Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have a Master’s in Mathematics, but I also love writing melodies, woodworking, and books! My first book was about the enormous amount of unique shuffles there are in a standard deck of playing cards. Most people have no idea how huge this number really is, and it is fascinating and mind boggling at the same time!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Euclid’s Fire: The Stones of Archimedes
The book has a little mathematics behind the story line. Three of the main characters come from Euler’s identity, being e, pi, and i (e, Pi, and Aelia). I’ve always loved the fantasy genre as a total fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, etc.. On top of that, I’ve always had a desire to do my own thing. So those two characteristics together is a perfect storm to create a work of fantasy!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write late usually. As a night owl, my mind is the most productive and free at night. I suppose it is in part because I work a day job and come home to spend some time with my family after that. That only leaves late at night left for anything really! That’s probably not that unusual for writers in general.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I admit that I am a lazy reader. I don’t read much, as I seem to not have the time for it. Any avid reader will tell you that the book is much better than the movie, and I would not doubt that is true. However, you can watch a movie in 2-3 hours, and it might take 25 hours to read the same book! I do read a little. C Greenwood has been an inspiration, and seems very personable to her fans. So I like that. I could tell you some of the textbooks that I’ve read, but I doubt you want to hear of that! I do enjoy playing video games and in particular the role-playing/character creation games with open worlds.
What are you working on now?
I am currently about 3 chapters into the sequel to Euclid’s Fire. I haven’t nailed down a title just yet, but I have several ideas.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang of course! They are awesome!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take your time, and do your best work. Don’t worry about external influences steering you one way or the other. If you like your own work, then so will others.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A quote by a French guy. I can’t remember his name or the exact phrasing, but I remember so well what it means to me. It goes something like this: “If you want to build boats, don’t have men gather wood and steel to stack in rows. Teach them to love the ocean.”
What are you reading now?
Unfortunately, mainly Facebook and emails.
What’s next for you as a writer?
It’s always about continuous improvement in just about everything that we do. That’s what I’ll keep doing.
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 boat would come in more handy than books. I’d rather take that. Let’s say I was thrown in jail for a crime that I didn’t commit. That sounds better. I’d probably read Euclid’s Elements, The Feynman Lectures on Physics, my Bible, and something by Tolkien.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Cottle Website
Michael Cottle Amazon Profile
Michael Cottle’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile