Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m 36 years old and I have a background in acting. My degree is in theatre performance and in addition to acting in plays I’ve gotten some work as an extra and as a stand in for some films and tv shows. Currently my full time job is working as a marketing and social media assistant at a blood bank. I have a lot of hobbies. I enjoy weightlifting, running, tennis, comic books, video games, television, movies, reading, and writing. Currently I have only written one book but am working on my second, a sequel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my first book is The Lost Kingdom of Moora, and the title is taken from one of the locations explored in the book. The first protagonist in the story deals with this lost kingdom.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I am aware of. I am new to writing a novel, and so I may notice some as I progress. Before I began writing this book I hadn’t written a story since I was assigned to write one in high school (though I did have to write a script in college for a script writing class).
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My greatest influence as an author is Edgar Rice Burroughs. I love his Tarzan, Pellucidar and Barsoom series, and all his other books I have read. The Outlaw of Torn is my favorite standalone book he wrote. I love many other authors and books: Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time Series, Piers Anthony’s Xanth, David Eddings’ Belgariad, Fred Saberhagen’s Swords books, and of course Tolkien’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, just to name a few. However, my writing isn’t high fantasy like Tolkien. I prefer the way Burroughs wrote, and feel that my storytelling reflects a similar style to some of his works.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on my sequel to The Lost Kingdom of Moora. The epilogue of TLKofM leads into events that will take place in the second book. I’m also putting ideas down for the third book I plan to write, which isn’t a sequel to these books, and is actually going to be a Science Fiction story. However, I definitely will be returning to the world of my first two books with new characters and returning characters after that.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve just started promoting my book, so I am learning. So far, word of mouth through my facebook friends and at work is helping me to promote it. I’ve also been working to promote the book on twitter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author myself, I’d say my biggest piece of advice is to write in a genre you love. Get friends and relatives to read the book as you are writing it and give you feedback on characters, the world, and the story. Be willing to take criticism and change if necessary. If you feel strongly about certain things in your book, don’t compromise on them, but be willing to bend if possible.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve been given is to not let rejection letters get you down. If you are turned down by an agent or a publisher, then move on to the next. And you can always self-publish if nothing else!
What are you reading now?
I’ve been focused on writing but I have several books I need to crack open around the house. I do need to read something soon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The sequel to The Lost Kingdom of Moora!
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?
I’d definitely bring my Bible, because my faith is important to me. I’d also bring The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (I do have it collected in one book), and the Pellucidar Series Complete Collection by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I know that may be cheating. If I could only choose one of the LotR books, I’d choose Return of the King, and if I could only choose one Pellucidar book, I’d choose At the Earth’s Core.
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