Interview with W. H. Mitchell
Published 2014-08-24.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Actually, the first stories I wrote were more like comics because I didn't know how to write yet. As a kid, I made several stories by drawing them instead. By high school, however, I was writing short stories for my English class (no pictures though)!
What is your writing process?
When it comes to writing fiction, I have a lot of problems with writer's block and procrastination. As the saying goes, a story is perfect in your mind until you start to actually write it. It's usually that fear that keeps me from writing. It's really terrifying.
What do you read for pleasure?
Science fiction mostly. However, I spend a large part of my day reading current news, especially international news. I've been a news junkie since I was a kid when I used to literally spend hours reading the encyclopedia (back when those were books).
What are your five favorite books, and why?
From college, I read a lot of novels. Of those, Catch-22, To the Lighthouse, and A Passage to India, were my favorites. Joseph Heller was especially influential to me due to his use of humor. Later on I read Hyperion and Ender's Game and loved them both. They used very deep, emotional themes, but with a science fiction backdrop.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I use a Nexus 7, but I've also used the Kindle Fire.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
None. ;-)
Describe your desk
Very messy. I have papers strewn around along with Adventure Time, Star Wars, and Doctor Who toys. There's also a back scratcher I find especially useful.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. I think, like my state, I'm a very middle-of-the-road kind of guy. I'm politically an independent moderate that tries to use principles of common sense and compromise. I hate partisanship because it divides us instead of bringing us together.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I don't like waiting to be "discovered" or accepted by a publisher. Instead of depending on others, I try to just do it myself as much as possible. I'm a little impatient...
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I think translating what's in my head into something others can experience really makes me happy. I hope that maybe people will understand me a little better that way. I'm still hoping...
What do your fans mean to you?
It's sad but the validation of strangers is pretty important to me. Maybe I should have gone into show business. :-)
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