Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Canadian writer living in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver, BC. My short stories have appeared in journals such as The Spadina Literary Review, The Opening Line Literary ‘Zine, and Dark Gothic Resurrected Magazine, and in anthologies published by Main Street Rag, Centum Press, and Horrified Press. My story River’s Rising was awarded an Honourable Mention for the Short Story America 2017 Prize, and my fantasy novella, River Born, was one of two runners-up in the Wundor Editions (UK) Short Fiction Prize. My debut novel, The Swan’s Road was released by Tirgearr Publishing in November.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Swan’s Road was inspired by an historical footnote: King Cnute of England , Denmark, and parts of Scandinavia traveled to Rome for the coronation of the Holy Roman Emperor in 1027. I decided to create characters and storyline around this journey.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I read a page of Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable to get the right hemisphere of my brain in word and story mode before writing. A regular dictionary works, too, but is not as interesting.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Author Michael Hiebert acted as my mentor for a few years, sharing his wealth of experience about writing and promotions. I can’t thank him enough for all I received. Some of the most influential books on writing have been Thrill Me by Benjamin Percy, On Writing by Stephen King, and The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler.
What are you working on now?
I am finishing off a sequel to The Swan’s Road. My protagonist, Harald, has to decide whether to challenge his half-brother, Harthacnute, for the throne.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe ENT (e-Reader Today) and FKBT (Free Kindle Books and Tips) are the best sites given cost and coverage.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, and write some more. Learn the craft. Find a writing group you feel comfortable with, to give and receive feedback, and learn to take criticism.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From Benjamin Percy: whether you write literary fiction or genre fiction you have to THRILL your readers.
What are you reading now?
Not sure what I’ll choose today. I have an array of books displayed on the floor of my study, authors such as Stuart Neville, Jo Nesbo, Robert McCammon, Russell Banks, and Robert Wilson.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure. Now that I have a publisher (Tirgearr Publishing) I want to keep writing historical novels for them (and me). I think my challenge at the moment is balancing speed of writing with quality and improvement.
What is your favorite book of all time?
A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin. It’s about an Italian man who seeks the beauty in all things, but finds himself in bizarre and violent situations. A superb read.
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