Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, my name is Michael Paul (this pen name is my first and middle name).
When I’m not writing, I work for the United States Air Force as an intelligence officer. After six years of active duty service, I transitioned to the Air Force Reserve. I worked as a procurement professional at Caterpillar for eight years, then left in November 2019 to pursue my dream of writing novels. Cornerstone The King is the first of many novels I hope to write.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is titled Cornerstone The King.
I don’t know what inspired it. However, this book has probably been in me for many years. It’s been a dream to write novels since childhood.
The thought for the series came on a flight to Brazil in 2015 when traveling for work. The idea changed from scribbles on napkins to outlines on paper to a rough first draft in Word. Of course, I thought the draft was great! Until I gave it to my writing coach…
From January 2017 to November 2019, I worked on the book part-time, after work, and on weekends for 10-15 hours per week.
I suspect the writing process lit the fuze to deeper internal matters that I hadn’t adequately addressed or healed. As I say in the book’s Acknowledgement Page, “This book was a labor of love, and I am eternally grateful for those who walked with me as I journeyed through the lands of deep depression, panic disorder, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress from October 2018 to December 2020.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
What is unusual? I’m just kidding—I don’t know.
I’m a natural planner and linear thinker. The military only reinforced the internal discipline I’ve had since childhood. Sometimes this drive turns too far up. If I’m not aware, I can easily go into a mania phase. I’ve always been a writer, but I needed help from a writing coach (Robyn) to help channel passion into a coherent story.
Though Robyn emphasized that writing is the greatest teacher, she helped me build the foundation for writing a novel. She usually taught one lesson for each updated draft. So many of her lessons were drilled into me after much trial-and-error and practice.
Now that I’m writing full-time, I’ve developed a pattern. First, I create an outline with some thought so I don’t go down a rabbit hole when writing. Next, I schedule a few hours a day to creatively write. Then, I review the outline for the chapter and just write. My brain hurts too much if I write and edit in the same sitting. Sometimes I edit what I’ve written at the end of the workday. But I’ve found it works better for me to edit once I’ve finished the first draft of the story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis have been mentors for the Cornerstone series of books.
What are you working on now?
I finished a detailed outline for the remaining books in the Cornerstone series for adults. I sensed, however, I needed to flesh out some characters’ backstories. So I’ve written drafts for two origin stories. One is 15,000 words. This may go into a longer book for young adults. I’ve also finished a 32,000-word book for middle graders. The editing phase will begin soon. I hope to publish this book in 2022.
As I edit the middle-grade book, I will start drafting book two of the adult Cornerstone book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My brand fits more with Instagram than other social media platforms. I probably should use more channels, such as Twitter, but I haven’t put much effort into that work yet. I’ve been focused on maintaining a quality website, blog, and Instagram page. I use one website from Linktree to promote three links. There is a link to book retailer sites where people can buy an e-book, paperback, hardback, and audiobook. The site also links to my website and podcast.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Live life!
I suppose much of the material authors use is from what they know—from personal experience, others’ experience, research, observation, etc.
For me, the process of writing, independent publishing, and marketing is trial-and-error. This can be very daunting, especially when fears and insecurities swell within you as you write and receive feedback. But the creative writing process is very fun. I never know what will rise within me! It’s fun to see this process unfold.
Next, making mistakes is part of trial-and-error. I try not to dwell on them (though I often fail) but learn and move on. I try to see writing as an adventure with much exploration.
Lastly, whether you write part-time or full-time, you may not make much money. But that’s OK! For me, writing is a dream and a vocation. I may need to return to the corporate world if savings run low, but I plan on writing the rest of my life.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write something every day. Writing is the best teacher. Read every day.
What are you reading now?
Baudolino by Umberto Eco; The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning; and A History of the Theatre, by Glynne Wickham
What’s next for you as a writer?
After publication on 1 October, I’ll continue to promote and advertise Cornerstone The King. I hope to travel in 2022 to promote the book.
Meanwhile, I plan to edit the story for middle graders and draft book two of the adult Cornerstone series.
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?
Can we take an e-reader?
If not, not knowing how long I’d be on the island, I’d want to take big books. So I’d bring the Bible and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. If the trilogy counts as one book, I’d also take Jurassic Park. Lastly, I’d bring a survival book I have from my active-duty days in the military.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Paul Website
Michael Paul Amazon Profile
Michael Paul’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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