Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 28 years old and recently moved to Saquarema, Brazil with my wife. I have written 7 children’s books but only published the one so far. I worked in real estate back in Seattle before moving to Brazil. I try to spend as much time outside as possible and surf at least 5 days a week. I love spreading positivity and want to be able to give kids books that they will remember for years to come.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tales of Tiago & Tippy: Adventure in Gnomlandia. My inspiration for this book was my childhood dog Tippy. She was a chow, just like in the story, and was a part of my family from the time I was in diapers until I was 15. I was a pretty active kid and was always playing outside. Tippy went with me everywhere and was the best dog a boy could have. I had a vivid imagination as a child and this book was just me channeling my 6 year old self.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A lot of the writing that goes into my books comes right after I went on a new ‘adventure’. Whether it be a new trail I discovered or a fun beach that my wife and I found. I love getting home and putting those ideas down on paper. I generally write first thing in the morning right after brewing coffee and then when I get back from surfing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dr. Seuss, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe was the coolest book in the world when I was a kid.
What are you working on now?
Putting together the first five books for the series Tales of Tiago & Tippy. I plan on releasing more but at the moment I am just going back and editing and working with my illustrator to make these stories as fun and magical as possible.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a website in the works but have not yet published. I used bookbub to run one of my ads but amazon ads has been my most successful so far. I am only 6 days into being a published author so I am discovering new methods every day.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never let a great idea pass you by. No matter when or where if you have a great idea write it down. I use Notes on my phone all the time. I don’t carry around paper and pen but my phone is often by my side and I’ve had my best ideas come to me at the strangest times.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I actually got it from a book I recently read called Mastery by Robert Greene. He talks about how many of the ‘masters’ found their calling at a young age. He tells the reader to think back to our early years and think about what drove us or what gave us that awe-inspired feeling. For me it was always stories. I have always loved telling stories but it wasn’t until I read this book at 28 years old that I realized this.
What are you reading now?
The Simarillion and Nas Aguas De Desterro. I haven’t read a Tolkien book in a long while and my wife encouraged me to start with the Simarillion. Tolkien’s writing is phenomenal and I love it. The second is a book about Florianopolis, Brazil and my first book to read in Portuguese. I have to look up some words here and there but it has helped me a lot.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep on writing. I would like to put out at least a dozen children’s books every year. I started writing some short stories that I will try and put out in the next few months.
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 Wim Hof Method, The Lost City of Z, The Fear Project, and The Hero’s Journey
Author Websites and Profiles
Tucker Fahling Amazon Profile