Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hello my name is Peter Pappas and this is my first published work! When I’m not writing I love: yoga, working out, jogging, playing with my cat and dog, traveling, going to theme parks, hitting up the beach, and playing with legos!
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Wizard of Starz”?
A2. Organizing my ideas. Especially since TWOS is book 1 in what will be a series, I wanted to keep writing but knew that I had to stop somewhere and save content for book #2. When you have the whole story in your head, it can be hard to break it down into one book at a time! Another challenge I faced was editing, and having to re-read 357 pages, dozens of times. After a while, my eyes began to play tricks on me 🙂
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. First and foremost I am a huge Stephen King fan. I was definitely very inspired by both ‘The Shining’ and ‘Doctor Sleep’. Growing up, the first series that got me into reading was-Harry Potter and that will forever be in my heart and soul. Thank you J.K. Rowling!
Most recently I became a fan of Sarah J. Maas and ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ series. I really like the way she writes and her attention to detail was what I channeled when writing TWOS. I wanted to make the reader feel like they were in another world by stimulating their senses.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. I know this is cheesy but I absolutely love going to Universal Studios and spending time at ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’. I have a collection of Wands and enjoy casting spells in the park. The rides are incredible, too!
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Wizard of Starz’?
A5. I think it’s a story I’ve been writing my whole life. I’ve had so many journals and diaries and I’m constantly writing my inner feelings. I think I traveled to Starland In my dreams or maybe even a past life, too. Writing the book felt natural and real because , in a sense, it’s a piece of my personal journey.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Wizard of Starz’?
A6. About a year and 1/2 .
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. Readers can purchase TWOS off of my website http://www.peter-pappas.com. They can also find it directly on Amazon.comand direct-download on Kindle too.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Wizard of Starz’?
A8. I came up with several mock covers – almost a collage of what I wanted, based on what I felt were key elements in the story that I wanted to showcase. I went into the forest and took pictures of trees and myself standing in the forest pretending to be the main character. Then I took my ideas to the graphic designer at my publishing company (Native Publishing- ASP) and we worked together to make it happen. I love how the colors turned out and how spooky the cover is. Once you read the book you will understand everything about it too. I love when books have a cover that allows you to just glance at it and get a snapshot of the most exciting elements of the story!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I keep things fresh by using dialogue that will resonate with today’s generation. Using Words like: “Sus” and “Totes” and giving readers characters that they feel like they have met in real life, based on how people act and talk in today’s world.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. Don’t overthink it. Nothing will ever be “Perfect” or “Right” and to stay true to your idea and not stray. Don’t second guess yourself.
Book is available on Amazon
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