Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far I have worked on 2 books. The first book I worked on was a project I called “Beastia Bellatorum”, which is generally the war between the 7 Deadly sins and warriors who represent the 7 Heavenly virtues, but I have shelved that for a bit. The main project I am working on now is called “Colors of Death” which I have just finished the first book of the series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Colors of Death: Black”, the story of a man who becomes Death’s assistant to help souls pass on. And the inspiration of this book, and the series that is soon to come is based on how some people, like some friends of mine, after some difficult times think about ending their lives. To me that was simply taking things for granted, there could be so much more to life. The basic message of this story is that Death gives meaning to life, it pushes us to move forward and improve ourselves.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well it isn’t unusual, but I procrastinate a lot, mostly because I wait for inspiration. I spend a lot of time thinking about how the plot would play out and the moment I get an idea, I spend a long time writing it all down. Afterwards, I read it, I second guess myself, I ultimately decide it isn’t good enough, and erase the whole thing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mitch Albom is one of my favorite authors. The 5 people you meet in heaven was an amazing story, and I have always been drawn to stories about spirituality, and fantasy.
J. K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series was one of my favorites as well, which was a great example of how the novels hold so much more detail than the movies.
And being a fan of the fantasy genre, I am also a big fan of George R. R. Martin for his books which ultimately was brought to life in the show Game of Thrones.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the 2nd book of my “Colors of Death” project, “Colors of Death: Red”. The story picking up immediately after the end of Book 1, “Colors of Death: Black”, and will involve a more complicated case for Conor, Death’s Assistant.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
In terms of best method, I believe an Email list would be best, I hope to make one myself, but sites like Awesome Gang really help an author who is just starting.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice, write what you want to write about, and strive to improve and really find your style. Sometimes we get discouraged or even afraid that we don’t match up to the quality of other authors. So don’t compete with them, compete with yourself.
The poem Invictus is always one I keep in mind, especially the line “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing.
What are you reading now?
I am reading “The next person you meet in heaven” a sequel to the book I mentioned that was written by Mitch Albom.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me is to be better than who I was yesterday. And just keep doing that.
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?
Well probably the SAS survival handbook to you know…survive.
A comedy book would be nice also. Laughter is always nice if you are alone in an island.
And probably any thick book like a dictionary, because we are going to need to make a fire and more paper means more kindling.
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