Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Something like “tell us about yourself” is not a phrase I particularly enjoy. It’s one of the hardest things to do, even more so than writing an entire book on occasion. However, I’ll take a crack at it. Off the top of my head, I’d say I’m pretty free-spirited. An open mind helps us absorb so much more from our surroundings. I’m a soon-to-be engineer, held together by realms of fantasies. That sums it up, yes, short and sweet. I’ve written a lot of books, more than I can count, prototypes, stories that didn’t fully come together, and then some. ‘Tempestatem’ is the first to hit the shelves. There was another, a couple years ago, but considering it was self-published, I don’t think it counts.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tempestatem. Many things inspired it actually. It started as an idea, brewing into something magnificent. It’s a proud moment. Vague whispers drove the words out of my mind and it was a period where I was more than just another person. One can never really pinpoint, but I think it was a story asking to be written. I hope to have done it some justice.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to take long showers when I’m stumped. For some reason, it helps me figure a way around something tricky.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For a one off, I’d say Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park. Jeffery Archer and Agatha Christie comes to mind, especially the latter. I may have read forty or so books penned by her. Funnily enough, I’ve always been hesitant about fantasies, the genre my book belongs to. I’m rather impressionable at times, and there’s nothing better than unveiling your own brand of fantasy.
What are you working on now?
A prequel to the Tempestatem. I’m going to explore ten generations into the past.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Nothing comes to mind. Word of mouth is ideal in most cases. That’s how I often find books. I think social media is a good platform to reach a wider audience faster though. A lot of websites make it very easy to spread the word, but all the more harder for its authenticity to shine. It’s a double-edged blade since anyone can do it, so a little word of mouth in combination with social media works wonders.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
A fresh idea gives people a wave of inspiration. People ride that wave with pride, but when it dies, more often than not, the characters feel old. New characters, maybe even a new story comes to mind. Don’t give up on those old characters; stick by them and do them justice.
Other than that, I think an author’s job is the creation of a world. His characters are his babies, but their actions are not something one can control. Any plot in the book must be overcome with character consistency. Become a chronicler for those heroes.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Thy who knocks shall get.” I’m not entirely sure I got that right.
What are you reading now?
Jeffery Archer’s ‘Be careful what you wish for.’
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my prequel. I’ve never been one to dream small. I’ll reach the world, go all the way, and maybe, just maybe, join the elite few I’ve so often admired as a child. I may sound like I’m building castles in the air, but I suppose that’s what it takes to be a writer. Building castles in the air is what I want to do for a living.
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?
I’ve been advised to try Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time. So I’d probably get the entire collection.
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