Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Destiny’s Hand is inspired by soul crushing life experience and fantasies of world domination. It is my debut novel and was a very delicate and complex book for me to write. Someone less stubborn would have picked a simpler story for their first published book, but I am a mental masochist.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Destiny’s Hand: Book One of Destiny’s Exodus
Ship Of Destiny is the name of the generation spaceship the story takes place on, and Destiny’s AI is one of the point-of-view characters.
Hand is because there are five main point of views, and Destiny’s AI is the “god” of the book. So five fingers, five POVs, and hand of god.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Iain M. Banks and his culture series
I love how he has managed to tell stories in an environment that is so technologically advanced.
Brandon Sanderson
I don’t read much fantasy anymore, but I make an exception for Sanderson because of his “Hard Fantasy” style. Limitations are everything.
Jack Campbell
His Lost Fleet series educated me on how light speed would effect in-system fleet battles between spaceships, particularly with regard to intel and positioning as the fights progressed.
What are you working on now?
Advocate’s Promise, sequel to Destiny’s Hand. I’m also writing a companion series that starts with Seeker of Truth. Both will be finished and published this year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think being active in social media in general is a requirement as is having a personal blog that has posts about writing and introduces readers to the author.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try to write in the morning if you can. About two hours after I wake up from a good night’s sleep is my best time for writing, but also the hardest time to have free.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t waste life waiting for things to be perfect.
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?
Desert Survival Skills
Boatbuilding Manual, Fifth Edition
Stargazing For Dummies
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Author Websites and Profiles
Jorden Leonard Website
Jorden Leonard Amazon Profile
Jorden Leonard Author Profile on Smashwords
Jorden Leonard’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account