Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written here and there for over two decades, including several complete books, but over the last five years I grew progressively more serious and I’ve just published my first novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first and most recent novel is called, The Robinsons’ Dark Matter. It was actually inspired by all of the YA/Fantasy novels I’ve read and loved over the years. I wanted to keep that same feeling of adventure, but bring it into a science-fiction story that takes place in the present-day.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ll get stuck on one sentence, sometimes for hours until I come up with the right way to say something. A lot of other writers will put a placeholder there and move on, and occasionally I give up and do that, but if I can nail that one sentence down I often find myself blazing through the rest of the scene in a single sitting.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Zilpha Keatley Snyder, Roger Zelazny, Stephen King, and Douglas Adams. There are more, of course. Too many to name, but those are the closest to my heart.
What are you working on now?
The Robinsons’ Quantum Entanglement. It picks up just after the first book ends and is going to be a little less dark and a little more scary. Just kidding. It’s just as dark and a LOT scarier 🙂
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads.com is probably the best place to connect with readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Treat it like a real job. Put in the hours and hold yourself accountable for quality.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make your own luck. If you want to be around when opportunity knocks you need to keep seeking opportunity out.
What are you reading now?
The Otherland series by Tad Williams
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to continue with The Robinsons series, but I’ve also got an idea for a near-future thriller I’ve started toying around with. I want to write a story where a guy with bionic augmentations goes hand-to-hand with a polar bear.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Below the Root by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Raymond Website
Michael Raymond Amazon Profile
Michael Raymond’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account