Summer Bash - Day 4!

Welcome to day 4 of my summer bash and Happy Independence Day everyone. Today, my special guest is Kevin Hopson. So, fire up those burgers on the grill and help me welcome Kevin Hopson to the party.


1: When did you first begin writing?

I began writing regularly about 10 years ago.

2: Where do you get your inspiration for writing from?

I have always been interested in art. For example, I used to draw, paint, etc., when I was a kid. Even though I was talented and encouraged to pursue it, I never had the patience for it. The one thing I found I did have patience for, though, was writing. I guess putting words on paper is the most satisfying way of expressing myself.

3: Do you have any rituals that help you get in the mood to sit down and write?

I do not have any rituals per se, but I tend to feel most inspired to write in the morning when my mind is sharpest. Television, movies, books, magazines and even dreams are all things that get ideas floating around in my head. Once I gather my thoughts and find a purpose, I am ready to write.

4: Are you a plotter or a pantser when you write? Why does that work for you?

I am a little bit of both. In life, I am definitely a plotter. However, when it comes to writing, I am a plotter only to a certain extent. Otherwise, I find that my writing turns stagnant, or I become boxed in. My setting, plot, characters, etc., are planned out for the most part, but I like to have the freedom to roam in my visionary world. For example, I almost never have a planned ending from the start. I see where the story takes me, and then the ending will usually come naturally to me.

5: Who are some of your favorite authors to read when you are not writing?

I am a big fan of “hard science fiction” and “horror.” Guys like Michael Crichton and Stephen King are two of the best in these genres. However, my favorite author has to be Brian Keene. His writing style is so simple and real to me. As a result, he is one of the few authors I can read from start to finish without even blinking.

6: Are you currently reading anything right now?

I am currently reading “Darkness on the Edge of Town” by Brian Keene.

7: How do you deal with writer’s block?

I like to step back and take a break from writing. More specifically, I try to do something mindless – like cleaning the house, exercising, etc. – and new ideas will start to hit me as my brain wanders. It almost never fails.

8: What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?

There are several things. I like to play tennis, cook, read, watch movies, visit the local art museum and even take a nice, long walk with my dog.

9: If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

Alaska. Even though I have been there before, it was one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places I have ever been. Between the natural landscapes and wildlife, you can get lost in thought there.

10: What advice do you have for new authors?

This will sound clichéd, but stick with it no matter what happens. Even today’s best writers were rejected at some point, and some were rejected too many times to count. It happens to everybody. Use criticism to better hone your skills. Also, the more you write, the more comfortable you will become at it. I have certainly noticed a change in my writing over time. Not only has the quality of writing improved, but I can turn out work much quicker now, too.

11: Is there anything you’d like people to know about you?

I am just an average guy who likes the simple things in life. Writers do not have to be sophisticated people in order to be successful.

12: Tell us a bit about your book. What’s it about?

“World of Ash” is about two friends who have to journey through a volcanic ash cloud to reach their destination. However, the two of them find out that they have more to fear than just their surroundings. I have provided the cover below.

Thank you so much for being here Kevin. I hope you, and everyone else have a happy and safe 4th of July.