Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve completed one novel with three more in various stages of development.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Duskbreaker: Inferno. In 2012, I attended a short story creative writing class at my local college. As part of an assignment, I wrote a story call Black Riders. As a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction like I Am Legend and the Fallout video game series, I knew I wanted that setting. The question was, what time period. I wanted to stray away from conventions or a modern or futuristic post-apocalyptic time frame. History is one of many passions, and it occurred to me that I hadn’t read or seen much in the way of early 20th century post-apocalyptic stories. The story stuck with me, and after some tweaking, it morphed into a novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
In a similar vein as Francine Prose, my desk faces a wall. It helps limit distractions from the outside world. That and I consume an unhealthy amount of sweet tea. Like a lot of authors, I have my music playlists. Depending on the genera I’m writing, I could listen to Industrial Metal, EBM and Aggrotech or the work of Akira Yamaoka.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Asimov, Clarke and Heinlein heavily influenced my early Science Fiction writings while Poe, Steven King, then later Clive Barker would influence my horror fiction. Now, I couldn’t peg the influences since I draw inspiration from multiple media sources.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on a few projects, The Tower, a horror novel that is half finished. A science fiction piece centered on a crew of space salvagers and the sequel to Duskbreaker: Inferno called Duskbreaker: Tribunal.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Being the FNG to self publishing, I have little wisdom to pass on in this area. I’m learning as I go, but imagine that sights such as this one would be a great boost in the arena of promoting your work. That and social media.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
For new authors, I’d pass on a few things. First, stay humble, hustle hard and acknowledge there’s always room for improvement. Second, start promoting yourself and your work now, not after you’ve launched your book. Third, never give up on your dreams, keep working hard and chase down that accomplishment.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Wherever you find yourself at work or in your personal life, do the very best you can do and don’t fear failing. It’s not how many times you fall, it’s whether you get back up that matters.
What are you reading now?
At the moment nothing, I shy away from reading while working to avoid unintentional influences or the risk of copying an idea too closely.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To grow a community of readers and publish more of my work.
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?
FM 3-05.70 US Army Survival Manual, US Army Special Forces Medical Handbook ST 31-91B, a blank book to use as a journal. If I had a fourth, I’d probably take something like the US Tax Code. Not as reading material but for other, more practical applications.
Author Websites and Profiles
Leif Hardin Website
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