Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a simple man with above-average ambition. I do not have many demands, nor do I have many expectations. All I seek is to live decently so that I can continue doing what I love: Writing stories.
I have written only one book so far.
While this may be my first book, it is certainly not going to be my last. As the cover dictates, it is the first in a trilogy, so you can expect at least three books to start with.
Stories of the Terraverse is a long and ambitious project that will take the bulk of my life to publish. People will grow up with this series, just as I will grow up in turn.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Perilous Beginning: Secrets of the Eldarii.
Funny story about this book, it was spur of the moment. I’ve had this series bubbling under the surface for years. I’ve written small excerpts here and there, molding out dozens, if not hundreds of characters spanning many generations. It was not until a few months ago that I was told I could publish these books without spending alot of money.
Enter Amazon KDP. I am so grateful to this system that allowed someone with very little funds such as myself to get started in the Writing business.
So I decided to write the series and make it all official and whatnot.
Though I never had an actual “beginning” of this series. I’d often just work at various pinpoints in time and just ramble about from here to there. This first book is the first time I’ve written this era. Many of these characters are appearing for the first time, to me and to readers.
I wanted Sechul to be my main character. I created him a long time ago and he was a legend by the time Season 2 (where I have alot more material stored up) takes place. So I thought to myself “What if I were to begin this series by recounting Sechul’s various adventures he had that built his name up to the legend he will become once things really get moving? I’m going to have to come up with a real gripping saga to make this man a legend. I’ve got my work cut out for me, this should be fun!”
A Perilous Beginning had many revisions during writing. I suppose that’s the gift of being a work in progress. I could evolve it as I saw fit. But once it was published, the story was set in stone. A good, solid start to what I hope is a long series that will give many readers entertainment in the years to come.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t necessarily keep a schedule. I write when I have my mojo, then I take a day or two off to unwind. Some days I can dish out 30+ pages of material whereas another day with a headache I dish out only 5. My release dates are never concrete due to this fluctuation. Thus I try to keep the date flexible, such as simply giving a month, rather than a day as well.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My influences?
Well, what Fantasy Author would I be if I did not list Mr. Tolkien as one of my top inspirations? Lord of the Rings was one of the first serious Fantasy series’ I ever read. It was hard to understand it at the time (I was in Middle School) but the movies were beyond amazing.
Another of my inspirations… Steven Erikson. The Malazan Book of the Fallen series is an ambitious project that really deserves alot more than what it is now. I came across this series completely by chance at a bookstore on my birthday. I had 75$ to burn and no idea which books I wanted to read. I saw Reaper’s Gale’s cover and thought “Man, that guy looks so cool.” so I picked that, and the rest of the series Erikson had published thus far up and took them home.
I read them back to back and was engrossed every step of the way. Much of my worldbuilding skills came from reading this series.
I’ll keep my list at three. My third and last inspiration is possibly the most important. R.A. Salvatore. I chanced upon my first Drizzt book at a used bookstore when I was very small. I followed this Drow for his entire journey all the way up to the very end (?) (R.A. Salvatore’s ‘Hero’)
Fantasy was redefined once reading these books. They were easy to follow. I had to open a WIKI guide at times to learn about the various pieces of Lore that were not explained in detail, but overall I could keep up with what was going on. I grew to care for Salvatore’s characters like they were family, like they were friends. You can tell he put alot of love into those characters, and it shows.
That is how I wanted to work on my characters. With the same love and determination as him. I do not think I would be writing this right now if it weren’t for R.A. Salvatore.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on book 2 of the Noct & Tath Trilogy: Wrath of the Assassin.
I have a rough draft written up. But I have about a half-dozen more chapters to write. I expect to make this book as long as the first, give or take a few pages.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have just started. So I will try anything I might find. Though my funds are severely limited at the moment until sales increase. Free is my best option. So… I recommend this site!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Promote and gather a following before you release your first book. Gather your team, and get the word out beforehand.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“When in doubt, figure it out.” – Willie Robertson, Duck Dynasty.
I heard that line while watching one of their episodes. And… I don’t know, it just stuck. I’ve used it whenever I found myself stuck. Nothing can’t be done. You have to figure out your next step and get back to work.
What are you reading now?
I am currently re-reading Brimstone by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. The Pendergast books are a great series. I highly recommend it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting the second book out. And hopefully getting my name known.
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?
A Survival Guide, and 2 leisure books to keep me entertained whilst I use the first to get off the island and back to civilisation.
Author Websites and Profiles
M.R. Cull Website
M.R. Cull Amazon Profile
M.R. Cull’s Social Media Links
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