Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing when I was in high school at the age of 16. It took me then 6 years to write and publish the first book, which I did shortly after graduating from college. I received my teaching degree in Wisconsin, and since then, I have been inspiring people to write and learn all over the world. I spent a year in Santiago, Chile in South America and now I currently live in Suzhou, China. It is my love of travel and interacting with other cultures that help spur my writing. I have written three books so far, but have only published two.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last book that I published is called, The Curse of Pirini Lilapa. It is the sequel to my debut novel, The Trials of the Core. Both are novels in the series, Guardian of the Core, which is slated to have four books total in it. I got inspiration for this story in general from a short story that I created in middle school. I dug it up again when cleaning my room. Then I expanded that story to make a whole series. This book happens to be from that original short story though.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I will never publish anything in the series until I have the next book written. (At least the first draft). This is because things change and things happen. So, if something dramatic happens in book two, then I need to make sure I set it up in book one so that readers aren’t questioning my logic. I think writing is better that way and more consistent.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Christopher Paolini definitely influenced me a little bit. My writing improved dramatically, though, by reading Game of Thrones. Such a good series, although Martin has now kind of fallen off the wagon with his latest book.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the fourth (and final) book in the series. The first draft of it. Once I finish that, I can focus on changes I need to make to book three.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew. I am still trying to figure that out myself. Facebook is an extremely good method, though, for authors.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Consistency and persistence are key. Try to write at least 500 words per day during the weekdays and 1000 words per day during the weekend when you have more time. If you do that, there is no reason you won’t have a novel ready within a year.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just write. The first draft is the hardest, so just write what comes to mind and know that you will have time to revise it later.
What are you reading now?
Currently, I am reading Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. I am also teaching this book in class. It’s a very nice book that deals with a lot of big-question issues like: What does it mean to be human?
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, after this series, I actually have a fifth book spinoff that I have planned where I tie up a few things that won’t fit into the series. Then there is a sixth book that is an anthology of short stories that help supplement the series. I have future plans for more. The world / universe I created is huge with soooo much fantastic lore that I can explore. I can’t wait to do so myself!
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 dictionary so that I could keep my brain sharp and maybe even have time to look up words for writing. And, also, so that I could look up words I don’t know in the other books I bring.
Ulysses by James Joyce. I heard it’s one of the “great American novels.” One that changes you when you read it, it just takes a long time to read. So, why not give it a try.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. This is a tome of a book as well, so it will definitely keep me occupied while I’m deserted on the island.
Ender’s Game Complete Collection. This is more so for fun. I loved the first book, but I just haven’t been able to get myself to the second one due to time. So, I would definitely bring the whole series to read!
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Thies Website
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