Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I aim not only to entertain, but also to inspire creativity and the thirst for fun and unique learning experiences.
This is my passion. It has always been my goal – through whatever small ways I could – to make the world a better place for our children and to help them in developing crucial skills such as team-building, critical-thinking/decision-making, creativity and other vital social-skills. All of this while having the time of their lives through the art of dynamic game-play and interactive storytelling.
My goal as an author is not just to write a good book, but more so to provide the young reader with a one-of-a-kind experience; incorporating excitement, adventure and enrichment.
This has been a life-long pursuit; with my first short story, “The Mountain Monster,” written at age 7. As far as published works, I currently have three; my two latest are part of a brand-new, epic and exciting interactive-adventure series, titled, “How I Spent my Summer Vacation.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled, “Sphynx: The Story of the Star People,” and is the second in the series, “How I Spent my Summer Vacation;” following book one, “The Legend of the River Beast.”
My childhood experiences have always been my inspiration in writing. Growing up in a large family charged me with the constant creation of exciting scenarios to keep myself, my siblings, and my cousins entertained. “The Legend of the River Beast,” in particular, is based off of a “capture the flag” style game we used to play at family gatherings. Therein, it was up to my siblings and younger cousins to recover the enchanted earth-crystals, and save the world from a terrible beast akin to an evil Bigfoot – played by yours truly. To this great challenge, ultimate teamwork was the only solution.
Quite often, these games had backstories, designed to explain how the present danger came to be, and also to impart a lesson.
It is the joy we experienced together as a family that inspired me to create, “How I Spent my Summer Vacation.” I aim to recreate the fun, the excitement, the teamwork, and the experience of actually being part of and affecting the outcome of the story, with the “choose your own ending” writing style.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am in the conception phase for book three in the series, “How I Spent my Summer Vacation,” titled, “Old Mansion Woods: The Curse of the Haunted Gold.”
Holding true to the high-level of interactivity, this tale will unfold as the reader turns the pages, “choose your own ending,” style.
Where book one, “The Legend of the River Beast,” took readers on a wild fantasy adventure, book three will take you through the dark forest for a paranormal thrill you’ll never forget.
Projected release for book three is June 2017.
Just released, fresh off the press, is book two, “Sphynx: The Story of the Star People.” This stellar adventure of epic proportions is a must-have for sci-fi and fantasy lovers of all ages.
The pages are packed full of fun and excitement; light-hearted thrills, interactive quests, lovable characters and terrifying villains.
Navigate the deep woods, plan your escape from star-craft and otherworldly beings, speed through space, and cross the sands of time itself as you discover the unknown and solve the secret to the Ancient Sphynx.
Get swept away and find yourself in the center of an out-of-this-world, choose-your-own-ending experience.
Perfect for children, teens, and adults alike, this book will entertain, inspire, excite and ignite the depths of your imagination.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t feel pressured into knowing the story in its entirety all at once. Instead, allow the story to unfold. Write down what you know when you know it, and then build on it. Ask yourself questions and allow yourself to go deeper as you arrive at the answers.
Also, do not trouble yourself with what others will think of your work. Nothing is going to be perfect the first time through. Be patient with yourself and give yourself ample time to draft, redraft, and repeat until you are beautifully beyond happy with your story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You Can’t be a Beacon if your Light don’t Shine…” -Donna Fargo
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?
While I’m not sure which books in particular I’d take with me, I can certainly tell you that their content would include a list of wild edibles and local survival techniques (for obvious reasons), uplifting spiritual quotes and positive affirmations (to keep the mood and energy-level high along with the will to survive), and comedy to keep me entertained. After all, there’s no telling how long I’m going to be on this island, and as Lucille Ball said, “You don’t stop laughing because you get old; you get old because you stop laughing.”
Author Websites and Profiles
Thomas Gallo Website
Thomas Gallo Amazon Profile
Thomas Gallo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account