Getting Grimdark with Mike Cahoon

1)     What is your Author name; use your Pen name if you have one.

Mike Cahoon

2)     What is your genre and what drew you to it?

Currently, I am writing a dark, epic fantasy. I grew up reading epic fantasy like the works of Tolkien, Brooks and Le Guinn and have always loved the genre. But as an adult, I found myself a little worn out on it and looking for something new. Modern Grimdark really scratched that itch for me and pulled me back into reading fantasy after a bit of an extended break. So when it came time to write my own work, I knew that was the subgenre I wanted to explore.

3)     Which character of yours is your favorite and why?

This is a very difficult question, but if I had to pick just one, I would probably say Holton Hart, the Red Wolf. He is a master thief with a small but loyal crew of criminal companions who is looped into the main story of my current series. He is a lot of fun to write and makes interesting decisions, which helps drive the narrative along.

4)     How far along are you on your current work-in-progress?

Currently I am working on the sequel to my first book, The Scion Conspiracy. I was almost done with at one point but I realized one of the POV characters wasn’t working and so I had to go back, rip all his chapters out, and start over. I am now about 3/4’s done and hopefully will be finishing it sometime this fall. My goal is to release it by the end of the year.

5)     Do you challenge yourself to writing sprints? If so, how long are they?

As a dad with two toddlers, I would say that most of my writing sessions are sprints. But no, the real answer is I’ve never officially participated in the writing sprint sessions. Although it sounds fun and like a good way to challenge yourself.

6)     What is the most important bit of information you would want to tell a person interested in publishing a book?

Don’t rush. Finishing a manuscript is a huge accomplishment and there is a very real temptation to publish your work as soon as you finish it. But this is a complex and competitive industry and it is important really take your time to ensure you have developed the best possible version of your book before you put it in front of readers, as well as having a plan for your author career ready to go. There are so many aspects to publishing a book; editing, cover design and formatting, marketing, advertising, distribution, etc. and there are a lot of questions you need to try and answer. Where are you going to sell your book? How will you get eyes on it? How will you get your name out there in the community? Who are your contemporaries and comp titles? What readers are you targeting? It takes A LOT of time and effort to learn all these things and once your book hits the market, it’s go time. The more prepared you are in advance of your launch, the better.

7)     What is your favorite way to connect with readers? (Social media, newsletters or something else)

I wrote a monthly newsletter and tend to put a lot of effort into that, so I would say that’s probably my number one method for connecting with readers. But I also like social media for the community aspect. The online book space is very welcoming and helpful, and it’s been a pleasure to get to become a part of it since I launched my first book.

8)     Do you attend writing conferences? If so, which ones?

Not yet, but I plan to! As I mentioned before, I have two small children so right now anything that takes me out of the house is a big commitment. But one of my author goals is to start doing more author events in person in the near future.

9)     What is you preferred method of reading a book? (Audio, paperback, hardcover, or eBook)

I prefer trade paperbacks, the combination of portability, affordability and their tactile nature speaks to me. I strongly believe books are meant to be well used and love one with good character; broken spines, dog-eared pages, notes scribbled in the margins. But I read for more audiobooks and ebooks due to their raw convenience right now.

10)  What is your favorite quote and why?

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena - Theodore Roosevelt. I have always loved this quote because it is speaks to a fundamental truth; that effort is and of itself commendable. That we should celebrate people who pour their heart and soul into things, whatever the outcome, and strive not to be judgmental or cynical. I think we should all

11)  What is your favorite book turned T.V. show/movie and why?

The most honest answer to this question has to be the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Peter Jackson and the whole crew did an incredible job of creating a truly amazing series of movies while still retaining the spirit of the Tolkiens original works. If I had to name a second one or one which I think is underrated though, I would say Treasure Planet. It captures so much of the wonder and sense of adventure of the original book and translates it perfectly into this new medium and setting. It’s the most underrated Disney movie in my personal opinion!

12)  What is the name of your book/series? Tell me a little bit about them.

My current series is called the Crucible of Legacy. It’s got a Grimdark tone with an epic scale and a character driven narrative set during a burgeoning Age of Exploration. There’s an intricate web of web political intrigue, violence and dark magic and a narrative heavy with themes of sacrifice, loyalty and legacy. Think Game of Thrones set during the times of Columbus and Magellan and you’ll get the idea. Currently, there are two books out, book one, The Scion Conspiracy, and a prequel novella, The Coldwater Job. Either of these can be ready first, depending on the readers preference. If you want to jump straight into the main conflict at the heart of the series, pick up book one, or if you’d rather start with a smaller, more streamlined story, start with the prequel.

13) Do you have a website? If so, what is it?

Yes, my website is MikeCahoon.com

14) Where can we find and follow you? (Name your social media platforms.)

I am on all major platforms! My handle is MikeCahoon_author everywhere!

15) If there anything important that you would want my readers to know about you?

Although my current series is Grimdark, Epic fantasy, I read and write in a variety of genres. I plan to write more in the world of Crucible of Legacy once I finish this main series, including some planned standalone novels and even a series of sword and sorcery style stories. But one of my goals is write a book or series in each of my three favorites; fantasy, sci-fi and horror. Part of why I enjoy being an indie author is full creative control and I’d really love to take full advantage of that!