Interview With Author Mike Moon
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Originally from Illinois, I’ve lived in various places throughout the country. I even spent a semester studying in Italy during grad school. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Everyone I met was incredibly nice and experiencing another country’s culture changed my life.
The Kaval Rises is the only book I’ve written so far, but I’m in the process of working on the second book for The Crimson Tears Trilogy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Kaval Rises is the name of my debut novel. Funny enough, it was inspired by a painting I created in grad school. Like every Friday during the semester, I attended our 2pm student seminar. I don’t remember who was speaking or what they talked about, but I do remember I spent that seminar daydreaming and doodling on my notepad. It was nothing special, but it got me thinking. I had the weekend off and for once I didn’t have to study. I hadn’t done anything artistic, outside of writing, since 8th grade, so I figured screw it, why not? After the seminar finished, I drove to the art store, picked up a canvas and some paint, and spent the entire weekend painting. I thought I’d be finished in a few days, maybe weeks. Little did I know how involved I’d get with this project. It wasn’t until 9 months later that I was finally satisfied with the painting. I remember standing there, looking at it and thinking it was much better than I thought I could ever do. I’m not claiming to be Leonardo da Vinci by any stretch of the imagination, but I didn’t think I could paint at all. In all my art classes during elementary school I only received 2 A’s for any of my artwork. It got me thinking, what else could I try? While I had always loved writing, I had never attempted to write a novel. I only ever wrote short stories because I didn’t think I had time to write an entire book. But the previous 9 months of painting showed me that I could make time for something I loved. And so, I started putting together my storyboard and went to work.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s unusual, but I always listen to orchestral music when I write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King and Lee Child are my two biggest influences. Stephen King is the greatest thriller writer I’ve ever read, and I love how Lee Child incorporates action into his work.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the second book for The Crimson Tears Trilogy. The title is to be determined.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still new to this area, but in my short time Reddit has given me the greatest visibility.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Three things.
1.) Don’t publish your book until you are certain it’s the best version you can create. Once you finish your manuscript, put it down for 2-3 months. Work on something else, and then come back and read it. You might find flaws you didn’t see before. When you work on something for so long you become accustomed to it. You brain needs that break. Repeat this process until you feel confident it’s the best work you can do.
2.) Don’t let anyone make you feel your work isn’t good enough. No one knows your writing better than you. Even the best writers suffer rejection. It’s not an indictment of your abilities if someone declines to work with you. It may just not be a good fit for them. At the end of the day, you should be writing because you love it, not because you want to be rich or famous. The most important thing when you publish your writing is that YOU love it.
3.) Look up Jane Friedman and read her material. She is extremely knowledgeable and is an amazing resource for any aspiring author. Tips #1 and 2 are advice I learned from reading her work.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
On top of what I mentioned in the previous question, it was something my dad told me. It falls in line with tip #1. He said, “A novel is like a diamond. You must polish your work until you’re certain you’re giving the world the brightest gem you can.”
What are you reading now?
I’m in between books right now, but my next read will be Tana French’s In The Woods.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure, other than working on my next book. I guess it depends on how successful my first novel is.
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 Shining
The Hobbit
Killing Floor
Goosebumps: Return of the Mummy