Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the author of the Kal Moonheart books – a series of three fantasy thrillers, full of dangerous action, unpredictable plots, and epic adventure. I’m also two books into the Alien Disaster trilogy, a science fiction action adventure for kids of all ages.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sirensbane is the third book in the Kal Moonheart series. Kal is a gambler, adventurer and thief – a farily unconventional fantasy hero who isn’t the descendant of a long-long king, or on a quest for a magic talisman. She’s just a girl who is trying to get along in a dangerous world.
The book was inspired by my love of epic fantasy and modern thrillers. I wanted to combine all the classic fantasy elements – dragons, quests, gods and politics – and weld them to a Dan Brown-style twisty plot, with Ian Fleming-style uncompromising action. And in this particular instalment in the series, I tried to jam in every pirate and seafaring cliché I could think of!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t sit down at the computer and just write. I need to write the story in my head first, and I do that almost word-for word while at the gym, or washing the dishes, or out walking, running or cycling. I always wanted to figure out a way to make daydreaming pay, and self-publishing might just be it …
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot – horror, fantasy, classics, history … but I get ideas not just from books, but also from TV shows, films and even computer games. The idea for Alien Disaster came from imaging a story where Earth was not only invaded by aliens, but was also hit by every disaster movie catastrophe – meteors, floods, earthquakes and even zombies – all at the same time!
What are you working on now?
Lethal Planet is the third and final book in the Alien Disaster trilogy. The second book, Moon Dust, raided sci fi horror films like Aliens and Terminator for its ideas, but I’m trying to inject Lethal Planet with the flavour of sci fi fantasy like Star Wars and Flash Gordon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I post my books on Wattpad, one chapter at a time as I write them. The community there is fantastic, and getting comments and support from readers as you write a book can be incredibly motivating. I’ve met friends and even gained fans on Wattpad, so I’ve made a commitment to always reveal my work there first before unleashing it on Amazon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start writing five years ago! Every writer wishes they had done.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Promote your books with AwesomeGang 😉
What are you reading now?
I’m reading A Dance with Dragons. I’m also watching the lastest season of Game of Thrones – and rewatching the first season – at the same time, too. Juggling all the timelines and plot changes is very confusing …
What’s next for you as a writer?
The next Kal Moonheart book will be the start of a whole new trilogy, and I’m going to try and write it so that it works as a stand-alone series, so new readers can jump straight in. Kal will be just one of several characters – some new, some old – whose stories will make up what I hope will be my biggest and most epic series yet.
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?
They would have to be very long books. The Lord of the Rings, because I haven’t read it since the films came out. Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy, because I started it once and never finished; and I guess I should give War and Peace a try one of these days …
Author Websites and Profiles
Rob May Website
Rob May Amazon Profile
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