Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve worn many hats, still do, but writing is a lot of painful fun for me. I’ve been a crisis intervention worker, therapist for kids and families, run a small company or two, and write in my free time.
I have a white German shepherd who doubles as my editor. She is not much at correcting me, seems to love every word, but a great listener. Have created my first audio book with The Promise and that was fun. Plan to do more of that in my makeshift studio box.
I write under two pen names: T.J. Roberts for MG/YA Fantasy and Maxx Powr for Adult Sci-Fi. (I didn’t want my MG/YA readers thinking The Promise was a sequel to Fairalon and be shocked by the language. I’m also a huge Simpsons fan.)
Working on sequels to both books and pretty jazzed about them.
I’ve written 2 published books thus far, one an MG/YA fantasy called Fairalon, and the other an Adult Sci-Fi called The Promise.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Promise. I wanted to make a Sci-Fi that I would like to see as a movie. I almost would like to make an animated movie myself in 3d art, but don’t have the budget, time, or skill to take on such an enormous project, and I’m not crazy. I guess the other thing that “inspired” the movie is that I’m sick of political correctness. The men of the Piecer Corp are NOT politically correct; they tried that, it didn’t work out to well for the planet.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I make scenes/chapters in 3d art first, then I create them in text. Sometimes it works the other way around, text first, but usually not.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I met Harlan Ellison many moons ago at the University of AZ, at a showing of A Boy and His Dog. He was amazing on stage and off. He signed a copy of I have No Mouth and I Must Scream for me and was really friendly. I didn’t expect that he would even talk to a fan. Who knew!
I grew up on Sci-Fi staples: Forbidden Planet, War of the Worlds, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Star Trek, Star Wars, Starship Troopers, Lost in Space, Firefly, and so many more. I also was an avid comic book reader when comics were considered evil. Luckily my parents were just glad I was reading anything.
What are you working on now?
Currently working on sequels to both books: Fairalon: “Return to Fairalon; because High School is a Creep Show.” The Promise 2 (working title).
I find my abby normal brain works in mysterious ways. When working on one book, I get ideas for the other. I think my subconscious is messing with me. So I have both stories open and jot down notes if something hits me.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have two for obvious reasons: Fairalon.com and PiecerChronicles.com
I also have 2 Facebook pages named after them:
https://www.facebook.com/FairalonBooks
https://www.facebook.com/PiecerChronicles
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make it fun for you or you will hate it. It’s not easy, but it is worthwhile when you hold your first box of books in your hand. It is something that you created completely from your mind, into a finished block of wood, that other people can enjoy long after you’re gone.
Don’t listen to all the advice out there and do listen to some; pick and choose what applies to you. Don’t do this to be the next JK Rowling or to be rich. The odds are against you. Do it for you, for fun.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep your day job. You will “probably” spend more than you earn promoting your books. Eating is a nice luxury. Many make it as an Indie author, many do not.
What are you reading now?
Writing Military Science Fiction: Infantry by William Frisbee Jr. a great reference.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Basically, the sequels should keep me busy. I see them as trilogies. I love the characters and want to see what they will do next.
I’m also toying with a Christmas book idea.
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?
Survive, Essential Skills and Tactics, by Les Stroud. (I’m practical)
Anything by Shakespeare
The current year’s Almanac (again, practical)
The Promise and Fairalon 🙂
Author Websites and Profiles
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