Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Demon Zero is my very first book! I’m a teacher by trade, but I thought I’d take the plunge and finally start publishing my work.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Demon Zero is inspired by some of my favorite pop culture urban fantasy stories, and it’s actually inspired by movies and TV more than it is by other books. I grew up loving shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Serenity (not urban fantasy, I know, but there are a lot of shared themes!), and it’s been fun for me to see so many great urban fantasy books pop up over the last five or ten years. Young adults today are so lucky to have access to such fun, imaginative work, and I wanted to take my love for comic books and fantasy and add to the canon!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I absolutely cannot write if there’s music playing. I know a lot of authors love to listen to music to help set the mood for them, but if there’s music, I can’t focus, and I go all wonky with the keyboard. It just doesn’t work!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neil Gaiman is a classic favorite, as are Roald Dahl and Kurt Vonnegut. All three authors have such an extraordinary way of weaving humor through very important themes.
What are you working on now?
The next book in the Dark Matter series! It’s called Scorched Earth, and it should be out in February!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Fans can actually get in on the storytelling action by visiting RandallPine.com and signing up for the Dark Matter Case Files emails. Twice a month, I’m sending out clues to the mysteries in the next Dark Matter books, and readers can investigate the mysteries along with Simon and Virgil, the main characters!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I know it sounds obvious, but JUST WRITE! Even when it’s hard, even when you don’t want to, even when you think the words you’re writing are rubbish, write anyway. You’ll be surprised at how good those words end up being.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Give your readers some credit! They’re smart enough to know what you’re saying without having to spell everything out.
What are you reading now?
The Rook, by Daniel O’Malley
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully the continuation of a successful Dark Matter series!
Author Websites and Profiles
Randall Pine Website
Randall Pine Amazon Profile