Cynthia Port, author of Dog Gone and Kibble Talk

Looks like we've gone to the dogs....or are these dog days? Well now don't be upset with my bad humor, I could be whining about the weather again (since we're expecting -40 wind chill up here).

Ok, let's get back to the post, and our guest author, Cynthia Port! You won't want to miss this meaty interview, no sir! Because it's more than just the bare bones... :oP

I promise to behave now...

Drum roll, please!

Who, is Cynthia Port, you might ask? Mild mannered secretary by day? Candy shop owner? Veterinarian? You know...I just don't know, so let's read on and find out.

Ahhh! A face to put to the name. 

Author bio:

Living in the fossil-filled hills of Southern Indiana, Cynthia Port writes for the young and the stubbornly young at heart.  Her first novel, Kibble Talk, was published toward the end of 2013.  Book 2 in the series, Dog Goner, was published in 2014.  The Kibble Talk series hooks middle grade readers with its silly humor, but just under the surface are heartfelt messages about self-acceptance and not taking others for granted.  Dr. Port is currently working on book 3 in the series, as well as a stand alone historical fiction that takes place in the Australian Outback.  Wombats, anyone?

Ooh! She said "Dr." but she doesn't explain more...let's investigate. I'm sure we'll get her to spill the beans...or kibble.

Could you share a little about yourself and what led you to become a writer? (Pssst! Pay attention!)

I have written for a living for over a decade now, but in the science arena. For my day job I'm a scientific consultant, helping medical researchers develop and apply for grants and then write up their results for publication. When my first daughter was young, I penned a few picture book texts, but never did anything with them. About 5 years ago I was sidelined by injury for four months. I don’t “do” boredom, and writing became the perfect distraction.  I wrote my first novel, which is still a work in progress, and then the idea for the Kibble Talk series came to me. I was hooked.

Do you write full time? How much of your life is set aside for writing?

Now you’re asking me to do math?  Probably 10 hours a week devoted to writing and another ten to learning the craft, marketing and making connections.  In terms of my brain energy though – when I’m driving, in the shower, making dinner, etc. – I write full time and then some. 

Could you tell us a little about your novel?

In Kibble Talk, 10-year-old Tawny discovers on a dare that when she eats dog kibble, she can talk to and hear dogs. And dogs, it turns out, have a LOT to say.  Tawny’s own dog, a cantankerous Great Dane named Dinky, tells her about his lifelong dream to be a lapdog with all the adorable accessories.  Tawny promises to help him, and her own life nearly goes to the dogs. (See! She makes those bad jokes too!) The novel is written for the 8 to 12 year old crowd, but the humor spans a much wider age range so that adults find it funny and entertaining too. Tucked behind the jokes and hilarious situations are important life lessons about following your dreams and caring for those we often take for granted. Now that sounds nice.

Would you take us on a brief tour of your novel and the world you’ve created?

The world of Kibble Talk is Tawny’s home and neighbourhood, including a putrid retention pond and her town’s big, spiffy convention center. Unlike many novels for this age group, both of Tawny’s parents are alive and well and contribute importantly to the story. While there are fantasy elements (e.g., talking dogs), the personal issues that Tawny, her parents, and her best friend must overcome are real, making them highly relatable to young readers.

Where does the inspiration for your main character and story come from?

We once had an Alaskan Malamute named Kodiak who weighed 150 pounds. Her doggy life was fantastic, but I think she always wished she were tiny enough to curl up on my lap. Poor thing - her head alone was the size of a lapdog.

What is the message behind the story? Was it something you specifically wrote a story around or did it develop as your characters came to life?

There are two main messages in Kibble Talk: be yourself no matter what others think, and pay more attention to the people we all tend to take for granted, ie. family.  These themes developed quite quickly after the basic plot formed in my mind.

Do you work from an outline or just go with the flow? If you use an outline, how detailed is it?

I work from a loose outline –1 to 3 sentences per chapter.  These are like stepping stones I need to reach in terms of plot or character development, but how I get there develops as I go and is very much dependent on what my characters say to each other, much of which doesn’t feel as if it is really under my control. LOL, I've heard you comment on (eye roll included) authors who claimed their characters came alive...until yours did too. It's OK, your secret is safe with me (and all our readers).

What is the time span in your novel, weeks, months, years?

