Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a 34 year old man, with a lovely wife and two young sons. By day, I’m a mild-mannered policy advisor; by night, and on the bus, and on my lunch break, I’m a writer. I’ve been writing for a long time–plays, short stories, blog posts–and I’ve even had some of my work performed, but I’m quite new to the self-publishing world. My first book, Dicing with the Gods, came out on May 7, 2016, and I look forward to continuing to publish on a regular schedule of about 3 books per year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dicing with the Gods is the first of three novels centered around a character named Grug Smash. Grug is a barbarian straight out of Dungeons and Dragons. Like many of his kind, the player that created him thought it was more important to put his skill points into strength than intelligence, which leaves him with few dialogue options and a limited way to think his way out of situations.
There isn’t any one inspiration for Grug. He comes of many nights playing tabletop RPGs, including AD&D, and Shadowrun, but also great games like the original Fallout series (which had low-intelligence dialogue options), and a love of silly comedy, such as Monty Python and Kids in the Hall.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best when I have no other options. I need to be in an enclosed space, with nothing but a notebook and some music to listen to. As a result, all of my first drafts are pen and paper. That choice also helps me avoid the urge to continually revise as I go instead of getting words down on paper.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many. So very many. Neil Gaiman, Elizabeth Moon, Guy Gavriel Kay, John Scalzi, J.K. Rowling, Arthurian legends (including the work of Mary Stewart), Chuck Palahniuk, Stephen R. Donaldson, Terry Pratchett, and Tolkien, naturally.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently completing Stealing from a Sorcerer, the second Grug Smash novel, with an eye to publishing it the week of June 13, 2016. I have also begun drafting the final book in the trilogy, which has a TBD awe-inspiring title.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My Facebook Page probably gets the most engagement, but I admit the promotion side is still something I’m working on. A mailing list is also an incredibly important thing for any author to have, as it gives you control over contacting your readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Then write some more. If your first book isn’t selling, write book 2. If your first book is selling, write book 2.
Create a mailing list. Link it in the front and back matter of your book.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t expect overnight fame.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Basically everything Neil Gaiman said on the Nerdist podcast. No, really. Go download it right now.
What are you reading now?
The Odyssey (Homer, Fitzgerald translation), Invisible Monsters (Palahniuk), The Bourne Identity (Ludlum), The Human Division (Scalzi).
Typically, I have one bedside book, one downstairs book, and one digital book for when I’m on the go. Lately, I’ve also got one book going for a book club, as well.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. Lots more. I’ve got a book full of ideas and not nearly enough time to write. My longer-term goal is to be able to go full time, but that’s at least a couple of years away.
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?
American Gods, (Gaiman), The Fionavar Tapestry (Kay), Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling), and How to Survive on a Desert Island (Author Unknown)
Author Websites and Profiles
Sean McKenzie Website
Sean McKenzie Amazon Profile
Sean McKenzie’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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