Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an alien–a legal alien. I was born in Canada but have since moved all the way to a small town near Atlanta, GA. I live with my beautiful wife, Kristie, and my son, Maddox. I enjoy reading science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, military fiction, and nonfiction–especially history or leadership focused. When I’m not writing or reading, I am outside taming my backyard, or golfing with my brothers, or going for a run. I am a teacher, but can honestly say that teaching never feels like a job. I have written four books, and plan on writing many more!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Citadel, which is the sequel to Axiom. The Axiom Chronicles are very personally driven and inspired by my own struggles with mental health. I started writing it while I struggled to maintain my own thought life, and this is directly reflected in one of the main characters—Sebastian. He is also a symbol of the culture around me in that he is moving from logical and reason based thinking(Enlightenment thinking) to a more emotional and passion driven thinking(the emotionalism of my generation). My other main character, Damien, is a symbol of a survival of the fittest mindset in that he only looks out for number one—another undertone I have found in my culture. The final main character, Myra, reflects my faith in that she seeks hope and reconciliation even in the darkness. Axiom is inspired by books like Anthem by Ayn Rand, 1984, Children of the Dust, and Fahrenheit 451.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write character first. I figure out who my characters are, and then shape the story around them.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis, Ayn Rand, Children of the Dust heavily influenced the Axiom Chronicles, Ray Bradbury, and a little Tolstoy.
What are you working on now?
I just finished writing the sequel to Axiom, called Citadel, and am working on a stand-alone project called Shape of Memories. It follows Alpha(a word that represents a position like that of a Captain) as he ends his marriage with his wife and then crash lands on a planet. On the planet, he encounters a being that takes the shape of his memories, including that of his wife.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have found Twitter and Instagram to be very helpful. I have used AwesomeGang in the past, too! I am still a novice at the promotion game, so I’m learning as I go.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Network. Network. Network. Don’t give up when your first, second, or third book doesn’t sell. Write from your struggles, your failures, your fears and you will never run out of material. Pour everything you have into each story as if it were the only story you had the chance to write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From my mother–she told me that someone out there wants to read my book. Those words were inspiring!
What are you reading now?
I just finished 1985 by Orwell, and am reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas(I’m big into reading books that challenge me alongside ones that entertain me).
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am planning on beginning a series of 26-30 novels. It will be my legacy as a writer, and though daunting, I know it is the direction I must go.
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?
Tale of Two Cities by Dickens
My Bible
Robinson Crusoe
A Star Wars novel
Author Websites and Profiles
Kristofor Hellmeister Website
Kristofor Hellmeister Amazon Profile
Kristofor Hellmeister’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account