Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
While I’m mainly a sci-fi author, I’ve dabbled in plenty of other genres such as horror, action adventure, fantasy, and general fiction. I consider science fiction my home though, and I’ll always have a soft spot for it in my reading and writing.
Currently I only have one novel published, though in the past it was published as a number of short stories. About half way through I decided that it was best to wrap the series up into one full length novel instead of the disjointed serials. That structure still sort of exists in the work today, with the POV switching very often, but I think it helps keep the pace of the book fast and keeps readers wanting more.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘City With No Name’
It was inspired chiefly by the classic ‘the man with no name’. I realize that traditionally the ‘with’ should not be capitalized, but I decided to just go with it. Throughout the story you never actually learn what the name of the city is, or what it used to be. Of course. As the author I know, and I actually paid attention to the geographical area I set the story in to make sure what certain characters encountered was plausible. I’d like to draw up a map one day, maybe when a follow on novel in the CWNN universe comes out, and give the readers an idea of where it is set. Until then I’m keen to see what theories crop up naturally.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing too strange. I do all the things I assume everyone else does. For each story there is a special playlist of music that is kept on repeat in the background. There is usually a dram or two of scotch on the desk, or maybe rum if the mood is right. Also, as a general rule, if one of my characters is drinking a certain something, I make sure to have one of my own at the ready. It helps me recognize tastes, smells, and textures in the moment, and helps to add the extra level of description.
Aside from those things, I’ll move my writing area around often. If I stay in one spot for too long I’ll get restless so I’ll move from the office to the bar, or from either of those to the little reading room I converted our dining room in to.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many, many authors and books! I’ll say that my number one influences have been Ray Bradbury, Philip K Dick, Neil Gaiman, and John Steinbeck.
I love the classic sci-fi stories that Ray put forth, and the mind-bending stories that PKD put together, as well as that special way that Neil Gaiman spins a story that leaves you wistfully hoping the journey never ends. And Steinbeck, of course, is a classic. ‘Grapes of Wrath’, which one of the characters mentions in CWNN, had a big impact on me as a child. To this day it is one of my favorite novels.
What are you working on now?
The final touches are being put on a short story called ‘The Island’. That one should be out soon, I was hoping for this week but the next is looking better. These things just need to take their own time.
There is a follow on to CWNN in the works, but I’m letting those ideas steep before diving too far in. There are improvements I want to make to my craft before jumping back into the CWNN universe.
In the immediate I am working on another dystopian novel tentatively named ‘Fields of Red.’ It reflects on old themes of the red scare, and explores the darker side of the effects of instant gratification we get from new technology like the internet, mobile computing, and social networking. It has been interesting to write, and is a change of pace for me because it follows only one point of view.
I also have a sci-fi short story collection that I am working with, and a horror short that I am looking to publish on its own like ‘The Island’. Readers can keep up with the progress of all of these projects on my blog or on the facebook fan page.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is something I’m still working to nail down. I really like what awesomegang has set up here.
In the past I have tried Amazon’s KDP Select program. The free promotion days are usually good for one or two reviews per 500 downloads.
Aside from that it has mostly been word of mouth through social media or friends and family. Sales have been great so far, and I’m hoping to find the right way to capture that momentum and make something more out of it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. When you think you can’t do it, or you look at your own work and you hate it, keep writing. Don’t let people on the outside, or yourself, keep you from doing what you love. Cultivate your passion. If you can’t muster up the energy to write, then read. Keep doing things that move you forward.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From a writing perspective – keep your work as quiet or as secret as possible. Don’t give away too many details, don’t go on twitter or Facebook announcing that you are working on writing. It too often becomes the death knell of productivity. Ever since hearing that, I’ve gotten far more done by working in secret, giving out as little detail as possible, then I have by announcing to all my friends, family, and coworkers that I’m working on writing ‘x’ or ‘y’.
What are you reading now?
Oh boy, I just finished reading a string of Philip K Dick short stories and moved on to the novel ‘A Crack in Space’. It wasn’t his greatest work, but it posed a lot of interesting questions about humanity in general.
I also just finished ‘Outliers’ by Malcolm Gladwell. The first non-fiction book I’ve read in a year or so. Definitely a fascinating read.
In progress I have ‘Ocean at the End of the Lane’ by Neil Gaiman, ‘Blood Meridian’ by Cormac McCarthy, and ‘Mantles’ by Turner Everly.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Improving my craft in any way I can. There is always room for change and improvement and I want to continue down the path of progress. You can’t get complacent in this line of work or the world will pass you by.
What is your favorite book of all time?
This is tough to answer. Kind of like asking me for my favorite movie or band. There are so many great choices out there.
‘Grapes of Wrath’, like I mentioned previously, is definitely up there. ‘American Gods’ is another that is up at the top, though another of Gaiman’s work, ‘Neverwhere’ is a close second. ‘Ubik’, but Philip K Dick is great and probably my absolute favorite of his work. ‘Fahrenheit 451’ of course, one of Bradbury’s best. ‘Siddhartha’ by Herman Hesse is one I read annually. And I think, last but not least, ‘On the Road’ by Kerouac is up there. It was a big impact on me early on, like ‘Grapes of Wrath’. It kinda burned that feeling of wanting to go out and explore, take a road trip, see America. And that’s something that I do see reflected in my work from time to time. The call to explore, to journey into the unknown.
To append, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention ‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulsen. One of the first novels I ever read, and it too made that impression of getting out into the wild and surviving on your wits (and a bit of luck).
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