In conversation with Weston Kincade

Weston Kincade is the author of the series A Life of Death. He has taken some time out to chat with us so lets see what he has to say:

What/who inspired you to start writing?

I’d have to give credit for that to a variety of English teachers who had us write poetry and short stories. I think my first short story was called “Leonardo’s Great Balloon Ride,” which was really a fan-fiction piece about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. As a first-grader, I didn’t really think about the feasibility of waving swords around in a hot-air balloon. However, I also wrote poetry. Some of my more recent pieces are even available on my author site. But the inspiration for writing novels came from reading Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series and some of Stephen King’s books. I thought to myself, You know… if they can do it, so can I.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I’m an educator, editor, writer, gamer, husband, and avid outdoorsman. The wife and I normally go camping at least a couple times a year and fishing whenever I can fit it in. I also enjoy movies, quirky phrases, and can be a bit of a smart ass at times. When you’re a friend of mine, I guess it’s something you have to get used to. I might be an acquired taste, but you’d have to ask my friends about that.

What is your favourite genre?

Genres… what are those? Just kidding. Really, I write the stories that start kicking around in my head and won’t stop shouting to be written down. Most of what I write is dark and supernatural, but every story fluctuates between horror and fantasy. So far as reading goes, I’m generally a fan of paranormal and straight fantasy.

Which is your favourite book?

It’s hard to beat Tolkien, but Jordan came close with his Wheel of Time series. However, another favorite of mine is a classic that has nothing to do with fantasy… Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. Come to think of it, I really enjoyed the Harry Potter series too… So, can I have 4 favorites?

Who is your favourite author?

I have to pick just one? Man… probably Jordan since his books were a huge part of my youth, but again, I’m tempted to pick those 4 I mentioned.

What are your hobbies?

Well in addition to writing, I keep pretty darn busy. In no particular order, I’m a husband, a gamer (D&D and various computer games), a fisherman, a high school English teacher, and an editor (http://www.wakeediting.com).

Perfect holiday destination?

Hmmm… I’d have to say Scotland and England. I’ve always been a fan of Shakespeare and exploring my Scottish heritage. I went once in college and loved it. I can’t wait to go back.

Describe a perfect writing day.

One where I can find a large bit of time to write and not worry about the other deadlines I place on myself. Normally that’s a weekend. I’ll just put on a little soft rock or classics on Pandora, everything from Otis Redding to Jack Johnson and the Beatles. This is the station I created. Then I pull up my outline on my dual-monitor setup and the document of the book I’m writing on the other screen. From there, I just get sucked into the story and write, losing track of time, hunger, or anything aside from what’s in front of me.

Which is the best part of writing a story?

Writing the climax. The story is unfolding in your mind, and those exciting parts go much faster. Sometimes it’s hard for my fingers to keep up. It’s like watching the final gun battle in the Matrix and trying to type and describe it at the same time. Imagine having to rewind the scene over and over to try and get it all fleshed out properly. That’s what it’s like.

How much inspiration do you draw on from real life experiences, with respect to plot, characters etc?

A lot of times I draw on past experiences and parts of different people I’ve known for character motivations and characteristics. That makes the characters more realistic and more easily allows the plot to play out. They are people, and certain decisions are within their characters. Sometimes I’ll also find a place or setting I really like and use it as a basis for something within the story. For instance Tranquil Heights, the town Alex Drummond lives and grew up in, I based mostly on Abingdon, Virginia. I lived in the area for four years, and it was both eclectic and beautiful simultaneously.

Who among the characters you created do you like the most and why?

That’s a difficult question. I really connect with Alex a lot, but the more his son Jamie becomes involved, the harder it is to choose between the two. I’m writing book 3 in the A Life of Death series right now, and Jamie really has a leading role, so it’s hard to decide. Jamie’s got a bit of Alex in him as his son, but is more witty and exuberant with even more potent powers.

How much do you relate to the characters or incidents in your story?

If I’ve done them right, parts of the story can be very touching. I relate to the characters as though they were my friends, or enemies. They are real people in my mind.

What kind of impact do your stories have on you?

I know toward the end of writing book 1, I broke down crying after finishing a particular scene. It was difficult. If you’ve read the book, you probably know which scene.

Author Links:

Author Page – http://kincadefiction.blogspot.com/

Twitter – @WestonKincade

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WAKincade

Website: http://www.wakeediting.com

Book Links:

A Life of Death: Book 1