Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written quite a few novella’s under other names, mostly to get my feet wet. But my first true book is the first of a series I hope readers will enjoy. Its a love letter really to just about everything that inspired me to get into reading and I truly hope it will give others that simple joy, even as it did me.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Its called ‘A Grimm Beginning’ and is the first of a series called the Outer Zones. It can be found on Amazon and is everything that inspired me as a child. From Shakespeare to Oz, with a few nods here and there to other fables for the discerning reader into a massive world that I’ve lovingly tended to for quite some time. I’m also a Dungeons and Dragons player and this world in particular is one I’ve ran as a campaign for my players once upon a time. One day, I got the urge to write it and here I am.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write on anything when I’m inspired. Napkins, mostly a notepad, but almost entirely on my little computer-thingie. I forgot what its called, but its useful as anything when I’m metaphorically struck by lightning. My handwriting is a tad messy as well, so its even more appreciated!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sir Terry Pratchett, may his memory never fade. Neil Gaiman. William Shakespeare. Just about every fairy tale writer of the past, Lovecraft for sure. Honestly, this piece would be far too long if I was to sit and express my love and influences. Lately I have been revisiting old favorites like Alexander Dumas and quite frankly, I regard his works as some of the best of literature in general. Tolkien is a classic as well and someone we all turn to, one way or another.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to a Grimm Beginning. The first was just the set up for a wider world, the second is showing the ramifications of what happens when an Empire set up for the gratification and power of a single person suddenly loses that person. And there are a lot of people in power-the bootlickers, the brown-nosers suddenly without any sort of hold and they’re going to go wild.
And all the while as this happens, one of the ancient monsters of the old world held back by Glinda previously begins to stalk people. I hope people enjoy it when it comes out.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly I’m not entirely sure. I’m hoping this one, hahaha. But I do have a facebook which is mostly me posting funny pictures of muppets and cats. I also have a twitter I hear all the cool kids do nowadays, so there is that. Honestly, while I’m not the best at advertising I am hopeful that my work will speak for itself as people read it and share.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Prepare for pain. Prepare for headaches. And prepare for seeing your characters in all their flaws and glories to experience all manner of heartache, pain and hate. Tormenting them is your job and it makes the end game if they succeed all the more sweeter. But mostly, if you have a story its your responsibility to let it out and be free.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take care of yourself. This I believe cannot be stressed enough. The work is good, but the body and mind it comes from must be cared for too. Love yourself enough that you don’t work yourself into an early grave. There are folks who care for you and its never weak to accept their help.
What are you reading now?
I am currently cycling through Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman once more, always a classic for me to go back to. Its depictions on the end of the world and the human condition are surprisingly sweet, for a humorous book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t know. Really, some days I wake up and I wonder why I’m doing all this. And then I look at my work, smile and remember.
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?
Offhand? Making Money and Thud by Terry Pratchett. Stardust by Neil Gaiman. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle.
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