Since becoming an author I've met a lot of neat people, many of them authors. I've learned how similar and different we all are even though we walk similar paths. As I've talked and befriended these people I realized I wanted others to know about them too so I've decided to invite them to do an interview with with.
My first guest is Magus Tor! Some of you may recognize his name and that's because he was the man of many hats mentioned at the end of my blog tour a few weeks ago. I met him through a book group that brings authors and readers together and this month he happens to be a featured author in the group. Here's some of what he had to say during the interview:
Magus, why don't you tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from?
I am a really boring person who spends more time sleeping than staying awake. I am from Singapore a tiny country which many not even sure where it is.
Do you have pets?
I don’t have pets as I am too lazy to care for them.
Why don't you tell us a little about your writing. When did you start writing, and why?
I started to write a novel in 2007, titled New Dawn, a sci-fi story which is supposed to feel like star wars. Why did I write? This is a tricky question. I never thought I will write, but somehow I am free then and decided to challenge myself to write a novel. You need to know that English is the subject I hated most, and writing composition is my worst nightmare.
What is your favorite genre to write for? Do you write for a particular genre, or do you cross genres?
I like fantasy and sci-fi. So I attempted those first before trying crazy things like contemporary, paranormal and now trying to write a historical drama (Based on China’s history).
It's said the are two types of authors planners and “pantsers” (those who plan out their books meticulously and those who write by the seat of their pants). What are you?
I usually try to plan a number of chapters and a rough idea what is there in it. But I will let me mind take the lead and go where it wants. Most of the time, it will go into a corner and get me stuck there. Hmmm, I have about 5 stories discontinued because of that.
Authors find inspiration is many thing. Where do you find yours?
Anything and everything, from dreams to drama or just an idea that pop up.
Can you name a positive experience from your writing and a negative one?
I enjoy the high when releasing a new book and suffer low when the book doesn’t sell. My books don’t sell as I didn’t do much marketing till end 2013.
Most authors like to read, what have you recently finished reading?
I read a lot of star wars novels so I had a few of those every year. But since I joined an author group on facebook, I started reading books from Indie authors. The last title I read is Archipelago by Mati Raine.
Can you name your favorite traditionally published author?
Raymond E Fiest, the very first fantasy novel I read and loved till now.
And what about your favorite indie/self-published author?
I have to say I don’t know much about indie author, but the best I read is Natasha House. Loved her Grace Alive so much I bought a hardcopy to keep.
Having known you for some time I know you have more than one published work and anyone who looked at your website or author page on amazon would know as well. Which book or series was your favorite to create?
D-Nine: Protectors of the Crown. I wrote this book because I wanted to use it to promote a card game I designed (Dragon Nine Playing Cards) and it is based on a bedtime story (self created) I used to tell my girlfriend.
Let's keep talking about books. Specifically about your books. What is your latest book or series? Are there any forthcoming books?
Too many to name. I just released Dream Killing with Carrie Lynn Weniger and working with her on a romance comedy. Other than that, I am trying to finish Princess Magistrate, a historical novella which started since October 2013 and stuck a few times. Also working on Cain and Abel, a 5 books series.
What formats are your book(s) available in (E-book, print, large print, audio)? Are you intending to expand these and if not, what is the reason?
Both print and eBook. I think I will stop at these, anything more, will take too much effort with minimal returns. I told you I am lazy.
Editing is always important. No one can argue that that. So, the big question some people are unwilling to answer...do you self-edit? If so why is that the case?
No. My English sucks big time.
Do you believe a book suffers without being professionally edited in the end?
Yes, especially if English is your second language like me.
Let's talk characters. Do you have a favorite character? Why?
Princess Sarabeth from D-Nine: Protectors of the Crown. I like her because she has the soul of James, who had a hard time living as a girl in her body.
Are your characters ever based on real people?
Nope, not really.
Well, we've come to the end of the interview. Why don't you give a fun or silly fact you would like your readers to know about you or your book before you go?
I am a crazy writer. I do not write for a reason. I just write because there are too many crazy fantasies in my mind which I like to share.
Thanks Magus for participating in this interview! I'm sending luck your way with all your planned releases. If anyone is interested in checking out more on Magus, I've provided links to his website/blog and his amazon page below.