The whole novel takes place in 2 weeks, so it is quite condensed. The second in the series begins a week after the first ended, and also takes only a couple of weeks. Book three, which I am working on now, jumps ahead a few months but will also take only two weeks to happen.  I’m pretty careful to state what day it is as the chapters start; when you are 10 years old a weekend day is VERY different from a school day.

Could you tell us how you go about your research, how you ‘catalogue’ information to make it all work?

The Kibble Talk series requires virtually no research – except for my years of observing people and mentally collecting their stories.  My as yet unpublished work is historical fiction set in the Australian Outback in the early 70s.  It deals with archaeology, aboriginal beliefs and language, the rabbit plague, local flora and fauna, Australian slang, etc. I did heaps and heaps of reading online and from library books, and watched several films.  In terms of cataloguing and organization, I’m a hot mess.  Let’s not go there. Wouldn't think of it. If it helps any, my friend has an Aussie English to American English dictionary, I could always borrow it for you. (...and no, I'm not "trying to piss in your pocket"...as they would say.)

How does this book differ from what you have written in the past?

All of my children’s writing aims for heart and humor with light adventure, and I imagine they always will. A young adult novel has been rolling around in my head for a couple of years now that will eventually make it to the page.  It is romantic suspense, so quite a different target audience and writing style for me.  I look forward to the challenge because I love the story and the characters.

How have the changes in present day publishing impacted your schedule as a writer?

Since I am so new to publishing, not much.  I might like to have a traditionally published book too one day, as having the mix helps with visibility and gravitas on both ends.

How do you handle marketing? Do you have a plan, a publicist or just take one day at a time?

I pick myself up by the seat of my pants and fly.  Mostly I fly into tree trunks and buildings, but occasionally I manage an artful double flip. Honestly, I would be completely sunk without my online author groups.  In a top-notch group, authors are willing and eager to share what has and hasn’t worked for them.  I always have to sift their advice through the lens of middle grade marketing because it is very different and much harder than marketing straight to adults, but I still have learned a lot – way more than I have time to implement. I've heard successful marketing takes 20 hours a week, when you know what you're doing. I can be quite daunting, and personally, I don't have those needed 20 hours.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Focus on the parts that give you the most joy.  I really love meeting with classrooms and homeschool groups that have used my book as a read aloud, so I put a lot of energy into making that happen, whether or not it makes marketing sense.  My other tip would be to not dabble with your writing.  You can dabble while you outline and research, but once you feel ready to write, set aside large time blocks. I love meeting with school groups as well, and I really get a lot out of it. You should look into volunteer groups as well, there are often grandparents who would love to hear about your novel and then share with their grandchildren.

Could you tell us what you’re working on now?

This year my goal is to publish three new books: number three in the Kibble Talk series, my Outback historical fiction novel, and a nonfiction book about diet and nutrition.

Wow, that is quite impressive. Hats off to you!

 Kibble Talk Book blurb: Once Tawny decides to do something, there’s no holding her back. So when her best friend Jenny dares her to eat dog kibble, down it goes. Little does she know how that dusty, tasteless lump will change her life. Suddenly she can hear what dogs have to say and talk back to them too! This might not be such a big deal, except that her own dog, an enormous Great Dane named Dinky, has a LOT to say. He lets her know right away that his fondest dream is to be a teeny tiny lap dog. Tawny promises to help him, and her life nearly goes to the dogs.

Excerpt from Kibble Talk: (this is the beginning of Chapter Three, entitled The Death of Fishy Fish)

     Diving under my bed covers, I told myself over and over, “This isn’t happening. This isn’t happening. This is NOT happening.”

    “Oh, but it is,” Dinky said with a lazy sigh. I felt him slump into a giant pile at the side of my bed. “Can I have my scratch now?”

    I couldn’t believe I could hear another dog talking—and it was my own dog! I was also surprised at the type of voice Dinky had. Gunner had sounded like he should, which is an odd thing to say in the first place since we are talking about how a dog sounds talking. But Gunner looks sort of gross and gravelly and sounded that way. By that logic, Dinky’s voice should have been very deep and maybe elegant or something, like the prime minister of a fancy European country. It wasn’t though. Dinky’s voice was high pitched like a little kid, almost a squeak. His voice was, well, dinky.

    “I can’t help my voice,” he squeaked at me. “Now get up and give me my scratch! Your mom and dad are on couch potato duty. That makes it your turn to entertain.”

