Author Interview: Brian McCoppin
Brian was kind enough to answer a few questions from yours truly.
Brian McCoppin an author of some note in the indie publishing scene on Twitter. He’s also an accomplished martial artist and Floridian.
He and I have been following each other there for a year, give or take, and we recently collaborate on a graphic novelization of his book Record of the Paladins. I’ve really enjoyed working with him, and it’s exactly the sort of story I like - good guys and bad guys, monster, monsters, sermons: the whole shooting match.
To celebrate the release of this graphic novel, Brian has taken the time to answer a few questions about his life and work.
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? Where do you live now? What did you want to be when you grew up?
I live on the Gulf Coast in Florida. I have lived in Florida since I was ten and consider it my home. When I was a child I had aspirations of being a pilot. Now I work in IT, write books, and drive my boat around.
What made you want to start writing? What motivates you to keep writing?
I have always loved telling stories. My family and friends pushed me to put what I had onto paper and now I have two series I work on that have sold in five different countries. I enjoy creating the stories. To me I can visualize the characters, they feel real to me. I know that if I do not finish their tales they will be left in a limbo of non-resolution.
What is your latest book about?
Record of The Paladins: The Book of Oliver is about a young man discovering his fate. He learns he has inherited a great ability that only a select few of every generation can access. These select few are called Paladins and they wage a war against demons. The book follows two stories. One story is him as an adult being recruit by the Paladins, the other is his youth and life.
When did you start writing (originally, not this specific book)?
Fifteen years ago I started to get serious about pen to paper. I have written a number of short stories and draft ideas that never resulted in much. I keep these tales and may perhaps expand them into full epics someday.
How did you come up with the idea for this book specifically?
The first chapter was a short story I wrote shortly before my first daughter was born. From there my faith in Jesus grew and I changed the story to be a tale of Christians who fight literal demons. The tale is based on the original twelve Paladins of French lore. I won’t spoil the story but the connections are made.
What was it like writing your first book?
My first published book: Hell Desk to Help Desk: Salvation for your IT Support is a non-fiction book told with a collection of fictional stories that are based on true events. The Record of The Paladins is my first public foray into pure fiction.
How did you go about publishing your book? Would you do it that way again? Why or why not?
I like the Amazon KDP system. They want you to sell lots of copies of your books as it also benefits them. It gives us independents a chance to publish books and to have them in book stories with the expanded distribution. I believe I will do all my books this way.
Are you planning on writing more? If so what are you working on now? When is your next book going to be coming out?
Currently I have a total of 13 books planned. It was 12 but a side character from the first book has become so popular he will be getting a treatment. Book 2 is about 20% written and I hope to release in 6 month.
Can you tell us about your other books?
Hell Desk to Help Desk: Salvation for your IT support is a fun read if you enjoy IT based perspective and humor. It is also a great guide for any Help Desk to make getting your computer fixed a pleasant experience.
What helps you to write? Music, pets, reading, specific pen, etc.?
If I am stuck I will drink whiskey and smoke cigars. This gets my juices flowing. It is hell on my editor but the imagery is impressive.
What has writing taught you?
Writing has a power to it. It can move emotions and create ideas. It is a dying medium in many ways. Most people prefer passive entertainment (i.e. Movies, TV, Audio books) so as a writer I need to have many mediums for my story. Fortunately I have a comic and audio book for Record of The Paladins.
What authors inspire you?
My favorites are Frank Herbert, Peter Benchley, and Michael Crichton. I also enjoyed the JK Rowling Books, the JRR Tolkien Books and Stephen King’s non horror works.
Do you go back and reread your writing after it’s been completed?
Oh man, so many times!
What is your advice for writers?
Just finish your book and hire an editor. Let the world fall in love with your story.
Is there anything else you want to add?
A good author needs a complete life. Find hobbies that inspire you. Get out and be with people.
You can purchase Record of the Paladins: Book of Oliver tie-in comic which I have lovingly illustrated on Amazon by clicking the image below:
You can also purchase it in it’s complete form on Kindle by clicking the button
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