Interview With Author Michael Neel
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am someone who was enjoyed writing since middle school. I had a habit of starting a new story with every single new idea that came to my head. After years of starting, I finally am finishing stories and focusing on specific ones. I currently have 1 novella, and 3 novels finished, with several more in the works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest published book is A Warlock’s Lament. It was inspired in part by playing things such as World of Warcraft and Dungeons & Dragons, and in part by the thought of what people would be willing to do to save a loved one from a fate worse than death.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not to me. To others, who knows? I have trouble writing in silence or with TV’s on and prefer music. I tend to write in quick bursts, sitting down and knocking out as much as possible in 30-60 minute chunks before doing something else for a little bit as a break.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many. Brandon Sanderson, George RR Martin, Will Wight, Guy Gavriel Kay, John Bierce, Becky Chambers, Martha Wells, and so many more depending on what I am reading that week.
What are you working on now?
A story loosely based on an alternate earth with vampires, magic dictated by inscribed Runes, and a dead god, vying for vengeance against the two sibling gods who imprisoned her.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have no idea. I am new to the promotion game. If you know of any good ones, let me know!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read and write. Read and write. Read and write. Read, for enjoyment and to discern what you like in writing. More importantly, read to understand what you do not like. Write, because it takes practice. The more you write, the better you will get.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just write it. You can write something, dislike it, and fix it. But if you don’t write it at all, you’ll never know if it was good.
What are you reading now?
Lots and lots of fantasy. I am trying to read small, indie authors as much as possible.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Write more, determine which series to focus on getting the second one out on first.
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?
Way of Kings
The Hobbit
A Storm of Swords
Physician’s Desk Reference. Hollowed out. Inside, waterproof matches, iodine tablets. Beet seeds, protein bars, NASA blanket.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Neel’s Social Media Links