Interview with th3 g3ntl3man

Published 2014-01-15.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first book I remember reading fully through and on my own discovery was Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques when I was about seven or eight. Indeed, it fueled my imagination and creativity and every day I would go outside and play the latest fight I had read and pretending nature was alive and had hidden fortresses everywhere.
How do you approach cover design?
I was always told to not judge a book by its cover, however, most people still do. And though not always judgmentally, a good cover certainly operates as a good eye-catcher and definitely subconsciously sets the tone for the viewer as they read. It should thus be creative and a true representation of the content therein.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a third-world country--or rather quite for from anything civilized-- so my imagination was my best friend. And I used it. I was always outside playing in the woods or beneath the house with rocks as militia troops marching upon the deck. I will say that in my youthful years, my mind was a little out-of-control to ever do much writing. Or at least productively. And thus the stories, plots, and ideas simply built until I finally reached an age comfortable of writing them down.
When did you first start writing?
We had just moved back to the states. I actually read something of my sister--who is younger-- and became jealous of the fact she was actually writing when it was I who was thought to have all the stories. And so I wrote. Partially to beat her in pages, but once I started I couldn't stop, and I was only fourteen.
What's the story behind your latest book?
My latest in the Grand Attraction--a story in which times have become hard and the government as a whole is crashing. In its shadow soon would rise Society Corp., but in the meantime, the story follows a man by the name Carls Locke who finds himself taking a break from work and taking his wife and young daughter on a Christmas break. Where to? A mall. A massive, perfection of man's attempt to create an atmosphere of success during a era of crumbling. Indeed, this super-center attraction was an escape everyone wanted but few knew what it truly meant. Carls, sadly, is but one of many of its victims--as he is soon awakened to a rift in reality.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I find so much relief in getting out my ideas--and what's better is when they can be appreciated by others. I would love to share my imagination as I have enjoyed it, and so I write in hopes that others will enjoy.
What do your fans mean to you?
They mean everything. For if anything, they are at least just as interested in the story I have to share as I am to learning the story as I write.
What are you working on next?
Script-wise, I have actually finished the first installment to the Grand Attraction and am now currently working upon its sequel: the Grand Illusion. This too, I am extremely anxious for. For now all the threads are coming together and I am excited about the picture they tell.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I spend my time pursuing my education, working to pay for my education, and spending time with my beautiful fiance I have been blessed with (and working more to set aside money for her as well).
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I do, though the grammar was terrible and its really hard to understand, the story is all still there. It was a collaboration of an anime show I'd been watching (Naruto) and my past stories I had created growing up (similar to Narnia and Lord of the Rings and Deltora Quest).
What is your writing process?
I like breaking my writing into episodes and writing it sections that can be accomplished in a day or two--that way I am certain to keep plot progression and a storyline that is, if at all possible, avoiding any dull moments.
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