Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a middle grade author with my first book coming out the end of summer. I have stories in 2 anthologies that will be coming out this year and a Kindle Vella story coming out each week.
I live in Northeast Ohio. By day I’m a computer programmer and have been writing when I’m not coding. I have a dog and some cats and a wolf. Yes, a wolf, but he’s a gentle thing.
Besides writing and coding I like comic books and video games. Oh and some movies. I read a lot.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Town Magician 1 – Embracing the Magic
There is a local Harry Potter Wizard fest in Kent, Ohio. A couple years ago I wanted to write a quick short story to put on an author table at the event. The story grew and I wanted to make it better and it went from a short story to a full novel. And I have plans for several more which include a prequel series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I write when I can and have been spending more time writing as my craft has improved. I do a podcast where I interview new authors, and have picked up some great ideas that have changed my writing over time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, Stephen King comes to mind first, but the Dragonlance Chronicles by Weiss and Hickman have always been favorites of mine. I feel my writing is similar to Rick Riordan. And I have gotten into Jeff Strand in recent years. Not only do I enjoy his books, but we were born 2 days apart and he lived within a few miles of me while growing up.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my Kindle Vella series – Young Oddish Questors – that will be the prequel to a full series later. These will be based on some short stories I wrote for my kids and they’re about an investigator group that is similar to Scooby Doo.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is the best because I target it for all marketing, though I haven’t done much marketing yet. I did write a couple non-fiction books that I use amazon ads almost exclusively.
I am working on getting some solid reviews, because that makes parents feel comfortable when they are buying MG books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t worry about craft. Don’t worry about marketing. Don’t worry about a million books to help this that or the other thing.
Get some writing under your belt. Get a book done and then work on another. Get a couple short stories done. Don’t focus on getting them polished or publish. Just write.
Once you get several things written, then all the other stuff will make more sense and you can more easily pick the advice that will help you and make it work effectively.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You don’t have to do every bit of advice you hear.
What are you reading now?
I just finished The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander. I also have been reading Dracula because I was at a world building weekend in New Orleans that had a surprise virtual visit from Dacre Stoker.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing of course! I have multiple books in the Town Magician series, and then a book 1 as a spy thriller. The Oddish Questor series will be coming up soon as I have 3 books planned for that.
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?
Can I cheat and take a compendium? Like the 100 best Harvard classics all as 1 book? I know – digital makes this silly because you couldn’t read after it dies.
Dragonlance
The Shining
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Author Websites and Profiles
Stephen Schneider Website
Stephen Schneider Amazon Profile
Stephen Schneider’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile