Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Toronto and grew up in London, Canada. I was the first winner of the Lillian Kroll Prize for Creative Writing at Western University, where I also completed a degree in English Literature. I have published four books of fiction in recent years as well as two books of poetry deep in the murky past. So call it six if you like.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is called The Launch. I had a major disappointment in my artistic life which created a surprising amount of anger and resentment in me. I decided to write about it and play it out in my mind to see where it might lead.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Used to listen to music because Stephen King always did. Then I decided it wasn’t working for me and now I write to silence. Abandoning a proven habit used by a bestselling author who once wrote a book on writing is pretty unusual. Huh.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
It’s funny you ask me that, because I set up a special shelf on my Goodreads page all about the top ten books which influenced me the most. Here is the link:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2347018-mark-victor-young?shelf=top-ten-most-influential
Discuss. I will point out that my favorite book by my favorite author is on there: Cider House Rules by John Irving. Read the book before you see the movie, but see the movie. Then read My Movie Business by Irving, which summarizes the whole experience. Then your life will be complete.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a YA book that I’m calling a Celtic Fantasy, as well as a book of short stories revolving around the ex-pat crowd in Paris in the mid-twenties. As you can tell, I don’t stick to one genre at all. I like to mix it up, keep it interesting.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own site, mostly. But Awesomegang is a new fave. 🙂
Do you have any advice for new authors?
That’s a tough one. I don’t claim to know what would help another writer. It’s pretty personal, but maybe there are commonalities. How about I tell you some things that work for me? Yes? Okay. First suggestion is that a writer reads. Lots. I read 4 to 5 books a month and I have a full time day job, a 12-year-old daughter with an active sports and social life (and no driver’s licence, obviously), and I also write for 1 to 2 hours per day. Find the time. Second is to work with a professional editor. It’s amazing the insights you can glean from a skilled, dispassionate third party. Also, write every day no matter how little it is, read your work out loud when no one else is around, and eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies to keep your mind sharp!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The art of writing is in the application of the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair. (Paraphrasing and too lazy to look it up.)
What are you reading now?
Many graphic novels and fewer audiobooks. Why graphic novels, you ask? Excellent question, answered here: http://markvictoryoung.com/2016/01/20/why-you-should-be-reading-graphic-novels-in-2016/
What’s next for you as a writer?
Lasting fame and fortune. Financial independence. Shoot for the moon, right?
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?
One John Irving, Stephen Fry’s Paperweight, and maybe something poetry by Maggie Atwood.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Victor Young Website
Mark Victor Young Amazon Profile
Mark Victor Young Author Profile on Smashwords
Mark Victor Young’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account