Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a psychiatrist, veteran, and aspiring author. Having lived all over, I try to put that wealth and variety of experience into everything I write. My characters tend to be reflections of myself or of some of the incredible people I’ve met in my travels.
So far I have written and published seven novels via Amazon kdp, with one more in the works. There are also two or three I’ve completed but misplaced the digital files for the manuscripts, because…well, because ADD.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book to go up is ‘Tag Mattox and The Unhaunting of Mrs Hubbard’s Cupboard’, which is the third in my series geared towards grade schoolers. I’ve written them with the help of my daughter who was in the fourth grade when we started the project. It started as something to do with her, and it’s turned into one of the favorite things I’ve ever written.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I fluctuate between painfully slow, distracted writing and unhealthy hyper-focus. At least, that’s how my wife describes it, especially when she is trying to get my attention. On the bright side, I’ve been able to write while taking care of my small children, while at work, and even while sitting in a war zone.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury has long been my favorite book, just something about how it encapsulates the magic of childhood. The Hornblower series got my mind on adventure. Those old Choose Your Own Adventure books put me in the action. Stephen King showed me the limitless nature of imagination.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a few short stories as well as plotting out the next book in the Tag Mattox series, in the which he will have the opportunity to perform in a trans-dimensional magic show…and hopefully survive.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have one. This is where I have fallen flat thus far. I dream. I write. I spend a lot of time in my own head, which is a fun place, a place of stories and wonderment. It is not a very accessible place to the masses, but my goal for this is to spread my wings and put myself and my work out there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hold yourself to a standard. Find some way of enforcing on yourself a time to write, an amount to write, and a level of quality.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Go and do.
What are you reading now?
Just finished ‘The Disaster Artist’ and looking for that next book to read.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, great things. I’ve joined a writing group, and I’m finding other ways to get out and interact with other writers, readers, and the world in general. It’s time to expand, grow, and launch.
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?
Basic Survival Guide, Guide to Edible Plants, How to Dress Wild Game, and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Author Websites and Profiles
Timothy Lawver Amazon Profile