CSNIGHT

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Are any characters based off people you know?

            Not really, though most characters have attributes that are inspired in some way or another from people I know in real life. Truly though, I would have to say that all characters, heroes and villains alike, are each based off a small piece of my own personality. I’d like to think I’m chock full of the good qualities, but I definitely admit that my flaws are what provide a real basis for most of my characters. If there is something about myself that I’d want to change, like having better self-discipline, why not write about a character who is saturated in that trait? It really lets me think through how I would handle the situation how I am now, and also how I’d like to act in the future.

 

What’s your favorite quote?

            “Generous deeds should not be checked by cold counsel,” and “The praise of the praise worthy is above all other       rewards.” Both by Faramir in JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings

 

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

            Hang in there! It’s a tough profession, but you don’t need to be trained to tell a good story.

 

If you were a wielder, what would your affinity be?

            I would love to think I’d wield the High Element Air. I like to think of myself as an exciting and (hopefully) brave person with a strong need for freedom. And I certainly have a history of being ever so slightly rash and somewhat impulsive… Plus, I like windy days and airplanes.

 

How long have you been writing?

            Technically? Years. I’ve never written anything or even tried to before The Eighth Born. But I’ve been working on the idea of The Pankaran Chronicles for well over a decade now.

 

How did you get this book idea?

            From a dream. I’m a very light sleeper, so I wake up often in the night. This allows me to remember my dreams clearly. I got the idea for the Pankaran Chronicles from a particularly vivid dream that (I thought, at least) was so cool that I, for the first time ever, wrote it down. And I’ve been adding to it ever since.

 

Which writers inspire you?

            JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling, Patrick Rofluss, James Herriot, Robin McKinely, Keith Ouzts, LM Montgomery, David Eddings

 

What do you recommend to get through writers block?

            Snack food and procrastination. That usually works for me.

 

What book am I reading presently?

            A Calvin and Hobbes treasury.

 

What do you do when you get writer’s block?

           Mostly cry.

 

When do you write/how do you structure your day?

            I try to write several times everyday, for about two hours at a time. I like the breaks in between because it gives me a chance to refresh, and also to rest my throat because I apparently can’t effectively read over my work unless I read it out loud.

 

What is the hardest thing about writing?

            Actually sitting down and writing. Truthfully, I don’t really like writing. To me, it’s a chore, and so I’m always open to distractions. But I DO like telling stories, which makes the whole thing worth it.

 

What are your favorite books/movies/shows?

            All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. It’s my all-time favorite book. If I didn’t pass out every time someone had a paper cut, I’d love to be a veterinarian. Another real-world book I enjoy is Lonesome Dove. But genre-wise, I far and away adore fantasy books. I read to escape reality, you know? I generally like things that require lots of imagination. Which is why my favorite books include The Lord of the Rings, Sunshine, and Harry Potter. I’m always down for movies. I happen to love Star Wars, Dumb and Dumber, and The Sound of Music. And I’ll always watch the Muppets. The greatest show of all time is Avatar: The Last Airbender, although a close second is Burn Notice. Basically, if it’s on screen, I’ll like it.

 

What sort of things do you like to do?

            Card and board games, going for walks, working in the kitchen (cooking, baking, and eating), and slowly killing plants as I attempt to garden

 

What’s your go-to writing snack?

            Popcorn with Season All salt

 

Where are you from?

            I’m a military brat, so I’ve lived lots of places. I’m most recently from Montana.

 

How many books are in the series?

            Five. The first is The Eighth Born, and the second is The Dark Rider, releasing any day now. The last three will follow in—fingers crossed—timely intervals.