Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Stanley Campbell, but most call me Stan. By day, I’m the owner of a small business in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. By night, I’m a member of a local Scottish Society and a writer. Above all of this, I pride myself on being a husband of twenty plus years, the father of two young amazing boys and a Christian. In my spare time I study eighteenth century Scotland.
The Legend of Chip: The Legend Begins is my first published novel. I’m currently writing the second book of the series, along with a young adult book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Legend of Chip: The Legend Begins was inspired by an old Celtic tale told to me by a Scottish cousin of mine. It’s called Chips and the Devil. It’s a dark tale about a man who gives in to the temptations of the Devil. Something about the tale intrigued me. That night I sat down and wrote the first chapter of what would become my first novel.
I learned later that the tale itself was first written about by Charles Dickens in his, The Uncommercial Traveler. Apparently, his nanny used to read it to him before bedtime.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that are unusual to me. I do tend to hash out my plots while driving. This requires the use of a voice recorder and headphones for later (nobody wants to hear me sorting through my ideas).
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading the likes of Jules Verne, Mark Twain, J.R.R. Tolkien, H.G. Wells and C.S. Lewis. They spoke to me and I find myself looking to them for inspiration. They understood how to captivate the mind. If I can one day achieve their level of writing, then I will have truly succeeded.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on book two of The Legend of Chip series. It continues on with the story of Christopher MacDougall and his adventures while searching for the answers to his problems. I’m also working on a young adult book. It’s based in the same historical world as The Legend of Chip and focuses on Christopher’s son, Marcus.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve become heavily invested (time-wise) in Facebook and Twitter marketing. Posting new updates and gaining a following are a few of my focuses right now. Word-of-mouth is another powerful selling tool. I never miss an opportunity to promote my book. There are a couple of radio interviews that I will be doing in the next two to three weeks as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop writing and always believe in yourself. Ignore the voice in the back of your mind, shouting that your writing is awful. Do your best, then hire an editor and a proofreader to help polish your manuscript before submitting it to an agent. You’ve got to be strong. If you don’t believe in your writing, no one else will.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid to promote your own book. There are authors that run from the opportunity. Be one that runs toward it with open arms.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently re-reading Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently working to meet my deadline of May for book two of The Legend of Chip series. Hopefully, it will be edited, revised and proofread in time for the published deadline of December 2018.
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?
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, The Map Book, and The Ultimate Survival Guide. Yes, the last two are real books.
Author Websites and Profiles
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