Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an American novelist and former award-winning travel writer. I was born in upstate New York and currently live in Greenville, South Carolina, with my wife and two dogs. My first novel released in August 2020.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is titled ‘The Medina Device’ and was recently awarded the 2020 Maxy Award for Best Thriller, as well as the 2020 PenCraft Award for literary excellence. I think the inspiration really came from a lot of places; movies I’d seen as a kid, people I’ve met, characters from my favorite books. But I also wanted to explore fringe sciences and secret societies, so it all came together in this strange, heart-pounding story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure any of my writing habits fall into the “unusual” category, but I’m learning to complete projects much faster than I used to. Over time, I think writers develop a certain rhythm and fluidity to their process. For me, I go from outlining to drafting pretty quickly. I also flesh out a lot of the character profiles as I go, then refine them in editing. But the process itself doesn’t feel as clunky as it once did, and that’s pretty cool.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think different authors can influence you in different ways. I used to read a lot of James Michener and Tom Clancy, so I think their attention to detail and the way they describe settings is something that’s always influenced me. Most recently, I’ve been getting into Olen Steinhauer’s novels and his pacing and tone has certainly rubbed off on me. I was between manuscripts when I finished ‘The Tourist’ and immediately sat down to start writing my next book. His energy is contagious.
What are you working on now?
Well, I’ve just delivered my latest manuscript, ‘Stars Over Syria’, to my agent, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s more of a literary thriller and love story, which is completely out of my comfort zone, but I really enjoyed the challenge and I think people are going to like it. But right now, I’m working on this amazing new novel about a diamond thief who also happens to be FBI informant, and he sort of gets caught between these two worlds when he discovers the truth about his past. It’s my first stab at writing a series, so the wheels are turning pretty fast and I’m really pumped about it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is super important to new writers. It’s a way to become part of a community of other writers who support each other and help get the word out. I’ve also had success with BookBub readers as well as the exposure I get from Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hire an editor. Every creative profession requires some level of financial investment, and if you want to be taken seriously by agents, publishers and readers, you have to get an experienced editor. And not a friend or a cousin or a beta reader, and certainly don’t try it yourself. You need a professional set of eyes that can polish your work for publication.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard was: “You can accomplish anything in life with meticulous timing and a sense of style.” I’m not exactly sure where it came from. I heard it once when I was young and I’ve lived by it ever since.
What are you reading now?
I just started ‘One Good Deed’ by David Baldacci. At the end of each chapter I’m mesmerized by how perfectly he writes in this 1940s American dialect; the narration, the dialogue, all of it. I can’t imagine the level of firsthand research he had to do for this one. It’s impressive.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I have a feeling this new series is going to keep me busy for the next couple years (laughs). I’m also really looking forward to the release of ‘Stars Over Syria’ and everything that comes with that. I mean, my debut came out during the Pandemic and everything got canceled, so I’m ready to go all out in 2021 with the launch party and book tour and all that. It’s going to be a lot of fun.
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?
‘Deep Survival’ by Laurence Gonzales. ‘The Drifters’ by James Michener. ‘The Guide to Astrology’ by Lori Reid. ‘The Kybalion’ by Lao Tzu.
Author Websites and Profiles
T.J. Champitto Website
T.J. Champitto Amazon Profile
T.J. Champitto’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account