Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I received a B.S. in psychology from Georgetown University in 1972 and a B.A. in 1980 from the now-defunct Oregon College of Art. I have lived in Alaska with my wife Alexis since 1973. We have two adult children and two amazing grandchildren. And of course there is my trusty assistant Watson, a cranky 18 year old cat who sits on my arm while I work at the computer. I have been a graphic designer and artist for almost 35 years.
I have written two books – The Secret Voice of Bartholomew Rabbit which I wrote and illustrated, and The Eleventh Ring, which is Book I of the Bartholomew the Adventurer series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Bartholomew the Adventurer series began with a short picture book I wrote and illustrated called The Secret Voice of Bartholomew Rabbit, about a rabbit who is searching for a mysterious something that is missing, but he can’t identify it or describe it. I have spent most of my life trying to understand the true nature of our existence. I have read extensively on metaphysics and physics, many of the world’s religions, and have practiced meditation for many years. I have also experienced many paranormal events, which I believe to be the result of quantum physics we currently do not understand. I have tried to integrate many of these concepts into the Bartholomew books. There are great liberties taken with the amounts of energy necessary for certain events to occur, so please keep in mind these are fantasy adventure books, not scientific journals. I am currently working on book two in the series, tentatively titled The Seventh Door.
The Eleventh Ring is full-length fantasy adventure novel chronicling Bartholomew Rabbit’s transformation from a sedate and naive country rabbit to Bartholomew the Adventurer, the most powerful shaper on the planet Earth. Set in the far distant future long after humans have vanished, this is a new world where rabbits and rodents have evolved to become the highest form of intelligence. If you like heroes, evil kings with villainous schemes, magic, science, metaphysics, ancient robots, infernal machines, dismal swamps, mystical islands, and true love – then this is the book for you.
Here’s the very short first chapter…
Chapter 1 – The Visitor
Bartholomew Rabbit was lost in the world of dreams. His room was all shadows, save for the light of a clouded moon filtering in through the faded curtains.
There was a blink of light at the foot of his bed, then rippling air, then a figure wearing a dark green cloak, a flowing hood concealing its features. The figure held motionless, staring silently at the slumbering rabbit.
A pale blue beam of light shot out from its paw, creating a soft glow around Bartholomew’s head.
“He speaks with her in his dreams but forgets their words.”
The visitor’s gaze moved about the room.
“There are no photographs of her to be seen.”
The cloaked figure stood for long moments in the echoing stillness of the room. A pink cloud emerged from beneath its hood and drifted across the bed. It gently enveloped Bartholomew and was drawn into him.
Bartholomew turned restlessly in his sleep, a frown appearing on his face.
“You must find it. It is yours and you must find it.”
A blink of light and the visitor was gone.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing unusual, other than having a cranky old cat lying on my right arm while I write. Thank goodness I’m left handed! Writing is similar to painting (fine art) or wood carving, etc. You rough out the basic shape, or storyline, in the first draft, then edit, edit, edit, and edit. When you’re done with that, then it’s time to edit. Ha!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always loved fantasy adventure books, beginning with H. Rider Haggard when I was a kid and then H.G Wells, Jules Verne, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Heinlein, Asimov, etc. Also metaphysical books. Some the first I read were Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Siddhartha. I have read hundreds and hundreds of books on metaphysics, quantum physics, life after death, world religions, etc. I have tried to incorporate many of these concepts in the Bartholomew series — in a fun fantasy adventure sort of way. Many of the books I have read can be very dry and difficult reading, but the concepts contained in them are extraordinarily exciting. I see the Bartholomew books as a way to gently introduce these concepts to people.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on book 2 of the Bartholomew the Adventurer series, tentatively titled The Seventh Door
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning about that, but I believe free book promotions are a great idea to get your book out there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up, don’t lose hope. Write about things you love and things that are meaningful to you. Write because you love it. We all have a secret city inside us that only we can see. Write about that.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show, don’t tell.
Never use the word ‘suddenly’!!!!!!!!! Or more than one exclamation mark.
Edit your book from start to finish at least 8 times.
What are you reading now?
Too busy writing! But I love books that have magic and metaphysics and adventure in them.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to continue expanding the worlds of Bartholomew the Adventurer. It’s an amazing world and keeps growing.
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?
Joseph Campbell Hero’s Journey
Arthur Conan Doyle Complete Sherlock Holmes (as an aside, my cat’s name is Watson and his vet is Dr. Holmes!)
Richard Bach Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Author Websites and Profiles
Tom Hoffman Amazon Profile
Tom Hoffman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile