1) What am I working on?
As it happens, I am about to release a new urban fantasy / crime thriller called Die Like a Man. This story is set in the same universe as my Dragon Badge series, but is a stand alone novel. The main character has an exceedingly dark past he is trying to overcome and learns people he thought he killed are hunting him. I just had it edited using the BZ Hercules Triangulation Editing Service (highly recommended). The book cover for DLAM should be ready in about a week and I hope to publish by August 1st at the latest.
As I was waiting for edits to come back on that project, I began working on Hellsbreach, book three of the Enemy of Man series (aka The Chronicles of Kin Roland). This book is very exciting, because it is the first in the series that takes Kin Roland and his companions off the planet of Crashdown and into the larger universe of the story. There are some great new characters. One of the favorite parts of writing Hellsbreach has been Rickson’s story. He’s joining Earth Fleet and experiencing the brutal training of a planetary forces trooper.
2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I’d like to list a bunch of incredible qualities of my science fiction writing that would make everyone immediately purchase the entire series. I suppose the main difference is in my basic writing style. I push the pace. The best thing I’ve done is develop the characters through action and dialogue. Each time I sit down to write, I focus on what I’m good at but try to improve certain areas. One of the reason’s I admire Britt Ringel’s science fiction, is that he really knows the details of military operations. I never had the privilege of serving in the military, so I’m still learning. My writer’s pledge is to strive for as much realism and believably as possible, which means reading a lot of science fiction and doing research.
Now, my urban fantasy is unique. Which has been a bit of a problem. I once pitched a novel to an agent, Louise Fury, at a conference and she asked why I thought my novel was urban fantasy. (It wasn’t Dragon Badge, but similar project I’ve been working on for years.) She then told me that when she thought of urban fantasy, she thought of “book covers with tattooed chicks with swords”. (That’s not an exact quote, but pretty close.)
My point is that a lot of urban fantasy has romance or chick-lit influences, or perhaps fits the young adult genre. I read and enjoy both. However, my version of urban fantasy leans toward horror with a touch of police procedural. That’s what I know. That’s what I write. I’d like to be the urban fantasy version of Michael Connelly someday…and learn to fly like Superman while I’m at it.
My urban fantasy is written for adults. There is violence, profanity, and some sexual situations. None of these things are what the stories are about, but it is what it is. Stephen King and similar authors have a lot more of it. Yet I feel people should know what they are getting into when they buy something by me. Dragon Badge, like most of my writing, is not something for kids.
3) Why do I write what I do?
Creating fiction is a passion, a calling I’ve heard for most of my life. I decided a long time ago to write what I enjoy and pay the bills with a regular job if needed. My writing style is influenced by stories I’ve enjoyed and my life experience.
4) How does your writing process work?
I usually have several stories going at once. Once I have an idea, I write until I’ve explored the characters, setting, and possible plot. Then I outline using a four part structure advocated by Story Engineering by Larry Brooks. After, and sometimes during, the first draft, I analyze scenes and themes using the Book Architecture Method by Stuart Horwitz. I revise and edit using the Serenity Software Editor and the Pro Writing Aid.
Then I send the manuscript to professional editors, either Samantha LaFantasie or BZ Hercules. I recruit other beta and proof readers when I can.
What’s next?
I’ve invited Josh Hayes and Jim Denney to participate in this tour and encourage readers to check them out.
Jim Denney is the author of the Time Bender series for young adults and also writes an excellent series of nonfiction books on writing; including Writing in Overdrive and Write Fearlessly!
Josh Hayes is a new writer with great potential that will hopefully be releasing his first book soon.
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