Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello,
My name is John Ortega, fantasy lover, avid reader and author of the Rune Caster Chronicles which has two installments.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Death’s Edge is the second installment in the Rune Caster Chronicles Urban Fantasy book series. We picked up a couple of months after the ending of Storm’s Child and follow Innkeeper Nathan Mercer as he squares off against the newest danger threatening the citizens of Portland.
Death’s Edge was inspired by my love of mythology and listening to the bad Celtic Woman in repeat. This books blends several elements from different mythologies into the rich world that Nathan lives in.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m an early bird through and through. I get up every day at 5am and write until 7am from Monday to Friday before getting ready for my day job.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow, so many but the biggest influence has to be Ilona Andrews. Her work is amazing and no matter how many times I read it, I find new inspiration every time.
There’s also Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne and Patricia Briggs.
They’re all wonderful and amazing
What are you working on now?
Coincidentally I’m currently working on the first draft of book 3 of the Rune Caster Chronicles
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To me social media, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Feel it, love it, write it, have fun.
Writing is an intense personal experience but the most important thing is to have fun with it. We get swept up with the grind of writing, plotting and editing that we sometimes forget that we write because it’s fun.
The reader can tell when the author was having writing their work and they enjoyed the book even more.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be kind to yourself, one of my best friends told me this and it’s so true. Life, work, family no one would push and be harder on you than yourself.
So take a step back, breathe and be kind to yourself. Everything will be okay.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently re-reading the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews.
I also started the Lazarus Codex by E.A. Copen and The League by Sherrilyn McQueen.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finished writing book 3, then I’m going to work on a new Urban Fantasy series.
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?
Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews. I can’t tell how much I love these books.
Author Websites and Profiles
John Ortega Amazon Profile
John Ortega’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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