Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Michael Lauck and so far I have published two novels and a short story on Amazon. There are a handful of free short stories on my website as well.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Heist (Black Sky Rangers Book One). What inspired it is complicated…. honestly, in many ways it is based on the “let’s pretend” games I played with my brother when we were kids. We pretended we were in our own science fiction show but unlike Star Trek, Space 1999, Battlestar Galactica and the other sci-fi shows we loved, we were police in space (probably because my grandfather was a St. Louis City Police Officer). But since then I have spent 8 years with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department myself, not as an officer but as a civilian radio technician working with the fire department and EMS as well as the police. That really made me think beyond “space cops.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a binge writer. I think and over-think stories and then finally sit down write as much as I can as quickly as I can.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many… I am a big fan of Walter Gibson who wrote under something like 75 pen names for pulp magazines, radio shows, newspapers and even comic books. Honestly, when it comes to fiction I really prefer the pulp stuff from the mid-20th century.
What are you working on now?
That’s kind of a secret… something different! And planning out the next few stories in the Black Sky Rangers series. Since I see it in my head as a TV show, I figure it should have a “season,” right?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am kind of terrible at that… since my first book, The Grand Tournament, was inspired by Chinese “wuxia literature” (stories of heroes with Confucian values and strong martial arts) I actually advertised on martial arts magazine websites. I rely entirely too much on word of mouth.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get reviews! Don’t be afraid to ask for them because they really can make a difference. In fact, if you enjoy my book and have a second, why not jot a quick review on your favorite literary site or bookstore site?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Andrew Mayne told me to “Get off my…” well, let’s just say he said to get off my couch and write a book because nobody would write it for me.
What are you reading now?
I just finished a biography of Gary Gygax and am about one chapter into a biography of Walter Gibson. I also have a stack of comic books demanding my attention.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finding more organization in my fiction writing career; I actually do a good deal of technical writing and copy writing. That stuff I have organized with schedules and systems and outlined notes, etc… but my fiction efforts lack discipline because I lack hard deadlines!
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 Bible, a good book on desert island survival skills, a well illustrated art history book and something that collects the best pulp stories of the 1930s.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Lauck Website
Michael Lauck Amazon Profile
Michael Lauck’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account