I was recently interviewed on Kacey Hammell.com, where Kacey and I discussed New Year resolutions, big breaks, and if Thor is hotter than Iron man. Seriously…
Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions for 2014?
I’ve been thinking about my goals for the year. The last few years, all of my goals have been writing/publishing-based. This year I’m thinking more on a personal level. We’ll see how that works out!
What goals have you set for your writing career in 2014 that you’re determined to meet?
I have the final of a trilogy to write, a New Adult Magical Realism novel that’s been sitting with an agent for a while, and a nonfic that’s under contract though has no release date, yet. I’ve also got 3 proposals in the nonfic arena to satisfy with my publisher, though I’ve not worked up the schedule for when I’ll deliver them. Beyond that, I’ve got a few dirty works-in-progress, and a very laid back view on how that’s all going to get done. Coffee, please?
Tell us, what’s the first thought that comes to your head when you read the following words…
Romance … Boring
Wolves … Alluring
Vacation … More.
Dean Winchester … No, thanks
Duck Dynasty … Crap
Tell us about your “big break” in the publishing world. Was there any one person believe in your work first (besides yourself of course)? What did you do to celebrate your first contract?
My big break was with my first book, which is nonfiction. It first came out in 2004, and stayed under contract for seven (7) years. That’s unheard of, nowadays. Anyway, it has stayed a bestseller on Powell’s, and I love that. I love that its power has persisted. It came out of contract a couple of years ago, and was republished. It’s still doing great. I didn’t do much to celebrate its release and success, because it was such a gradual victory, it almost snuck up on me. Also, I’m a lot older, now. I don’t have issues seeing my own success as I once did. I know just how hard all of this is, now.
Did you always want to be an author?
Yes. I never saw myself doing anything else, actually.
Name one quirk you have.
Not being able to see myself doing anything but writing for a living…
What is your favorite junk food?
Dark chocolate, which I don’t really consider junk food.
What is your favorite meal that you wish you could eat at least three times a week?
Shrimp fried rice, and cinnamon rolls, and roasted broccoli, and sushi, and…
What do you like to do for fun and relax?
What? I don’t understand the question.
What five items do you take everywhere with you – besides cell phone, keys and purse/wallet?
Epi pen 
iPod
Business cards
The cross I used to break into houses when I was growing up (irony)
Chapstick, but no, I’m addicted. I can quit anytime.
What is your favorite TV Show?
A tie between X-files and Lost. I live in the rearview. My current TV show crush isAmerican Horror Story – Asylum, which probably says a lot about me.
Who do you think is hotter – Thor or Iron Man?
Both of them doing each other. See? I told you. TMI.
No matter the story, where do you always draw inspiration from when you begin each story?
The characters. I’m always most moved by their crises, and what they need to resolve them or destroy themselves. If I can’t connect with a character I usually never finish the story.
If you were given an all-expense paid, five day/night trip to anywhere, where would you go?
Likely back to Ireland. I’m looking for any excuse to go back. I’d also love to go to Machu Picchu.
What is your one pet peeve about the writing business?
My biggest peeve about the business is the notion that writers should give their work away for free, or for very little. The advent of blogging is a great way to directly reach an audience, but even that conduit has reinforced the idea that we’ll all just write for free. It’s almost expected, now.
What is the most played song on your iPod/MP3 Player?
Likely Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Love it.
What song are you most sick of hearing right now?
That freaking Wrecking Ball trainwreck. OMFG. It’s not that bad of a song, it’s just—oh wait—yeah it is that bad.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Storm Constantine, Neil Gaiman, Charles de Lint
From Fierce:
Best Book Sequels
A lot of authors are daunted by writing a sequel. I was dubious about writing a series to start with, because it takes a lot of stamina to sustain momentum across several installments of a greater plot. I knew going into Alpha, the second book of The Scattered Dark Series, the challenges that would be ahead, and… I wrote it anyway! Yet, there are notable sequels in series—some of which are even better than the first installment. Here’s a list of some of my favorite sequels:
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
- Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
- The Bewitchments of Love and Hate by Storm Constantine
- Spiritwalk by Charles de Lint
- Beauty’s Release by A. N. Roquelaure
- The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum
- Prime by Poppy Z. Brite
- Death, the High Cost of Living by Neil Gaiman
- The Voyage of the Dawn Trader by C. S. Lewis
- The Tale of the Boy Thief by Anne Rice