    I screwed up my courage and peeked one eye out from under my blanket. There was Dinky, staring at me with his usual huge, walnut-brown doggy eyes. I was about to dive to the bottom of my bed and never resurface when I thought of a way to test whether all of this was really happening.

    “How do I know I’m not just imagining I can hear you talking?” I asked him nervously. “You haven’t said anything I couldn’t have made up myself.”

“Fair enough. Let’s see then,” he said, and gave his triangle ears an impressive waggle. “Oh, I know!" he said after a moment. "Your dad did NOT just find Fishy Fish dead one day in his bowl. He was changing the water and accidentally used hot instead of cold.”

    I threw back the covers as I gasped in surprise. “What? He did? And he didn’t tell me about it? Are you sure?”

    “I may be a talking dog, but I’m no liar. I saw the little orange guy go belly up, cooked like instant oatmeal. Then I had to listen to your dad’s guilty thoughts for weeks. He still thinks about it whenever your mom serves fish sticks.”

I shook my head in wonder. This was news I definitely couldn't have made up on my own, meaning that this talking dog thing might be legit.

    “So . . . so you dogs are just thinking and listening all the time? Gunner said . . .” I started to ask.

    “Gunner?" Dinky said, interrupting me. "Ugh. I’m sure he was a cute puppy, but that dog has let himself go.”

    “He says he’d like a bath now and then, but they won’t give him one,” I snapped.

    Dinky gave me that head-tilted, ear-raised, eyebrow-scrunched dog look. “If you’re gonna start taking Gunner’s side in things, in anything, I’m not sharing any of my dog food with you,” he said, and started to get up.

    “Sharing any of your . . . hold on . . . was it really the dog food that did this to me? Is that why I can hear you?”

    Dinky lay back down. “They say it’s happened before, but I figured it was just dog legend. Some of us have some imaginations, I tell you! Something about a Dr. who could talk to the animals . . .”

    “Dr. Doolittle?”

    “You’ve heard of him too? Maybe it is true then . . .” Dinky mused, almost to himself. He started whipping his long bony tail against my hardwood floor, deep in thought. “We don’t know what causes it, but we know that when someone makes an honest effort to see what it’s like to be somebody else, they can understand them better. Sometimes it can go a bit further than that. When you ate Gunner’s food, what were you thinking about?”

    “What it would be like to be a dog and have to eat that boring stuff all the time.”

    “Just as I suspected,” Dinky said, closing his eyes and nodding his huge head in a knowing sort of way.

    “What do you suspect?” I asked, moving to sit at the edge of my bed.

    “When you ate the kibble and let yourself have a real glimpse of what it means to be Gunner, unpleasant as that had to have been, your brain must have opened up a new door, so to speak, so you could hear us the way we can hear you.”

Media Links:

Facebook 

Author website 

Twitter 

Amazon author page 

Purchase links:

Kibble Talk Amazon 

Dog Goner Amazon

Sampling from Reviews:

Kibble Talk currently has 59 reviews, 55 of which are 5-stars.

"[My daughter] literally laughed out loud reading it, something she claims she's never done before. Now she's bugging me to download the sequel."

"I truly loved this book.  The writing is impeccable and the story is, well, hilarious…I felt myself slipping back to when I was a fourth grader!"

"I can't imagine any middle-grader (or adult, for that matter) not enjoying this funny and insightful story."

"when [my 12 year old granddaughter] started reading Kibble Talk, she didn't put it down until she finished it.  Please keep writing, Cynthia, our kids need you."

"I don't know if the author wrote this with a young reader in mind, but IMO it appeals just as well to us older readers."

Heidi McCahan and Covering Home

While I hope for spring, or let's face it, let's just skip spring, 'cause I'm ready for summer, I'd like to introduce you to another CIR author. (One who grew up in Alaska).
So, WHO is our guest for today?

Allow me to introduce you to Heidi McCahan.

A Pacific Northwest girl at heart, Heidi was blessed to spend her formative years in Alaska. Her unique upbringing, coupled with Alaska's breathtaking scenery, fueled her active imagination and loosely inspired her debut novel, Unraveled.

Heidi graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and a Master's Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After a brief career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband, Steve. They live in North Carolina with their three active little boys.

When Heidi isn't stepping on Legos, chauffeuring the boys around suburbia or watching one of their many sporting events, she loves to read and write heartwarming romance.

Now let's move on and take a peek at her novel, Covering Home, before we get to the interview.

Book Blurb:

On assignment in Japan, television personality turned sportscaster Britt Bowen is determined to land an interview with the most reclusive pitcher in baseball and prove she can succeed in a demanding profession. A relationship with a self-absorbed professional athlete is the last thing Britt needs. Shunning all media attention, former All-Star pitcher Caleb Scott is focused on rebuilding his career in Japan, far from his past and the horrible tragedy that nearly ruined him. Then he meets Britt, who is everything he vowed to avoid. But it doesn’t take long before Caleb is battling his attraction toward Britt. While she works to uncover his secrets, she can’t deny she’s drawn to his wounded soul. At a crossroads, Caleb must decide if he can break free from his past mistakes and give love another chance. And Britt must choose between advancing her career … or falling in love.

Here we are now with the interview. You just keep reading while I'll make some hot cocoa and throw another log on the fire. 

Could you share a little about yourself and what led you to become a writer?

Steve and I have been married for thirteen years and we have three boys. After college and graduate school, I worked briefly at a university as a Certified Athletic Trainer, helping athletes recover from their injuries and teaching a class in the PE department. Once I married, we moved across the country and had our first child just prior to our second anniversary. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for eleven years and this year marks a big milestone: all three boys will be in school all day because our youngest starts kindergarten. I have loved stories and the written word since I learned to read. Growing up in rural Alaska, my imagination served as my entertainment. As a teenager and young adult, I lacked the confidence to pursue a writing career (hence my short stint in athletic training). Three years ago, I decided it was time to go for it and I wrote my first novel, which was published in 2014. Now, nine months later, my second novel is available. It’s a challenging gig, the life of a writer, but I’m passionate about it and so happy I mustered up the courage to pursue my calling. 

Do you write full time? How much of your life is set aside for writing?

As any wife and mother knows, we keep a lengthy to-do list. Adding anything into our lives requires a sacrifice of some sort. I’ve learned to write when I have time, even if it’s thirty minutes between tasks and appointments. Also, I have a very supportive husband. He picks up the slack around the house and loves to take the boys on numerous adventures so I can have the time and space I need to write. I’d say I spend thirty hours a week on writing. That includes marketing, editing, networking via social media. Wow, that's great!

Could you tell us a little about your novel?

Absolutely. I’m proud of this story and I love to talk about it. Covering Home is an inspirational romance, set primarily in Japan. The heroine of the novel is on assignment in Tokyo and determined

to land an interview with a reclusive American baseball player. He’s sworn off all media attention and is trying to rebuild his life and pitching career in Japan after a terrible tragedy nearly ruined him. It’s a fun, clean read—with elements of romance, baseball and a few laugh-out-loud moments.

                                                     

Would you take us on a brief tour of your novel and the world you’ve created?

Of course. As I mentioned earlier, this novel takes place primarily in Japan. I spent three weeks in Japan as a college student, so many of the details come from my memories of that trip and photographs I took. Because I like to ‘see the world’ from the pages of a book when I’m reading, I try to create that same experience for my readers. To me, the setting of a story is so important. Eating in restaurants, experiencing the sights and sounds of the crowds, hearing the noise inside the baseball stadium and riding the trains were all details that I remembered from my visit and I tried to incorporate those into the story. While I love sports, I’ve never worked as a broadcaster and I don’t know any professional athletes personally. So I did do some research to try and make those aspects of the story as realistic as possible.

Where does the inspiration for you main character and story come from?

Initially, I was inspired to start this story when I saw a writing prompt from a publisher. They had issued a call for submissions for novellas set in various locations around the world and specific elements had to be incorporated in the storyline. Tokyo was the only city on the list that I’d visited. The required elements for Tokyo were a bat, a bell and an angel. I decided a baseball player and a sportscaster would be the ideal hero and heroine and I started to write. But I had so much fun that I couldn’t stop at a novella-length story. So I crafted a full-length novel and here we are. That does sound like fun! Good for you :o)

What is the message behind the story? Was it something you specifically wrote a story around or did it develop as your characters came to life?

