What are the projects you're currently working on?
I've just submitted a creator-owned comic book to a publisher, and I have high hopes. I don't want to give anything away at the moment, but it's an idea that's been brewing for a long time. I'm also writing a thriller for Thomas Dunne, the same house that published STAY. I'm also trying to build on the momentum of the INK MAGE books by writing another fantasy novel. As a kid, fantasy was my first genre as a reader, so I feel really at home.
Who and/or what is your greatest inspiration?
Oh ... I don't know. I really admire filmmakers who get me excited about storytelling. Is "admire" the same as "inspire"? I love western by John Ford and Anthony Man and Sergio Leone. Billy wilder is awesome. David Lean too. Tarantino and the Coen Brothers.
How has social media changed your industry?
It's nice to click the mouse and BANG thousands of people on Twitter or Facebook know about your new book at a single pop. Does it make a big difference? I really don't know. But you can go to a review or article and CLICK share it on Twitter or Google+ or wherever. You never know when something might go viral. But I'm no expert. Maybe it's all a waste of time. I do like connecting with sharp, amiable readers.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a writer?
Read, read, read, read, read. Soak it in. understand how your fave authors create character and plot and setting. Resist excuses to NOT write. "Too tired. Too busy." Naw, you have to make the time.
How does someone overcome writer's block?
I'm not sure I believe in writer's block. That makes it sound like some outside force is controlling your brain. Have I had a bad writing day (or week) where it just wasn't coming? Sure. But was I blocked? I feel like maybe I was tired or burned out or distracted by some life event. But not blocked.
What do you think the landscape of creator owned content will look
like in ten years?
Not a clue. I don't even know what I'm having for dinner later. No crystal ball here. I hope it will still be going strong.
What's the greatest thing about Disney?
The totally immersed vibe. I mean, at some point (if you go regularly) you've been on all the rides and seen all the shows. So what keeps me going back? Really, the feeling that I'm stepping into some other reality. I can shut off the "real word" for a while and just be somewhere else. Drinking beer at Epcot is also fun.
Is there anything you'd like to add?
Hmmmm. Maybe just this because I like book trailers:
