Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I read The Hobbit when I was ten- and read the whole series a thousand times over, before I was sixteen. I also read a lot of the classic sci fi and fantasy books. A few years later, a friend introduced me to the books that made me a convert: CJ Cherryh. A list that quickly grew and expanded. After being a lit major/anthropology, I found a deep appreciation in fantasy and sci fi. The combination of entertainment reading, and tackling deep and important issues- I was hooked.
In my writing, I draw on my shamanic training and comparative religion, as well as cultural anthropology and medieval history- crafting complex worlds and believable cultures. I draw on all my past experiences- from horse training, to sword-making as well. But mostly, I enjoy playing the “what if” game, and then turning characters loose and watching what happens.
The end result is a world that lays just outside our own reality- that just maybe, we can reach one day. Until then, we can share their adventures in the stories they bring to life.
I have several non-fiction titles under a different name, as well as a young adult shamanic series, which I intend to rebrand and publish under TJ Muir. I am also completing Before the Luck Runs Out- part of the chanmyr chronicles, an epic fantasy series. And I will be releasing book one of the Chanmyr Chronicles in the Fall of 2016
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, is probably the one I am closest to completing. I have several in various stages of development. Before the Luck Runs Out (from the Chanmyr Chronicles) began as a character sketch of a minor character. Jedda was a magic user who makes a brief appearance in book one. i write character sketches and short stories as a way to flesh out my writing. Jedda’s story took on a whole life and world of its own. He quickly went from being a somewhat mysterious figure, to someone with unknown parentage, but gifts and talents that serve him well. I also enjoyed writing a more realistic version of Oliver Twist, so to speak– where poor starving kids are not angelic with perfect grammar;) right now, Jedda is one of my most beloved characters, and there is still a lot to discover about him- both for the readers and for myself!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wish I had usual or unusual writing habits. I need to build a better writing routine. I tend to be most productive during writing challenges, such as NANOWRIMO, and the 85k challenge that I participated in. I just wish that I could find the equivalent challenges for editing and revisions:)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
influence? hmm. Well, i was a lit major- with the equivalent of a masters degree in terms of the number and level of courses i ended up taking. So I got a wide and in depth education from medieval lit and renaissance lit, right up into modern literature. I found I liked authors like Joseph Conrad, and writers who delve into the moral issues that look at our place in the universe, and social issues.
In terms of genre-influence, I would say my biggest influence has been CJ Cherryh- whose abundance of work she has and the depth of knowledge and expertise she brings to her writing, is humbling. Janny Wurts has been another strong influence- whose artistic skill and ability to build worlds with incredible attention to detail, is envious.
The other author who has influenced me is Dan simmons- who has a gift for taking mythology, literature and science fiction, wrapped up in mind-bending story-telling.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on edits and revisions for When the Luck Runs Out, and the ending for the draft of book one of The Chanmyr Chronicles.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am definitely still learning the craft of marketing and promotion- and have been following the advice of those who are far more experienced than I am. Social media, and building a reader base has been my strongest focus up until now.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Know your material. it isn’t enough to know about writing (which definitely helps). It is essential to have a unique perspective to bring to your work. And it is important to know what the readers/ market is currently looking for. Allow work to sit, work on multiple pieces. The additional time and other projects will give added layers and dimensions to your work.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
make sure you have a story. and, unrelated, decide if you are writing for love, or for money– and do the research on your market. I’m still working on this one:)
What are you reading now?
I am currently between books- other than mutual editing projects for other authors. I try not to read when I know I have writing and editing to focus on.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting these two books edited and out the door, and then diving into book 2 of the series. I’ve had some mind-blowingingly phenomenal plot and magic ideas that i can’t wait to actually write about.
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?
the complete works of shakespeare (because that’s a big book)
a book on boat building and/ or survivalism
one very large blank lined book so i could finally get my writing done
and a book of science experiments or something that I could devote time and mental energy into learning and doing..
Author Websites and Profiles
TJ Muir Website
TJ Muir’s Social Media Links
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