Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been an avid reader since my mom bought me my first Little Golden Book. A few years later, I discovered fantasy and sci-fi, which led to a lifelong addiction to books that continues to this day. I started writing fiction years ago, and finally got the courage to publish a book in 2011. To date I’ve published six sci-fi and fantasy novels and a novelette.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I originally got the idea for the characters in Junkyard Druid back in 2011. I had this great idea for an urban fantasy novel that would feature druids, the fae, and Irish folklore. I figured it would be a surefire bestseller, since no one was doing druids at the time.
Then, I stumbled across the first book in Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid series, kicked the couch a few times, and put my idea aside for a while. But, the damned thing just wouldn’t leave me alone, so I ended up writing the characters into a YA novel.
I just didn’t have the fire for YA though, so instead of writing a sequel to that novel I wrote a paranormal zombie apocalypse series, and had a heck of a lot of fun playing in that sandbox. The main character from Junkyard Druid showed up in one of those zompoc novels, and based on reader feedback I decided to write an urban fantasy series featuring him as the main character.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wake up every day and do whatever needs doing for my “day job” as a consultant, and then I sit down and write until I hit my quota. Whether it takes me two hours or ten, I don’t quit until I meet my word count for the day.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tolkien was a huge early influence on me, as I think he is for a lot of fantasy authors. Terry Brooks is one of my all-time favorite authors, and what I think is great about him is that you can see how his writing evolved from his first book through his third. After that, his writing became very consistent, which gives me hope that I can develop as a writer just as he did, through OJT.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing the second book in the Junkyard Druid series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, without a doubt.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and study the craft. For ten years I read every book about writing fiction that I could get my hands on. I started and abandoned half a dozen novels during that time, until I finally wrote something that I thought was worth finishing. I still doubt my writing, every single day, and I don’t really think you can become a decent writer without maintaining that doubt. It’s what forces me to improve my writing, rather than being satisfied with just being “good enough.”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you want to be a writer, write 1,000 words a day, no matter what. Writers write.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Monster Hunter: Nemesis by Larry Correia for the second time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll write two more Junkyard Druid novels, then I’ll finish my zompoc series. After that, I’ll either continue the Junkyard Druid series or start another spin-off series featuring a supporting character from my two existing 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?
The Lord of the Rings in an omnibus edition (I’m cheating a little).
The collected poems of Robert Frost (any decent anthology).
Probably a Joe Lansdale or Andrew Vachss novel.
And the Bible, likely the NASB version because I get tired of reading all those “thees” and “thous.”
Author Websites and Profiles
M.D. Massey Website
M.D. Massey Amazon Profile
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