I had to write at least half of the story before I uncovered the deeper message. It developed as the story came to life. To me, this is a story about finding redemption and believing that love deserves a second chance. Also the game of baseball is a metaphor for real life, which artists have continually explored through novels and screenplays for decades. I admire the game and it provided a wonderful backdrop for illustrating the hero  Caleb’s struggles and growth as a character. 

Do you work from an outline or just go with the flow? If you use an outline, how detailed is it?

In my first two novels, I tried to go with the flow. I’m finishing a third now and had a little more structure, but still sort of went where the story carried me. Inevitably, I slammed into the same road block every time, usually around 50,000 words. I felt stuck and the story lacked the conflict necessary to sustain the third act of the story. Thank goodness, the editing and re-writing phases address those issues. My fourth novel is a sequel to the first, so I’m going with an outline this time. Susan May Warren is a successful author I admire and respect and she has developed two resources that have helped me tremendously: The Book Buddy and Kiss and Tell: How to Write a Romance. I purchased the PDF versions and there are several worksheets that help map out the character interviews, key conflicts, etc., which drive the story. I still resist the idea of following a detailed outline, because I feel like that stifles the creative process. But I do know the major turning points, the lies the characters believe about themselves, the truth that will set them free and I always know the end before I write the beginning.

What is the time span in your novel, weeks, months, years? How much research went into it? Covering Home spans a few months, about half of a baseball season. Since I used previous experience in Japan to help with the details, I didn’t have to do as much research as I would if the story was written in a location and culture I knew nothing about. But I’d estimate I still spent about two days gathering specific details about baseball in Japan, certain menu items in restaurants and I read a lot of interviews online regarding a prominent female sportscaster, just to get an idea of what her life is like. Sounds like fun. I love research, and I agree, it is easier when we have some point of reference in our experience. 

Could you tell us how you go about your research, how you ‘catalogue’ information to make it all work? I’m old school in that I write down anything I think might be valuable in a notebook and note the source so I can find the info again. I’m using Scrivener for this fourth novel and apparently I can keep all sorts of info there, too, so my goal is to catalogue it all in one place. I adore Pinterest because I’m a visual person and I can pin almost anything that inspires me. Hmm, I like that! I have Scrivener as well, but I have never thought about using Pinterest as a storyboard of sorts.

How does this book differ from what you have written in the past?

I think this novel is a little lighter than my first one.

How have the changes in present day publishing impacted your schedule as a writer?

My perception is that this industry is always changing. Right now, as an indie author, my objective is to write high-quality novels that attract a loyal following. Initially, I wanted to write stand alone novels, which is why Covering Home has nothing to do with Unraveled. But readers seem to prefer a series, so I’m working on a sequel. Also, it would appear that readers want a lot of content, so writers need to produce compelling reads more frequently than ever before. Even authors published by the big traditional houses are releasing books more often, with novellas in between full-length stories.

How do you handle marketing? Do you have a plan, a publicist or just take one day at a time?

I do not have a publicist, virtual assistant or an intern right now. Maybe in the future I will incorporate one or more of those into my writing life. It is certainly a challenge to balance administrative tasks, marketing and writing. My plan is to continue building a following as I release more novels, hopefully two a year. Readers can subscribe to my quarterly newsletter at my website HeidiMcCahan.com for exclusive content, updates on new releases, etc. I’m exploring the idea of releasing a novel or novella to my subscribers exclusively, but I’m not there yet. I think it should tie into one of my other novels, so I need to explore some options and choose a minor character from my first novel that could be the star of a novella. Stay tuned for more on that, I suppose. Oh, we will!

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

The one piece of advice that really motivated me to write seriously was from Jeff Goins and he said, “Stop waiting to be picked.” If circumstances, affirmations, the size of your social media following ... if any of those things are standing between you and putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), stop allowing those obstacles to limit you and get busy writing. There’s never been a more exciting time to be a writer. Pair up with another writer and share your work. The process of putting yourself out there, receiving constructive feedback and then applying what you’ve learned is the best way to improve one’s craft. Finally, never, ever give up. Thank you for sharing that, I am sure it will touch many other writers.

Could you tell us what you’re working on now?

I’m wrapping up my third novel now. Since it is another stand alone, I think I’ll hold off on releasing it. I’m still undecided. Now that I’m invested in book four, which allows me to revisit the setting and characters from my first novel, I’d like to aim for a fall 2015 release. The hero of the novel is Jeremy Tully, a character I really enjoyed writing about in Unraveled. He’s proving to be just as much fun in the starring role, so I look forward to sharing his story with my readers later this year.

