Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve just recently written my first book, and have started my second. I was inspired by a dream I had last April, and despite my lack of experience with writing in the truest sense, I’ve always had a knack for worldbuilding and character development, which I attribute to my many years as Dungeon Master in several tabletop RPGs.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Project Manticore is my latest, and first, release. I had a dream in April of 2019 that was so interesting that I woke up at about 4:15am and immediately typed the synopsis into my cell phone so that I wouldn’t forget it. I talked it over with my wife, and she encouraged me to write it into a full-blown novel. I was excited and a little scared, but seeing it come to fruition has been rewarding and encouraging to write another.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it would qualify as unusual, but I listen to ambient music that fits the mood of the scene I’m writing. Throughout writing “Manticore”, I listened to tons of ambient space and sci-fi music, as well as suspenseful thriller music depending on the scene I was working on. It helped me put myself in the location I was writing about and building, and I think it was a huge help in making my descriptions that much more punchy and effective.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a huge fan of Stephen King, and most recently, Adrzej Sapkowski, author of The Witcher series. The latter especially influenced my own writing style, as I appreciated the fact that he was descriptive without dawdling, and that the books moved at a great pace without leaving the reader behind. I mimicked that flow when writing my own stories while still incorporating my own voice and style.
What are you working on now?
My next book is tentatively titled “The Dark Cycle”, though I love that name and will likely use it for the final product. This story was also influenced by a dream that I had about half way through writing “Project Manticore”, and I’m very easily distracted, so it took all of my energy to put it on the backburner until I was finished! So far I’m a few thousand words into “The Dark Cycle” and can’t wait to write more.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a firm believer in word of mouth first and foremost. Getting verbal recommendations from a trusted source is always the best initial route to take. I’m currently looking at other marketing opportunities (like AwesomeGang!) that are more grass-roots, which is something I personally identify with.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Absolutely, especially new authors with no experience. Don’t be afraid to use Google. The internet is a bevy of useful information, and there were times where I found myself writing a sentence that made sense to my, but I wasn’t sure if it was syntactically correct. That, and just write. I know it sounds pretentious and obvious, but what stops most people from writing is fear of failure, or fear of judgment. Abandon your fears, open up your word processor, and start putting words on paper (er, digital paper at least).
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever received is succinct, but powerful, and one you’ve probably heard hundreds, if not thousands, of times.
Be yourself.
While writing “Project Manticore”, I was terrified that the vulgarity would drive people away, but I didn’t want to cheapen the dialog and make it sound campy. Humans aren’t polite in deadly situations, they’re often yelling and cursing. I made sure to keep those feelings in my book even when that worry crept in because I was being true to myself, my world, and my characters.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently wrapping up “The Witcher” series, in the latter half of “Lady of the Lake.” It’s spectacular so far, as have been the other books in the series, and it will continue to be an inspiration for me long after I’ve finished reading.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Book two! As I mentioned before, I’m working now on “The Dark Cycle,” and this time I have an even clearer layout than I did with “Manticore,” which even that had a very clearly laid out plot (thanks, subconscious!). I’m excited to switch from hard sci-fi into more body horror, suspense, and mystery writing, as it presents a new challenge to myself and my potential readers.
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 hate to be boring, but I’d bring a lot of non-fiction. The Machinery of Freedom by David D. Friedman would be in there, Human Action by Ludwig Von Mises, and then my favorite Witcher books, which would be impossible to determine right now.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ryan Bunting Website
Ryan Bunting Amazon Profile
Ryan Bunting’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account