Interview With Author Patrick Moore
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey there! I’m a college professor from the lovely province of Ontario, Canada. Although I haven’t been writing for too long, I’ve been fortunate enough to write two self-help books that have helped many readers improve their lives. They’re called “Transform Your Life: 10 Habits to Reach Your Full Potential” (https://www.amazon.com/Transform-Your-Life-Real-World-Self-Discovery-ebook/dp/B0BYGQZG78) and “The Burden of Happiness: Carrying the Weight of Happiness: How Embracing Your Burdens Can Lead to a Fulfilling Life” (https://www.amazon.com/Burden-Happiness-Embracing-Fulfilling-Self-Discovery-ebook/dp/B0BY7JP5JH).
However, as much as I enjoy writing self-help books, my passion has always been to write fiction. I recently completed my first urban fantasy novel, “Shadow’s Grasp,” the first book in a new series called “Shadow’s Reckoning.” I’m working on the sequel and a horror novel named “The Nevada Experiment.” It’s been thrilling so far, and I can’t wait to see where my writing journey takes me next!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m thrilled to discuss my latest book, “Shadow’s Grasp.” This urban fantasy novel has been a passion project of mine for quite some time. As an avid reader of authors such as Jim Butcher and Stephen Blackmoore, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating my own world and characters that could rival theirs. The novel follows a complex and flawed protagonist who is grappling with their own inner demons, sometimes literally. It’s been a challenging and rewarding experience to develop these characters and their journey. I’m eager for readers to immerse themselves in the intricacies of the story and discover the depth of the characters’ struggles.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When it comes to writing, I have a bit of an unusual habit – I’m what’s known as a “plotter.” What that means is that I prefer to meticulously plan out every detail of my novels before I even start writing. I find it helpful to have a clear understanding of the story’s trajectory, the characters’ motivations, and the major plot points before I delve into the actual writing. For me, this approach ensures that I don’t get lost or hit a wall as I’m writing. It may seem a bit tedious, but I find it to be an effective way to create a cohesive and engaging story. That and I have to write with music – no music, no words.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a new urban fantasy writer, I find myself constantly seeking inspiration from the greats of the genre. The intricate worlds and complex characters crafted by Jim Butcher, Stephen Blackmoore and Kim Harrison leave me in awe and wonder. But as much as I love the fantastical elements of their work, I also find myself drawn to writers who explore themes of freedom and self-expression. The works of Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassidy, and Allen Ginsburg, with their raw energy and unbridled creativity, leave me both invigorated and perplexed. The idea of breaking down barriers and exploring new territory is both exciting and daunting. Still, I find that their commitment to experimentation inspires me to take risks in my own writing. Whether I’m weaving tales of magic and mayhem or delving into the complexities of the human psyche, I’m constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in my writing, fueled by the bursts of creativity and inspiration that these writers evoke.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on two vastly different projects that have me feeling both exhilarated and overwhelmed. The first is “Shadow’s Embrace,” the sequel to my urban fantasy novel “Shadow’s Grasp,” where I’m continuing to explore the dark, intricate world I created in the first book. But my other project – a zombie horror novel called “The Nevada Experiment” – has me delving into a whole new world of terror and gore. It’s been a wild and at times unnerving ride to create such different stories and characters, but it’s exciting as well. Balancing the two projects has been a real challenge – I’m constantly bouncing between the magic and mayhem of urban fantasy and the gruesome horrors of the undead.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Oh boy, you’re really putting me on the spot with that question! To be honest, I’ve never really delved into the world of book promotion before, so I’m feeling a bit lost and perplexed. I’ve always believed that writing a good book should be enough to get it noticed, but I realize that in today’s crowded marketplace, that’s not always the case. I’m constantly scouring the internet and talking to other writers to try to figure out the best method or website for promoting my books. It’s a daunting task, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options out there. But I’m determined to figure it out – after all, what good is writing a book if nobody gets to read it? I may not have all the answers right now, but I’m excited to learn and grow as I navigate the often confusing world of book promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Advice for new authors, huh? Wow, that’s a tough one. It’s hard to distill all the wisdom I’ve gained from my own writing journey into just a few soundbites. But if I had to offer any advice, I’d say this: be prepared to put in the work. Writing is not for the faint of heart – it’s a grueling, often frustrating process that requires a lot of time and effort. But if you’re willing to stick with it, the rewards can be incredible. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks in your writing – after all, that’s where the magic happens. And perhaps most importantly, don’t forget to have fun. Writing can be a solitary and sometimes isolating pursuit, but it can also be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Seek out a community of other writers who can offer support and encouragement along the way. And never forget why you started writing in the first place – for the sheer joy of it. Keep that passion alive, and who knows where your writing journey will take you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That’s a tricky question! I’ve heard a lot of advice over the years, but there’s one piece that’s been sticking with me lately – “Don’t be afraid to fail.” It sounds simple enough, but it’s been weighing on me quite heavily. I mean, who likes to fail? But the more I think about it, the more I realize that failure is a part of the process. It’s how we learn and grow and become better writers – or better people, for that matter. But still, the idea of putting myself out there and potentially falling short is a bit daunting. I guess it’s all about finding a balance between taking risks and being realistic about what’s possible. At the end of the day, though, I know that the only way to succeed genuinely is to be willing to fail – and to pick myself back up and try again when I do.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m diving headfirst into the dark and twisted world of Stephen Blackmoore’s “Hate Machine.” It’s the eighth book in his gritty urban fantasy series, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride.
What’s next for you as a writer?
It’s hard to say what’s next for me as a writer – the possibilities seem endless, and that’s both exhilarating and overwhelming. One thing I do know for sure, though, is that I’m going to keep writing. There’s something about the process of creating a story, of bringing characters and worlds to life, that’s both satisfying and addictive. Whether it’s delving into the fantastical realm of urban fantasy or exploring the depths of the human psyche in horror, I know that I have a lot of stories left to tell. But I’m also aware that writing is a constantly evolving process, one that requires both discipline and creativity. It’s a balancing act, really – finding the time and energy to write, while also pushing myself to try new things and take risks. But I’m up for the challenge. Who knows where my writing journey will take me next – but I do know that I’m going to keep putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and see where my imagination takes me.
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?
Oh boy, that’s a tough question – how could I narrow it down to three or four books? But if I had to choose, I think I’d want to bring some of my favorite works from the Beat Generation, along with at least one modern urban fantasy book. On the Beat side, I’d want to bring Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road,” with its raw energy and unbridled exploration of freedom and individuality. Neal Cassidy’s “The First Third” would also be high on my list – I love how he captures the spirit of the times in a personal and poetic way. And, of course, Allen Ginsburg’s “Howl and Other Poems” is a must – it’s such a powerful and influential work that never fails to leave me feeling energized and introspective. As for urban fantasy, I’d want to bring Jim Butcher’s “Storm Front,” which launched his beloved Dresden Files series. It’s such a fun and thrilling ride with a complex and compelling protagonist that I think I could read it over and over again. I’m not sure how I’d survive on a desert island with just these books for company, but I know that they would keep me captivated and inspired for a long time.
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