Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have only authored one book called “KNIGHT SCHOOL”, which started off as a series of short stories back in 2015. I eventually collected all of my short stories together as “THE KNIGHT JOURNALS BOOKE ONE: THE ACADEMY” in 2016. Unfortunately, that version held many flaws and I would spend the next couple of years working on rewrites and making it a complete novel. Which would result in Knight School. I also wrote a short story called “THE MOVER”. Don’t ask. Lol.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Knight School. As for what inspired it… A few years ago, I watched the film “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief”. I thought the concept was incredible, but the movie fell through to me. On the way home from the theater, I couldn’t help thinking that I could write something better. So, I bought the first Percy Jackson book, hoping to find an example of what not to write, but instead was amazed with how well written the book was! I loved it. I also re-read a lot of the Harry Potter books. So, I had some idea of what type of story that I wanted to write. All I needed was to figure out an actual plot. Then this idea of a young teenager, who was descended from a long line of knights and must save the modern world from magic came to me. That was eight years ago. The plot went through hundreds of different drafts and went from novel to short story to novel again. In the end, Knight School was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to write manuscripts on my iPhone while walking around in circles. It helps me think more creatively. When I use this process, I feel like I’m really in my characters’ world.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Like I mentioned above, Percy Jackson and Harry Potter inspired me a great deal. JK Rowling and Rick Riordan, to me, are some of the modern world’s greatest writers. The way they write coming of age stories using magic or myths as metaphors for growing up and the the pitfalls of life amaze me. As the years went on, I also fell in love with The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare and The Isle of The Lost Series by Melisa de la Cruz.
What are you working on now?
I’m working the sequel to Knight School and a new YA novel called Mirrorville. If everything works out, I’ll have some great new books coming out in the next few years.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter. Definitely Twitter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop writing and never give up on your dreams.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Nothing worth having comes easily.
What are you reading now?
Harry Potter & The Cursed Child Play Script.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m planning on self-publishing a print version of Knight School through Lulu.com and using their services to get Knight School in bookstores. Then, releasing the Knight School sequel (after I finish writing it lol).
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?
1. Harry Potter & The Deathly Hollows
2. The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes
3. Welcome To The Shadowhunter Academy
4. Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince
Author Websites and Profiles
Robert G. Culp Amazon Profile
Robert G. Culp’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account