many scenes written for all of the books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The first book of my Planar Lost series is called The Blackened Yonder. I had an idea a few years ago for a short story and then decided to turn it into a full novel. The book was originally going to be a prequel story to a little RPG (a video game) that I was working on, but I decided that I enjoyed making the book more.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I obsess over certain words that catch my eye as I read repeating too closely together. It causes my editor and book designer a bit of grief, and my editor insists that no one will notice and I should let it go (“these are horizontal improvements,” as he likes to say). I’d like to stop, but I don’t know how!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I actually don’t read much fiction, at least not regularly because I usually don’t have time, so I wouldn’t say I’ve been influenced by any books or authors in particular.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on book two of my series (to be titled, The Ember Reach).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My primary promotional tool is Twitter and my newsletter has helped me quite a bit.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn the “dos” and “don’ts” of good writing noted by existing authors and style guides, like not overusing adjectives and adverbs, but keep in mind that those “rules” can occasionally be broken. Showing is often best, but some things can be told, otherwise the reading becomes labored. Imagine, for example, if every reference to a character’s past was presented as a full flashback rather than simply being communicated briefly to the reader sometimes. I think it’d become tedious.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No book is ever finished, only abandoned, so don’t worry too much about it being “perfect.”
What are you reading now?
When I do read, I read almost exclusively nonfiction.
I am currently reading The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England by Dan Jones.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to finish my series and solo novel, and then I’m not sure.
I may write more, or not.
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?
I’d probably bring books I could learn something from, in case I ever got away from the island, so I might bring: (1) The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England, (2) Life in a Medieval City by Joseph Gies, and (3) The Face of Battle: A Study of Agincourt, Waterloo and the Somme by John Keegan.
I think nonfiction would make you feel more connected to the real world.
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