I enjoyed our time together, and I want to thank you for taking time to stop by. I any of you want to connect with Heidi, you can do so here:

Social Media links:

Facebook 

Website

Amazon Author page

Twitter: @HeidiMcCahan

Amazon purchase link

Brian Wilkerson and Looming Shadow

Welcome back! 
Yes, we've been freezing our bottoms off here, with temperatures dropping as low as -34 C and I tell you, Florida is looking mighty fine! I just saw a pic posted by one of the guys I work with, they were out on a weekend expedition...at -40C (shiver).
Having to work outside in this weather, especially at night...there are no words...
BUT! Fortunately, we have Brian Wilkerson with us today, and HE is not short on words. 
Please welcome Brian Wilkerson (crowd stands to applaud)

AUTHOR BIO

Brian Wilkerson was born in Lawrence, Kansas and later moved to Twin Cities, Minnesota. While in high school, he wrote fanfiction about his favorite anime and while attending college, he switched to original fiction. He majored in English Literature and History, but ended up working for a bank. After hours, he continues watching anime and writing original fiction.

Let's jump right into the interview and we will share his work right after.

Could you share a little about yourself and what led you to become a writer?

I became a writer of original fiction because I used to be a writer of fanfiction. It was the next step as my skill developed. I became a writer of fanfiction because the programing block TOONAMI inspired me to do so. Star Trek conventions come to mind when you say fanfiction, and now I am going to have to step away and look it up. (The rest of you can go on with the interview).

Do you write full time? How much of your life is set aside for writing?

I’m not a full time writer but I’m still writing all the time. Even when I’m waiting at a traffic light I’ll be turning something over in my head (I shelf it when the light turns green). As for the genuine act of writing, that’s ideally two hours a day. I have to say that I envy you if you really do get in two hours a day...lately I have to literally trade off my precious 3 hours sleep/24 if I want to write.

Could you tell us a little about your novel?

Looming Shadow is the sequel to A Mage’s Power and the second book in the Journey to Chaos series. It follows the aftermath and fallout of the climax of its predecessor while also advancing the chess game of Tasio the Trickster and his cosmic opponent.

Would you take us on a brief tour of your novel and the world you’ve created?

We can start in the home of my protagonist. Eric Watley lives in a one-room apartment that was built into the underside of a bridge. He almost had a troll for a roommate. The bridge is in the Warrior District of Roalt, the capital city of Ataidar. It is a theocratic constitutional monarchy and ruled by Queen Kasile Landros Ataidar VII. She is descendent of the founder of the country and its patron deity, Fiol the Avatar of Fire. Sharing the Isaryu continent with Ataidar are countries with differing political systems and patron gods. It also shares the continent with countless monsters. As a mercenary, part of Eric’s livelihood is taking care of them. I have to say I feel as though I fell into an interworld abyss, lol. I like that I can feel your passion for what you write, and that makes me want to know more. Oh, and I now know what fanfiction is :o)

Where does the inspiration for you main character and story come from?

The story is nothing more than the result of character motivations clashing and/or meshing. Character motivation is the result of the mix of initial parameters and story events. It’s a back and forth.

Do you work from an outline or just go with the flow? If you use an outline, how detailed is it?

I am, for the most part, a “panster”; I write by the seat of my pants. A basic outline is useful to guide major events but the nuts and bolts are loose. It’s important to have a narrative backbone and be flexible at the same time. 

What is the time span in your novel, weeks, months, years? How much research went into it?

Fantasy worlds require a great deal of construction to make them internally consistent. It can take months. Then there’s the writing and the rewriting and then the brainstorming to get past a rough spot etc. That takes longer.

Could you tell us how you go about your research, how you ‘catalogue’ information to make it all work?

It is necessary to, as you say, “catalogue” how the world functions. There are many aspects that fit into the whole. “Magic” by itself is a large folder that has many properties, rules, guidelines, sub-divisions, rules that break the other rules, and mechanics. The important thing is to keep everything internally consistent. Even if “X” wouldn’t make sense in real life, if there is an explanation that works in-universe then it’s ok.

How does this book differ from what you have written in the past?

