Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is R.T. Driver when I’m writing, but Michael Fort to my friends and family, and bun/turtle/any other cute sounding name to my lovely wife. I was born in Connecticut and have been writing for years, however, I’ve only started write seriously within the past two or three years. While I have a number of works finished, my current project, the Isaac Comett series, is the first one to see the light of day.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first and latest book is Isaac Comett: My Life as a Shard Knight. It is the first Act in what is planned to be a 3-4 novel sci-fi adventure. The book is heavily influenced by Japanese Animation, something I’ve been a fan of for a long time. I loved the expressiveness and larger-than-life stories, and wanted to find a way to translate that type of storytelling into book form. Another motivator was music and several events that happened in my personal life. Isaac’s story is essentially an autobiography with aliens.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Many authors like listening to music when they write, but for me, music is the catalyst for my writing. I will listen to entire albums or DJ Mix Shows and close my eyes, allowing a story to play out in my head. Once I find a story I like, I’ll write about it. As you can imagine, I have a lot of music! *laughs*
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Christopher Wooding was the first author to show me that it’s possible to take the unique characters, freaky powers and bizzaro villians from anime/manga and make a novel out of it. His series, Broken Sky, heavily shaped my storytelling.
What are you working on now?
This interview?
No for real this time. I’m in the process of editing Act 2 of Isaac Comett and am about halfway down with act 3’s rough manuscript.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Friends and word of mouth. You can’t beat someone sharing a post about your work with their friends, and even if ONE of their friends shares it, it opens the way to potentially hundreds more viewers/readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If your story happens to follow a current trend, that’s great. But at the same time, write for YOU, no one else. Also, just get the stupid first manuscript done and worry about it looking pretty later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.” -Matthew 6:34 (Jesus)
What are you reading now?
The Bible. Regardless of background, beliefs or region, its principles are timeless.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once Isaac Comett is done, I’d like to try my hand at something with less sci-fi and more true-life events. I’m not entirely sure though.
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 Bible and Camping for Dummies. I guess I would give Wurthering Heights another shot, too.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rob Driver Website