Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Mark Piggott, a native of Phillipsburg, N.J., enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1983, beginning a 23-year career.
He served on three aircraft carriers and various duty stations as a Navy Journalist before he attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He retired from active duty in 2006.
His first novel, Forever Avalon, was published in 2009, followed by his second novel, The Dark Tides, in 2014. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series from Austin Macauley Publishing was released in 2020. He is currently working on the fourth book in the Forever Avalon series, The Prometheus Engine and a new fantasy/adventure series, The Last Magus.
He and his wife, Georgiene, live in Alexandria, Virginia. They have three children.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Outlander War, the third book in my fantasy series, Forever Avalon. This book is the culmination of more than 20 years of writing into this series. I think a lot of the inspiration for this book came from my 23 years of service in the U.S. Navy. I always wanted to put modern military against medieval magic and see who comes out on top. I think the answer will surprise you.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A lot of my writing comes from my dreams, and I translate that into my stories. It’s been a that way for all of my novels.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think my biggest influence was Michael Moorcock and the Elric series. Those books showed me that fantasy doesn’t have to stick to the norms of the classic fantasy genre, like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. You can go anywhere you want in fantasy.
What are you working on now?
I am editing my fourth book in the Forever Avalon series, The Prometheus Engine, and the first book in a new fantasy series, The Last Magus. The Prometheus Engine continues the series into the next trilogy of the world of Forever Avalon. The Last Magus is the story of a man who is both warrior and mage and his journey into his new life.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Hootsuite.com is a lifesaver for me. It allows me to plan out my social media for a week at a time. Also, bookbrush.com makes it easy for me to create ads and promotion images very easily.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want to be an author, you have to be in it for the long haul. Success doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time. And lastly, watch your finances. I know the old adage is “you have to spend money to make money” but don’t go overboard.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever got was “spellcheck is not your friend” and it’s not. You can’t rely on a machine to catch every spelling and grammar error.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Prism City by LK Weir, a scifi novel, and Michael Moorcock, The Dragon in the Sword. It’s one of his eternal champion books I found at a book sale.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I get through editing my latest two novels, I need to finish book 5 of the Forever Avalon series. Its tentatively titled Ragnarok Dawn.
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 Martian by Andy Weir; The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien; and The Bible, for guidance, inspiration, and faith respectively.
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