Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Let’s see…
– Grew up as a midwestern farm kid. Learned the value of a strong work ethic as well as the value of having “chores”.
– Worked in Long-term care as a Therapy Tech where I met my wife (breaking a longstanding personal rule to never date a coworker).
– Entered the US Army and survived 20 years of very active duty
-Retired and bought 70 acres (keeping a promise made to my wife that after moving her all over the globe for 20 years, I’d retire and keep us close to family).
– Now, as a retired veteran, I find myself restless and began writing to keep what little remains of my sanity during the cold, wet months of winter. I have published 2 books, The Kinsman: Discovery of an Assassin, and The Kinsman: Journeyman Assassin. They are the first two books of a Fantasy Fiction series that follows the recruitment and subsequent development of a young boy into an accomplished assassin. In this world, magic does exist but it isn’t a central point. Magic can give someone an edge, or tip the balance in one’s favor, but there are no flamboyant displays.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book, as mentioned previously, is The Kinsman: Journeyman Assassin.
As for the inspiration, I think the story has been in my head for years but in order to get me to sit in one spot and write, it took my wife’s insistence that I needed a hobby to occupy my mind during the winter months.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I start a book, I have a beginning and rough idea of and ending in mind. I “more or less” know how I want the story to go, but I focus on developing interesting characters and place them in a world that a reader can visualize. Once that’s done, I simply trust the characters to take me through the story. It’s creative and spontaneous, but it also makes the editing process much more labor intensive.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Without hesitation – Alexandre Dumas and Mark Twain. Both are masters of painting a picture with words and unequaled in their chosen genres. Critics could argue that Voltaire was a more accomplished satirist than Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), but I’m not a good enough student of history to confirm/dispute that.
What are you working on now?
A few other Fantasy Fictions in my head are begging to be written, but I’ll stay focused on the next book in The Kinsman Series… Assassin Adept.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t really pursued marketing/promoting the books. Perhaps this interview will help spread the word.
The main character of the Kinsman Series, Cooper, has his own Facebook page, and Kindle Direct Publishing through Amazon does market new books for a short time. Both books are available on both Kindle and Paperback through Amazon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. That sounds over-simplified, but it’s a simple truth. If you truly have a desire to write, then there’s already a story “in there” (in your head). Let it out, put it on a page and give it life. Write first for yourself, then edit for your readers. If you don’t love what you write, it’ll show.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you don’t have time to do it right, do you have time to do it twice?
What are you reading now?
A non-fiction that pertains to my “real life” activities, The Holistic Orchard, by Micheal Phillips
What’s next for you as a writer?
The Kinsman Series still has quite a few books to go. Cooper, the main character, has already revealed much of the story for the fourth book. I had to scramble to get it jotted down, since he often only tells me something once. 😉
What is your favorite book of all time?
That would have to be The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas, but I can’t help but mention Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo
Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Keller Amazon Profile
Brian Keller’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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