Interview With Author Terrence King
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
About 16 years after the gleam in my father’s eye, it started with poetry and then short stories and–in college–some ambitious student and independent films before turning to novel writing after my Uncle Gil was murdered. My first book, The Silent Partner, was originally a screenplay but I fleshed it out–quite ignorantly and boldly–into a novel as a coping mechanism because it was cheaper than therapy, including with the co-pays.
Critical Habitat is my second novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Critical Habitat. Simply, I need good stories. I come across many good stories and many more that are not so good. I write what I’m in the mood for.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I’ll be driving or working out and I’ll think of something . . . whether it’s characterization, a dynamic sequence, or a solution to a problem that came up. As soon as I get home I’ll write notes down if not write the entire daydream sequence so that the drivel can be properly edited.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Kennedy Toole and A Confederacy of Dunces, as well as the tragic story behind the author. I credit this book specifically for me having the gumption to write my first book. That and questionable genes and stubborness.
What are you working on now?
Books 2 and 3 of the series! Book 2 is currently in its fifth draft and I’m about twenty percent into Book 3. The second book may be ready for an editor by early 2024 but I want to be farther into Book 3 for story-arc reasons. What’s crazy is that Critical Habitat was supposed to be one book but the story got too sprawling. The worldbuilding is definitive but I lean in toward “lean” whenever possible and the characters all change. The book would have been too long. Ever come across a great book but you don’t start it because it’s a doorstop? I couldn’t let Book 1–particularly, the first one–be that daunting. So yes, I’ve got some work to do.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
(Laughs) I’m figuring that out right now!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for yourself, and not because you want to but because you need to. That will get you through the learning curves and harsh lessons. Also, the publishing world doesn’t care about you, and no one wants to steal your unpublished work, so don’t worry. Just do the work, and be authentic to yourself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just do it, don’t just talk about it, and don’t complain. I think “Just do it” is copyrighted though so please don’t quote me.
What are you reading now?
Three Assassins by Kotaro Isaka. So far it is excellent. I love when authors can successfully fulfill their vision, do you know what I mean? It’s not whether I like or prefer a certain kind of storytelling, that’s not how I appreciate work. Rather, what was the author trying to do (in my estimation) and did they accomplish that? Isaka accomplishes it in my view. Amazing, truly.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Book 2, unless I need to jump into Book 3 before I readdress marketing for Book 1. This is all unsettling, really.
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?
A Confederacy of Dunces
A Handmaid’s Tale
The Road
A Prayer for Owen Meany
Plus, I’d sneak a few of the original Star Wars comic books!
Author Websites and Profiles
Terrence King Author Profile on Smashwords
Terrence King’s Social Media Links