Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Magical Adventures of Brian Leonard is my first book. I am pretty jazzed about the success I have encountered in the world of self-publishing. I am a classroom teacher at an elementary school. Encouraging elementary school aged kids to write is tough. Some of them don’t love writing. I wanted to go through the same process that they go through. After writing a short story, I realized I had a lot more to say about the character Brian Leonard.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Magical Adventures of Brian Leonard is my first book. I am looking forward to writing more! Most likely I will self-publish again. It just makes sense for me. However, I am not opposed to traditional publishing. Brian Leonard was originally a short story about a guy who has a crush on the new girl in his class. They meet while on a field trip to The Santa Monica Pier.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, they aren’t unusual to me. I mean doesn’t everyone wear a rubber chicken on there head???
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always been influenced by television writing. This stems from working as a television executive. It is a real gift to tell a story in a specific amount of time. In a book authors drag on forever. However, television writers do not get this luxury. Much of the witt or sarcasm that I write comes from this part of my life. I have worked on a lot of hour-long shows that displayed this weekly. Two of my favorites were Buffy, The Vampire Slayer and Boston Legal. I also enjoyed watching The West Wing as a fan.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am writing short stories. This is my development phase. Once I have developed different areas I will go to draft on the one that speaks to my heart.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bargain Booksy was a good experience. Social media has also been a positive experience. I would like to start using places like Wattpad more. I have been reading fan fiction on that site.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be rude. We are a community. We need to support each other. I think that’s why I enjoy Wattpad so much as a reader. We get to engage with other writers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was at a writing conference for teachers in Long Beach. The conference had round table sessions where people could choose an area to study. An author named Antonio Sacre spoke about the gestures that characters make. I was really impressed with this writing strategy. It was his way of making writing authentic. My advice is to make your characters authentic.
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading Tex by SE Hinton. I have also been reading Ralph Fletcher books. These have really helped me with my writing instruction. Many of the mini-lessons I have used this year during writing workshop have come from his books.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am not sure which project I will finish first. You will be the first to know!!!!!!!
What is your favorite book of all time?
Catcher In The Rye made the most impact on me. I still have my original copy from when I was in middle school. Every middle school student should read it.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mr. M Amazon Profile
Mr. M’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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