Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Utahn. I was born in Salt Lake City and raised in West Jordan, where I graduated at the top of my class from West Jordan High School, and served as editor-in-chief of the high school newspaper and twice as editor of the school literary/art magazine. After, I attended Westminster College of Salt Lake City, where I earned an Honors Program bachelor of arts degree, double majoring in communication (with a journalism emphasis) and philosophy (Western traditions emphasis). I graduated cum laude and served as editor of the college newspaper. After, I earned a master of professional communication (writing emphasis), also at Westminster. I was also an athlete, playing just about every sport you could imagine, although I wrestled for 12 years and qualified for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Crown Prince, book one of an eight-book series called New Blood. I had a dream that stuck with me for weeks. It would come back in my sleep and keep popping up in my thoughts, resurfacing over and over. I call dreams like this “adventure-film dreams.” I finally started working out a storyline around it. The thing is, the dream scene that most haunted me does not take place in book one. It took that much to build up to it later to create the same kind of emotional impact that it had on me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Everyone has his or her writing process but mine is a bit different. My wife, Alison, loves her bedtime stories. I write every day that, that night, I read to her. She tells me when she thinks I’ve gone too far or if she thinks a character wouldn’t say or do something. It also allows me to get a wave of editing in while reading it out loud.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My influences Homer, J.R.R. Tolkien, Terry Brooks, Stephen R. Donaldson, George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan, David Eddings, Piers Anthony, Robert Holdstock, Robert Adams, John Norman, Melanie Rawn, Shakespeare, Aristotle, and Robert Frost. Those I find most inspirational are Homer, Tolkien, Martin and Aristotle.
What are you working on now?
A fantasy book series where the culture is based in Viking culture.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon, Facebook and GoodReads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write. Every day, at least an hour. Get as many people to read your work as you can. Every piece of feedback, even if you disagree, has some value. Just write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I read an article in some in-flight magazine when I was 14. It was with Louis L’Amour. It was set up like a Q&A transcript of the interview. The first question was three inches long in a single column, citing all of his awards and accomplishments as a writer, TV and movies that resulted from his books, etc., then ended with “How did you do it?” His response was two words: “I started.” That was profound to me and shaped my work ethic in my education and professional life.
What are you reading now?
Book three of the original Han Solo series: Han Solo and the Lost Legacy.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep working to make my life passion also take on more of the financial burdens of real life.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Homer’s Odyssey.
Author Websites and Profiles
W.D. Kilpack III Website
W.D. Kilpack III Amazon Profile
W.D. Kilpack III’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile