Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I've written 18 novels and novellas.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Exiles of Dar'ryn.
Honestly, I've had these characters and the basic shape of this story rattling around in my head for 25 years. It was just time for it all to come out.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Starting last year, I took up voice dictation and use transcription software. It has drastically improved my productivity.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
David Weber, Timothy Zahn, Stephen King, Terry Goodkind, George Lucas.
What are you working on now?
I'm working on the next book in the new "Chronicles of Dar'ryn" series. Book #1 is out now, book #2 is finished and will publish on October 19th. I'm presently writing book #3.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon ads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Pick a reasonable word count and write that many words a day for at least 5 days a week. Form habits (times of day, setting, etc.) and follow those. Routine is a writer's best friend.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write at least 1,000 words a day. I'm way past that now, but it was a reasonable starting point for me and enabled me to grow into a more proficient writer.
What are you reading now?
"Fairy Tale" by Stephen King, "Pirates of Venus" by Edgar Rice Burroughs, "The Short Victorious War" by David Weber, and "The Book of Enoch for Beginners" by Philip J. Long.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I'm going to write the rest of my "Chronicles of Dar'ryn" series (6 books in total, I believe). Then I have to write book #3 of "The Rise of the Scythe" fantasy series, and "A Ghost of Earth," which is the fourth and final book of my "Ghostly Elements" series.
What is your favorite book of all time?
"Lord of the Rings" by Tolkien. (You do realize you're killing me with this question? Like there's just one!)
Author Websites and Profiles
Sam Whittaker Website
Sam Whittaker Amazon Profile
Sam Whittaker’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile