Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hello! My name is Charlie and I’m from Rhode Island. I’ve always been an art minded person. I create art in various mediums, dabble in music and recently began taking writing very seriously. Aside from the creative, I’m a gamer, amateur astronomer, cannabis cultivator, music lover and nature admirer.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Key and the Scythe”?
A2. “The Key and the Scythe” started with a fantasy and a few drawings. I didn’t consider making it a novel for a long time. When I started writing, I realized I needed to construct the story from a couple of faces and not much more. Giving them purpose, personalities and building their respective worlds were the toughest challenges.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. Stephen King is one of my favorite authors with “Carrie” being my favorite of his. “Scary Stories to Read in the Dark” series by Alvin Schwartz. The poetry of Edgar Allen Poe. “Lord of the Rings” series by J.R.R Tolkien.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. My favorite spot to visit is New Hampshire. I go up that way on vacation sometimes and the view of the night sky without light pollution is breathtaking.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Key and the Scythe’?
A5. The idea of a “second chance” is what inspired me to write. A lot of us have regrets or things in our past we would do differently now. I took that idea to the extreme and asked the question “what would I do for a second chance?”
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Key and the Scythe’?
A6. It took about a year and a half to write ‘The Key and the Scythe’.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. It’ll be on Apple books, Google Play, Kindle, Kobo and Nook.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Key and the Scythe’?
A8. The book cover took inspiration from the artist Romare Bearden, who used simple geometric shapes to construct portraits of city life. The title comes from the key Estelle seeks in the first book and the scythe is the magic weapon her Guardian wields.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I love to watch new movies or shows or play different video games. I love horror and action or anything with deep mythology.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. “It’s not about what happens. It’s about why it matters.” -Abbie Emmons
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