“A Mage’s Power” was basically a collection of writing challenges: A protagonist with nothing (I didn’t know this was a popular one at the time), a reconstruction of the Just Like Robin trope, a deconstruction of a world infested with monsters, and a modern society that openly had magic available to it.  “Looming Shadow” is more for its own sake.

How have the changes in present day publishing impacted your schedule as a writer?

Amazon’s KDP program is the reason I have two books published today. It is instantaneous publishing; no agent, no publisher, no deadline. I had to overhaul Looming Shadow years after finishing what I thought was the final draft. This caused a two-year gap between the “A Mage’s Power” and “Looming Shadow” release dates. By then my readers were getting impatient so I can only imagine what a publisher would be saying.

How do you handle marketing? Do you have a plan, a publicist or just take one day at a time?

I do a lot of stuff on Twitter and Facebook. The Independent Author Network is helpful in the former and Clean Indies Reads is the group I visit the most frequently. Also, Tvtropes; it’s a more passive advertisement where I list my work on trope pages. The closest thing I have to a publicist is BZHercules, who is more my editor/formatter/proof reader but who also provides tweets and a book trailer. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

1.) Write every day; even a sentence is worth it because even a sentence is progress. 

2.) Visit Tvtropes regularly because all writers stand on the shoulders of those that come before them, even if they don’t know it, and that’s okay. 

3.) Stock up on something with caffeine in it, whether coffee, energy drinks, or something else. Unless writing is your day job, you will need it.  

4.) Hire an editor (and while you’re at it, a formatter) because you can’t do it yourself; seriously you can’t. Just bite the bullet and pay for it.   

Could you tell us what you’re working on now?

Currently in the works is Journey to Chaos book 3: Mana Mutation Menace. 

I must say that this has been a fascinating interview. Thank you for stopping by, Brian. Now, let's look at the novel, Looming Shadow: 

Premise:

Eric returns to Tariatla but his reputation precedes him. In his new home he is hailed as Dengel's Vessel and The Trickster's Choice. Neither of these titles will allow him to live as a humble mercenary. They attract dangerous attention. A shadow looms over Eric and will stop at nothing to snuff him out.

Excerpt:

Eric was bound to a chair. His wrists and ankles were shackled to the chair legs as well as his arms and legs. A magic canceling collar was locked on his neck and a thick gag tied between his teeth. Four floodlights shined on him from four directions. There was not a single shadow in the room.

“Wake up, my little shadow. I wish to speak with you.”

The first thing Eric noticed was a groggy feeling preventing him from truly waking up. The second thing he noticed was that his neck was cold and his mouth was stuffed and dry. His wrists and ankles were stiff and immobile. So this is what Kasile felt like...

He breathed through his nose and high concentrations of mana flowed into him. It revived him. He hadn't tasted mana like this since he was in Roalt and it made him more alert than he'd felt in two weeks. Then he opened his eyes and saw Mr.15. At once, he tried to disappear, but the floodlights shredded his Dark Veil immediately.

“I see you appreciate the lights I've provided you,” Mr.15 said affably. “These are not mere mana-powered lamps but genuine light-elemental energy. Your pesky darkness will not work in here.”

Eric tried, but the darkness was out of reach. Even if his mana wasn’t trapped by the collar, he wouldn’t be able to hide his pinkie, let alone his whole body.

“One for each crime against me.” Mr.15 stood at Eric's upper left corner. “The first is for capturing Dark Staff: the traitorous bitch sold me out to the Bloody Daggers.” He stepped to the upper right corner. “The second is for having the gall to invade my lair.” He stepped to the lower right. “The third is for learning under that despicable child, Basilard.” He stepped to the lower left. “The fourth is for attacking my precious children. A prison of light for a creature of shadow. What do you think?”

Eric couldn’t reply, but Mr.15 acted as though he had.

“Yes, it was difficult preparing this room, but given that you are a special guest, it was the least I could do. You will remain here until I finish discussing business with your superior, at which point, I will give you to Nulso. You may or may not be alive at that point.”

Review Excerpt (found on Goodreads)

While most people will say that Eric is their favourite character he is not mine. My favorite is Tasio I like characters who are nothing short of the word CRAZY. I liked it when he showed Emily his copy of looming shadow (the script as he called it).

Brian Wilkerson's blog can be found at trickstereric.blogspot.com

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GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24229442-looming-shadow

-For more information about the Journey to Chaos series, visit http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Literature/JourneyToChaos