I’ve loved reading and watching sci-fi and fantasy books and movies since I was a kid. Part of the motivation to write this genre came from my grandkids. Before I began my writing career, they asked me to read some of their favorite books. At the time my grandson was into the Fablehaven series. As a good grandfather I dutifully read the first three books in the series. I thought “this is not bad, but I could write something better than that.” At that moment, a ‘voice’ in my head said, “Then prove it!” I don’t hold it against my grandson. ;-)
What do you find most challenging about the writing process, and how do you deal with it?
I’m writing a trilogy. I have to think of everything that needs to be foreshadowed in books one and two which will be needed in book three. I had outlined the series, from a high level, before I began writing the first book, but the low level details need to be worked out as you go. This is tough, but also fun. And having just released my second book in the series my time is spent marketing, appearing at book signing events, giving school presentations, etc. With all this I find it tough finding the time to write. That’s frustrating!
When and where do you do your writing?
I usually carry a pad and pen with me and I try to keep one by my bed, for when a ‘brilliant idea’ strikes me. But when I’m writing, I do it upstairs in my office. I surround myself with three computer screens, simultaneously showing pictures related to each scene, notes, scene type tags, scene-by-scene breakdowns, character bios including motivations, plot arc, critical scenes, etc…
What have you learned about promoting your books?
I have tried a bazillion promotional techniques, but what works best for me is me meeting people at book selling/signing events. This builds a connection between me and my readers. My second book in the Thomas Holland series was just released and I’ve had a ton of fans coming (sometimes driving long distances) to get a signed copy of my new book. Plus I’ve given over thirty presentations at schools, which also helps bond the kids, teachers, and school librarians to me and my books. So far “word of mouth” has been my greatest ally.
What are you most proud of as a writer?
Several moms have told me stories like “My son does not like to read and he/she is not very good at reading, but when I brought him home your book, he couldn’t put it down. He took it to school and showed his friends and the teacher…” I’ve also had kids say “You’re the best author ever!” and “I’ve read your first book 10 times! When’s the second one coming out?” These kinds of comments make me feel great, but they also create responsibility! Whether I can make a living or not, I’m now committed to finishing the trilogy.
If you could have dinner with any writer, living or dead, who would it be and what would you talk about?
Mark Twain would be tempting. Think about what I could learn about history, and about how he thought? But, if I can only chose one writer it would have to be Douglas Adams. His humor and creativity is amazing! I, alone with many millions of others, quote his lines almost religiously. If I were having dinner with him, I’d love to discuss what other fanciful stories he’d be writing now, were he still alive. (Then I’d steal his ideas, of course. ;-) )
Author Bio
No matter what Bellchar the troll says, K. M. Doherty is the real author of the Thomas Holland series.
KM is a software engineer who has raced sailboats, skied, flew hang gliders, studied martial arts, rode motorcycles, been a professional musician, and acted in theater. He loves to write, hike, do Tai Chi, attend plays, and he watches way too many movies. KM is a professional public speaker giving presentations at schools, businesses and civic organizations across the country.
The author also donates books to children in need.
KM’s love of science and technology began in his childhood and continues to this day. He believes that for writing fantasy and magic anything goes, however, for science fiction, the physics must be correct or follow current scientific theories.
Finally, and most important, please remember K. M. Doherty is the true author. Don’t listen to Bellchar. As Avani, Goban, and Devraj say in this book: HE’S A TROLL!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmdoherty.author/
Twitter: @AuthorKMDoherty
www.ThomasHollandBooks.com
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1OIWFfO
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