Growing up in the small town of Timaru, New Zealand, Christopher Keene broke the family trend of becoming an accountant by becoming a writer instead. While studying for his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Canterbury, he took the school’s creative writing course in the hopes of someday seeing his own book on the shelf in his favorite bookstores. He is now the published author of the Dream State Saga, as well as his new epic fantasy books, A Cycle of Blades and War of Kings and Monsters. In his spare time, he writes a blog to share his love of the fantasy and science fiction genres in novels, films, comics, games, and anime.
At what age did you consider writing as a career goal instead of carrying on the family trend?
14, I think. At least that's when I realized I couldn't focus on things that weren't writing to do them with any real competency.
Does your family support your writing career?
Somewhat. They know it doesn't pay much and would love it if I could make more income.
Let's talk about War of Kings and Monsters. What was the inspiration for this world and its characters?
Mainly my partner, who loves monster battles with Pokemon and Zoids being her stable fandoms. I wanted to incorporate that into a fantasy setting.
Are you more of a planner or a panster?
Generally a panster, but for this book, I planned it from beginning to end.
What book have you read that you think is an underappreciated work?
Book of the Words trilogy by JV Jones
What was the hardest scene to write in War of Kings and Monsters?
I had to rewrite the entire flashback chapter, which was tricky.
What are you working on now?
Writing the last book in the trilogy of a board game novelization.
Of all your work, which is your favorite?
Most of my favorite work is unpublished, but of the published work, probably War of Kings and Monsters as it's a solid standalone.
Do you have any advice for other writers that you wish you had been told?
Get better at writing badly and your bad writing will eventually get better.
You can follow Christopher at these links:
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
BOOK LINKS:
https://www.amazon.com/War-Kings-Monsters-Christopher-Keene/dp/1950020029 https://www.amazon.com/Christopher-Keene/e/B06XF9DCKP/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1